EVERYDAY SCIENCE

Detailed explanation-1: -Hagfish, of the class Myxini /mɪkˈsaɪnaɪ/ (also known as Hyperotreti) and order Myxiniformes /mɪkˈsɪnɪfɔːrmiːz/, are eel-shaped, slime-producing marine fish (occasionally called slime eels). They are the only known living animals that have a skull but no vertebral column, although hagfish do have rudimentary vertebrae.

Detailed explanation-2: -The clade Myxini includes at least 20 species of hagfishes. Hagfishes are eel-like scavengers that live on the ocean floor and feed on dead invertebrates, other fishes, and marine mammals. Hagfishes are entirely marine and are found in oceans around the world, except for the polar regions.

Detailed explanation-3: -9. To ward off predators and other fish trying to steal their meals, hagfish produce slime. When harassed, glands lining their bodies secrete stringy proteins that, upon contact with seawater, expand into the transparent, sticky substance.

Detailed explanation-4: -Jawless fish: Lack jaws. Feed by suction with the help of a round muscular mouth and rows of teeth. Have cylindrical and long bodies.

Detailed explanation-5: -Hagfishes have about 100 slime glands that funnel their slime precursor through the 90-200 pores that run along the animals’ sides. Hagfishes will jet their slime from the part of their body that is under attack.