This species is very easy to identify! Pale yellowish-orange to reddish-brown in colour, with bands of darker brown and distinctive white-ringed black spots along the back.

Behaviour

The butterfish is a small eel-like fish found in rockpools and shallow seas all around the UK. They are pretty shy and are normally hidden in crevices or under rocks and seaweed. You might also hear of butterfish being called Gunnels or Rock Gunnels. They feed on anything they can find, including small crustaceans, molluscs and fish eggs. Butterfish lay their eggs on rocky shores, hiding them away from predators in crevices. Unlike in most fish species, both the Mum and the Dad take it in turn to guard their unhatched eggs from hungry predators.

Size

Length: up to 25cm

Status

Common.

Distribution

Found on rocky shores all around the UK.

When to see

January to December.

Facts

Butterfish get their name from their slimy, buttery skin.