Atlantic Hagfish (Myxine glutinosa), Preserved in Formalin from Gulf of Maine

Preserved Atlantic Hagfish (Myxine glutinosa) — Primitive Vertebrate Study Specimen

Item Includes: 1 vacuum-sealed Atlantic Hagfish (Myxine glutinosa)
Shipping: Free shipping included

The Atlantic Hagfish (Myxine glutinosa) is one of the most primitive vertebrates on Earth — a living window into early chordate evolution. This high-quality, formalin-preserved jawless fish specimen is ideal for studying vertebrate anatomy, physiology, and evolutionary biology, making it a valuable resource for classrooms, laboratories, and museum collections.

Hagfish are extraordinary creatures: they lack jaws and true spinal columns but possess a cranium, heart, and rudimentary notochord — bridging the gap between invertebrates and vertebrates. When threatened, they release copious amounts of slime as a defense mechanism and can tie themselves into knots to remove mucus or gain leverage when feeding. Their ability to survive long periods without oxygen and feed on decaying fish inside carcasses makes them one of the ocean’s most remarkable scavengers.

Each specimen is collected sustainably from deep waters of the Gulf of Maine, then preserved in formalin to ensure anatomical integrity and long-term study value.

This preserved hagfish is perfect for:

• Evolutionary biology & chordate anatomy courses

• Marine biology labs & dissection lessons

• Museum displays & homeschool science kits

Common name: Atlantic hagfish
Scientific name: Myxine glutinosa
Locations: Deep water on the ocean floor
Seasonality: Available year-round
Colors: Tan, pink, gray
Size: 18”+
Collected: Deep-water trapping
Quantity: Sold by the each

Note: Each specimen is unique. Natural variations in size, color, and appearance should be expected.