Hagfish Day

Hagfish Day is on the third Wednesday of October. This day is dedicated to the appreciation and recognition of hagfish – a slimy, wavy fish often referred to as the ugliest fish in the world. Despite its appearance, hagfish play an incredibly important role in the balance of marine life, as they feed on dead or dying animals and help to keep the oceans and seas clean.

History

Hagfish Day was established in 2009 by WhaleTimes and has been annually since then.

Interesting Facts

• Hagfish are over 300 million years old.
• 100 million years ago, they were categorized as vertebrates.
• They are guided by smell and touch.
• In case of danger, hagfish secrete mucus to scare away predators.
• There is a theory that they have four hearts.
• In 2011, 20% of hagfish species were at risk of extinction.

How to Take Part

On Hagfish Day, it’s important to recognize the importance of hagfish in marine life. To do this, you can visit a local aquarium to learn more about marine life, or make a donation to organizations working to protect marine animals. If you want to do more, you can also become a volunteer!

When is Hagfish Day in 2024?

Hagfish Day is observed on the third Wednesday of October each year.

Observations