Zoarces viviparus is common along the European coast from the La Manche Strait all the way to northern Norway. It can also be found in the White Sea and the Barents Sea. This coastal saltwater fish is most commonly found in water depths of up to 40 meters. The body of the eelpout is muscular, with dense skin and fine rounded or oval scales. The body is yellowish- or greenish-brown. The abdomen is yellowish-gray. Adults usually reach 30 cm in length, but some specimens can grow to 50 – 60 cm and weigh about 1.5 kg.