Hoopfish (Subnautica)

Overview

The Hoopfish is a common, passive fauna species that can be found in many biomes. The Hoopfish is fairly easy to catch, as it doesn't retreat upon being approached by the player and is easily recognized due to its bright bioluminescent glows. Cooked Hoopfish have moderate Food properties.

Appearance

The Hoopfish has a slim build, featuring a dark violet-colored body that gradually transitions into blue towards the head, which has a bright neon green color. It has two green eyes, a small dorsal fin, and a purple caudal fin that wraps around its end.

The Hoopfish's most distinct feature is the bright green bioluminescent antennae extending from the top and bottom of its head and bends around its tail forming a hoop.

Side profile

Front view

Dorsal view

Bioluminescence

Behavior

Hoopfish aimlessly swim around and will flee if approached by the player or a shark classified fauna. Hoopfish are curious and will swim towards dead fauna and trap classified fauna. Hoopfish become last active at night, making them easier to catch.

Data Bank Entry

Small, school-mentality prey fish with a unique method of propulsion, and a distant relative of the bladderfish.

1. Antennae: Rather than swimming, this lifeform uses the fine green antennae which encircle its body to alter the composition of the water in front of it, allowing it to 'sail' into the low density space created.
2. Purple/Green Coloration: May be a camouflage adaptation for mid-range light wavelengths, possibly indicating the hoopfish is more active at dawn and dusk.
3. Behavior: While schools of hoopfish will form periodically and evade predators en masse, this behavior is more social than it is defensive, and lone hoopfish are often found hunting for food and displaying generally curious behavior.

Assessment: Edible

Uses in Crafting

Raw Hoopfish

Description: Small, edible prey fish.

Nutritional Value:

• Food: +4 H
• Water: -1 H

Cooked Hoopfish

Crafting Recipe: 1x Hoopfish + 1x Salt Deposit (Fabricator)

Description: Never eat the antennae.

Nutritional Value:

• Food: +23 H
• Water: +3 H

Cured Hoopfish

Crafting Recipe: 1x Hoopfish (Bioreactor)

Description: This fish actually tastes like fish. Dehydrating, but keeps well.

Energy Value: +210 Energy (Bioreactor)

Nutritional Value:

• Food: +23 H
• Water: -2 H

Gallery

A Hoopfish held in the player's hand

Size comparison with the player

A Hoopfish in the Bulb Zone

A Hoopfish in the Dunes

A Hoopfish in the Kelp Forest

Spinefish Concept art featuring a Hoopfish

Trivia

• There is a close relative of the Hoopfish called the Spinefish that dwells only in the Blood Kelp Zone and Lost River.
• The Data Bank Entry for the Hoopfish states that it changes the composition of the water in front of it to propel itself through the water. In spite of this, the Hoopfish ingame still pumps its tail like a normal fish when it moves.
• Judging by the tooltip for Cooked Hoopfish, their antennae are likely poisonous (or at least not very tasty).