Hagfish are unique, jawless marine animals belonging to the class Myxini. They are known for their slimy bodies and eel-like appearance, typically measuring around 30 to 100 centimeters in length. Hagfish have a cartilaginous skeleton and are often found in deep-sea environments, where they feed on dead or dying fish and other organic matter. These creatures possess a remarkable defense mechanism: when threatened, they can produce large amounts of mucus, which can clog the gills of predators. Hagfish play an important role in the ocean ecosystem by helping to recycle nutrients and clean up the seafloor.