Starfrækslu

Starfrækslu, also known as the Icelandic longspine sea scorpion (*Taenianotus triacanthus*), is a deep-sea fish species native to the North Atlantic Ocean, particularly around Iceland, the Faroe Islands, and parts of Norway. This species belongs to the family Notacanthidae, commonly referred to as the cusk-eels or spiny eels. Starfrækslu is notable for its elongated, eel-like body, which can reach lengths of up to 1.5 meters, though most specimens are smaller.

The fish is characterized by its three prominent dorsal spines, which are used for defense against predators. Its body is covered in small, rough scales, and it possesses a distinctive, slightly flattened head with large eyes. Starfrækslu inhabits deep waters, typically between 200 and 1,000 meters in depth, where it feeds primarily on smaller fish, crustaceans, and occasionally squid. Its diet and deep-water habitat make it an important part of the benthic food web in its range.

Due to its deep-sea lifestyle, starfrækslu is rarely encountered by humans. However, it has been caught incidentally in deep-sea trawl fisheries, particularly in Icelandic waters. The species is not commercially exploited but is sometimes considered a bycatch in fisheries targeting other deep-water species. Its ecological role remains relatively understudied, though it is believed to play a role in maintaining balance within its deep-sea ecosystem.

Starfrækslu is not widely documented in popular culture or folklore, but its unique appearance and deep-sea habitat make it an intriguing subject for marine biologists and deep-sea enthusiasts. Conservation efforts for this species are not currently a priority, as it is not currently threatened by overfishing or habitat destruction. However, increased deep-sea trawling could pose potential risks to its population in the future.