Hooknose
Agonus cataphractus
Identification
The hooknose is a small bottom-dwelling fish (10-15 cm) with a striking armored body: rows of bony plates cover the entire trunk instead of scales. The snout is elongated into an upward-curving hook. Color is brownish-grey with dark crossbands. Short barbels sit under the head. The overall appearance resembles a miniature prehistoric fish.
Ecology
The hooknose lives on sandy and muddy bottoms of the North Sea, preferably at 10-50 meters depth. It moves slowly across the seabed, feeding on small crustaceans, worms, and mollusks.
In the Netherlands
A common species in the North Sea and Wadden Sea, but rarely seen due to its bottom-dwelling lifestyle. Regularly appears as bycatch in shrimp nets. Not targeted by anglers. Occasionally washes up on beaches after storms.
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Seasonal patterns
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Key predictors
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