Also called ‘shanny’, the common blenny is often found in rockpools around Scotland. It has a smooth, elongated body with a large head and big eyes. The skin is slimy and without scales. Its colouration varies with surrounding habitat from dark brown or blotched to blackish, with a dark spot behind the first dorsal fin. Usually, blennies have small tentacles on their head, but this species doesn’t.

Behaviour

This fish camouflages itself amongst its surroundings, and will eat whatever it finds!

Size

Up to 17 cm length.

Status

Common.

Distribution

Rockpools around Scotland.

When to see

All year around.

Facts

The shanny is sometimes known as the Sea Frog! They are able to survive out of water at low tide and, if disturbed, will leap back into the water – much like a frog does.