This fish has a small head with a blunt snout and frog-like mouth. A large fringed tentacle is present above each eye and other smaller ones are present on top of the head. It is bright red to brown in colour, with numerous dark patches and bars along its body. A dark ring is present around the eye continued as a stripe down the cheek.

 

 

Behaviour

This fish feeds on small molluscs, worms and sponges. This blenny is found below the low shore, where it lives in rocky crevices. Blennies swim by wriggling their long bodies. They tend to return to the same shelter after foraging for bottom dwelling, slow moving invertebrates.

Size

Up to 25 cm total length.

Status

Common.

Distribution

Around Scotland’s coast.

When to see

All year around.

Facts

This fish was named after the English naturalist, William Yarrell.