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  • Fifteen-spined Stickleback Spinachia spinachia Length to 15cm<br />
Truly marine stickleback, found in sheltered seas among seaweeds and eelgrass. Adult has a slender body, elongate tail stock and 14-16 dorsal spines. Greenish above, silvery below. Widespread and locally common except in SE.
    141875.jpg
  • Fifteen-spined Stickleback Spinachia spinachia Length to 15cm<br />
Truly marine stickleback, found in sheltered seas among seaweeds and eelgrass. Adult has a slender body, elongate tail stock and 14-16 dorsal spines. Greenish above, silvery below. Widespread and locally common except in SE.
    141667.jpg
  • Lesser Spotted Catshark - Scyliorhinus canicula (top fish)<br />
Starry Smooth Hound - Mustelus asterias (middle fish)<br />
Smooth Hound - Mustelus mustelus (bottom fish)
    145324.jpg
  • Boar Fish Capros aper Length to 25cm<br />
Bizarre and unmistakable fish. Typically lives near seabed in deep water. But occasionally occurs inshore (or beached, dead) especially in winter, possibly after surviving trawling bycatch. Adult is laterally flattend, rhomboid in side-on profile with a tall, spiny 1st dorsal fin and very large eyes. Scarce in inshore waters, SW only.
    142056.jpg
  • Nine-spined Stickleback Pungitius pungitius Length to 10cm <br />
Small, body-looking fish with 9-10 dorsal spines. Adult is yellowish-green above, silvery below. Found in sheltered bays and estuaries. Locally common, except in SW.
    157593.jpg
  • Turbot - Psetta maxima. Juvenile fish undergoing torsion and still swimming and orientated  in a conventional fish manner. Top image = left side, bottom image = right side
    153704.jpg
  • Ray’s Bream Brama brama Length to 70cm<br />
An unmistakable laterally-compressed, deep-bodied fish. The head and eyes are proportionately very large. Overall, the fish is silvery-metallic in appearance, with a maroon/bronze sheen to the dorsal surface. This warm water species follows the Gulf Stream north in summer, retreating south in autumn; those that head south into the North Sea invariably end up dying and can be found on the north Norfolk coast in early winter.
    142973.jpg
  • Butterfish Pholis gunnellus Length to 25cm<br />
Distinctive and unmistakable fish. Found under rocks and seaweed on lower shore. Adult is superficially eel-like but laterally compressed, yellow body with 15 pale-margined dark spots down dorsal surface. Scales are tiny and embedded in skin; fish is very slippery. Widespread and locally common; least so in E England.
    142762.jpg
  • Nine-spined Stickleback Pungitius pungitius Length to 10cm <br />
Small, body-looking fish with 9-10 dorsal spines. Adult is yellowish-green above, silvery below. Found in sheltered bays and estuaries. Locally common, except in SW.
    142717.jpg
  • Horse Mackerel Trachurus trachurus Length to 70cm<br />
Pelagic, open water fish, also known as Scad. Ventures into inshore waters in summer; young fish associate with floating seaweed rafts. Adult often looks pale and silvery overall. Close view reveals green tinge to upperparts. Note also the striking curve in the lateral line. Eyes are proportionately large. Fairly common in S and SW only.
    142679.jpg
  • Horse Mackerel Trachurus trachurus Length to 70cm<br />
Pelagic, open water fish, also known as Scad. Ventures into inshore waters in summer; young fish associate with floating seaweed rafts. Adult often looks pale and silvery overall. Close view reveals green tinge to upperparts. Note also the striking curve in the lateral line. Eyes are proportionately large. Fairly common in S and SW only.
    142110.jpg
  • Grey Trigger-fish Ballistes capriscus Lenght to 60cm<br />
Bizarre fish with the look of a tropical species about it. Found on rocky coasts, sometimes around harbour walls. ADULT is oval in outline with relatively small eyes and mouth set far apart. Overall colour buffish brown; dorsal, anal and tail fins are marbled with blue. STATUS Locally common in S and SW; occasional elsewhere.
    142060.jpg
  • Grey Trigger-fish Ballistes capriscus Lenght to 60cm<br />
Bizarre fish with the look of a tropical species about it. Found on rocky coasts, sometimes around harbour walls. ADULT is oval in outline with relatively small eyes and mouth set far apart. Overall colour buffish brown; dorsal, anal and tail fins are marbled with blue. STATUS Locally common in S and SW; occasional elsewhere.
    141552.jpg
  • Wolf Fish Anarhichas lupus Length to 90cm<br />
Unmistakable, superficially eel-like fish. It is usually an offshore species but sometimes it is found in deep pools on lower shore. Adult is elongate with a large, bulbous head and stumpy, peg-like projecting teeth. Locally common in E and NE Scotland.
    142965.jpg
  • Angler Lophius piscatorius Length to 200cm<br />
Large, flattened and unmistakable fish. Favours sandy substrates; sometimes seen in shallows, but also in deeper water. Adult has a proportionately large head and tapering tail end. Lies in wait for prey, attracted by slender fishing ‘lure’; these are engulfed by huge mouth, armed with sharp teeth. Marbled brown and buff colours provide good camouflage on seabed. Widespread and fairly common only in W and SW.
    141565.jpg
  • Angler Lophius piscatorius Length to 200cm<br />
Large, flattened and unmistakable fish. Favours sandy substrates; sometimes seen in shallows, but also in deeper water. Adult has a proportionately large head and tapering tail end. Lies in wait for prey, attracted by slender fishing ‘lure’; these are engulfed by huge mouth, armed with sharp teeth. Marbled brown and buff colours provide good camouflage on seabed. Widespread and fairly common only in W and SW.
    141500.jpg
  • Salmon - Salmo salar Length to 150cm. Large and distinctive fish. Found in open seas for much of life, but migrates into freshwater to spawn. Adult has streamlined, powerfully muscular body. At sea, silver-grey above, silvery-white below, with dark spots on back and flanks; spawning individuals become duller and more yellow. Widespread and locally, and seasonally, fairly common, least so in E and SE.
    156408.jpg
  • Pogge Agonus cataphractus Length to 15cm<br />
Distinctive, elongated fish with an ‘armoured’ look about it. The broad, flattened head is armed with spines and barbels. It occurs in inshore waters, and is commonest in the W.
    145478.jpg
  • Dragonet Callionymus lyra Length to 20cm<br />
Distinctive fish. Broad and flattened at head end, slender and tapering behind. Favours shallow inshore seas, sometimes found in pools on lower shore. Adult has rather long, tapering snout. Breeding male is distinctive: marbled reddish-brown with blue spots; 1st dorsal fin is very tall, 2nd marked with blue and yellow. Immatures and females are marbled yellow-brown; 1st dorsal fin is much shorter. Widespread but commonest on S and W coasts only.
    142971.jpg
  • Common Goby Pomatoschistus microps Length to 70mm<br />
A small fish whose colours and markings are variable and will change according to background. It favours estuaries and brackish water. Adult male has a dark spot at base of 1st dorsal, and pectoral fins; there 40-50 scales along the side; scales are absent on top of head. It is patchily distributed and absent from much of NE.
    142972.jpg
  • Pogge Agonus cataphractus Length to 15cm<br />
Distinctive, elongated fish with an ‘armoured’ look about it. The broad, flattened head is armed with spines and barbels. It occurs in inshore waters, and is commonest in the W.
    142964.jpg
  • Two-spotted Goby Gobiusculus flavescens L to 6cm<br />
Well-marked fish that spends more time swimming in water column than most other gobies. Found among seaweeds and eelgrass beds in shallow water. Aduklt has rather streamlined body, marbled brown and buff with blue spots and pale dorsal patches. Typically there is a dark spot at base of tail; male has 2nd dark spot behind pectoral fin. Locally common except along E coast.
    142956.jpg
  • Ray’s Bream Brama brama Length to 70cm<br />
An unmistakable laterally-compressed, deep-bodied fish. The head and eyes are proportionately very large. Overall, the fish is silvery-metallic in appearance, with a maroon/bronze sheen to the dorsal surface. This warm water species follows the Gulf Stream north in summer, retreating south in autumn; those that head south into the North Sea invariably end up dying and can be found on the north Norfolk coast in early winter.
    142742.jpg
  • Tub Gurnard - Trigla lucerna (formerly Chelidonichthys lucerna) Length to 55cm<br />
Attractive fish. Favours sandy and mixed substrates; found in inshore waters in summer. Adult has large head and eyes; forehead slopes abruptly. Pectoral fins extend beyond vent; lowest 3 rays lack webbing and are tactile. Lateral line is not spiny. Overall orange-brown; pectoral fins are often yellow with a blue margin. Locally common in S and W; scarce or absent from E coasts.
    142680.jpg
  • Grey Gurnard Eutrigla gurnardus Length to 45cm<br />
Distinctive fish. Favours sandy and mixed substrates; found in inshore waters in summer. Adult has large head and eyes, and sloping forehead. Pectoral fin does not reach vent; lowest 3 rays lack webbing and are tactile. 1st dorsal fin often has dark spot. Lateral line is spiny. Overall usually grey-brown with swirly pattern of pale lines and spots on lower flanks. Locally common in S and W; scarce or absent from E.
    142657.jpg
  • Dragonet Callionymus lyra Length to 20cm<br />
Distinctive fish. Broad and flattened at head end, slender and tapering behind. Favours shallow inshore seas, sometimes found in pools on lower shore. Adult has rather long, tapering snout. Breeding male is distinctive: marbled reddish-brown with blue spots; 1st dorsal fin is very tall, 2nd marked with blue and yellow. Immatures and females are marbled yellow-brown; 1st dorsal fin is much shorter. Widespread but commonest on S and W coasts only.
    142656.jpg
  • Worm Pipefish Nerophis lumbriciformis Length to 15cm<br />
At first glance, hard to recognise as a living creatures, let alone a fish. Found among seaweeds and under rocks at low water, but easily overlooked. Adult has very slender, stiff body with small dorsal fin; pectoral and tail fins are absent. Snout is short and upcurved creating ‘pug-nosed’ look. Usually dark yellowish-brown. Widespread and locally common in SW and W; mostly absent from E England
    142559.jpg
  • Lesser Spotted Catshark Scyliorhinus canicula Length to 75cm<br />
Juvenile in bright light – note slit-like pupil in eye.<br />
Familiar inshore fish, better known as a Dogfish. Found in inshore waters, on mixed substrates. Adult is slender and buffish-yellow above with darker spots. Skin is rough, with a texture like sandpaper. The eye has slit-like pupil in bright light. It lays eggs, protected in a tough case, a so called ‘Mermaid’s Purse’. Widespread and locally common, except along E coast.
    142509.jpg
  • Sand Smelt Atherina presbyter Length to 15cm<br />
Slender, silvery-looking fish. Swims in shoals, often in inshore waters in summer months. Adult is yellowish-green above, pale below with silver scales along flanks. Has 2 dorsal fins, sited above pelvic and anal fins respectively. Local and seasonal, mainly in S and SW.
    142220.jpg
  • Herring Clupea harengus Length to 40cm<br />
Shoal-forming, economically important fish. Favours open seas but sometimes found inshore. Adult is streamlined, blue-grey above and silvery on sides. Dorsal fin starts in front of pelvic fin. Widespread but rather scarce, numbers much reduced in recent years due to overfishing.
    142081.jpg
  • Whiting Merlangius merlangus Length to 70cm<br />
Streamlined pelagic fish. Young in particular often occur in shallow inshore waters. Adult is brown (can appear bluish) above, silvery below. Note dark spot at base of pectoral fin. Has 3 dorsal fins and 2 anal fins. Lower jaw is slightly shorter the upper; tiny barbel on lower jaw is sometimes present but usually absent. Widespread, commonest in S and W.
    142055.jpg
  • Atlantic Cod Gadus morhua Length to 1m<br />
Distinctive fish with a proportionately large head. Young in particular venture into inshore waters, especially in winter months. Adult is brown above, slivery below, marbled with golden spots and yellowish hue on flanks. Has 3 dorsal fins and 2 anal fins. Lower jaw is shorter than upper with long barbel. Widespread and fairly common, least so where fished commercially.
    141873.jpg
  • Pollack Pollachius pollachius Length to 125cm<br />
Classic fish of rocky coasts. Adult is beautifully patterned: overall, tinged golden, marbled with silvery-grey spots. Lower jaw protrudes, barbel is absent. Has 3 dorsal fins and 2 anal fins. Widespread and generally common, least so on E coasts.
    141741.jpg
  • Two-spotted Goby Gobiusculus flavescens L to 6cm<br />
Well-marked fish that spends more time swimming in water column than most other gobies. Found among seaweeds and eelgrass beds in shallow water. Aduklt has rather streamlined body, marbled brown and buff with blue spots and pale dorsal patches. Typically there is a dark spot at base of tail; male has 2nd dark spot behind pectoral fin. Locally common except along E coast.
    141659.jpg
  • Shore ClingfishLepadogaster lepadogaster Length to 8cm<br />
Distinctive intertidal fish, found under rocks and in pools on lower shore. Adult is overall tadpole-shaped and broadly flattened, with a pointed snout. Colour is variable but typically yellow or orange with pattern of pale lines and dark spots, and 2 blue eyespots behind real eyes. Note also feathery tentacles in front of eyes. Pelvic fins are modified to form sucker, used for clinging to rocks. Widespread but local, commonest in SW from Dorset to N Wales.
    141613.jpg
  • Lesser Spotted Catshark - Scyliorhinus canicula Length to 75cm<br />
 Juvenile in bright light – note slit-like pupil in eye.<br />
 Familiar inshore fish, better known as a Dogfish. Found in inshore waters, on mixed substrates. Adult is slender and buffish-yellow above with darker spots. Skin is rough, with a texture like sandpaper. The eye has slit-like pupil in bright light. It lays eggs, protected in a tough case, a so called ‘Mermaid’s Purse’. Widespread and locally common, except along E coast.
    142507.jpg
  • Blue Shark - Prionace glauca. Length to 2m. Large, predatory shark. Feeds mainly on squid and fish. Tagging records indicate most British individuals are immature females that migrate long distances. Adult is blue-grey above and whitish below. Scarce seasonal visitor, mainly to SW.
    157162.jpg
  • Blue Shark - Prionace glauca. Length to 2m. Large, predatory shark. Feeds mainly on squid and fish. Tagging records indicate most British individuals are immature females that migrate long distances. Adult is blue-grey above and whitish below. Scarce seasonal visitor, mainly to SW.
    157163.jpg
  • Blue Shark - Prionace glauca. Length to 2m. Large, predatory shark. Feeds mainly on squid and fish. Tagging records indicate most British individuals are immature females that migrate long distances. Adult is blue-grey above and whitish below. Scarce seasonal visitor, mainly to SW.
    157161.jpg
  • Salmon - Salmo salar Length to 150cm. Large and distinctive fish. Found in open seas for much of life, but migrates into freshwater to spawn. Adult has streamlined, powerfully muscular body. At sea, silver-grey above, silvery-white below, with dark spots on back and flanks; spawning individuals become duller and more yellow. Widespread and locally, and seasonally, fairly common, least so in E and SE.
    141048.jpg
  • Garfish Belone belone Length to 90cm<br />
Unmistakable pelagic fish. Ventures into inshore waters in summer months, along with Mackerel. Adult has a very slender body and long pointed jaws, armed with sharp teeth. Dorsal, anal and tail fins are set far back on body. Green above, silvery on sides and white below. Locally, and seasonally, common, mainly in S and W.
    153705.jpg
  • Pogge Agonus cataphractus Length to 15cm<br />
Distinctive, elongated fish with an ‘armoured’ look about it. The broad, flattened head is armed with spines and barbels. It occurs in inshore waters, and is commonest in the W.
    145477.jpg
  • Three-bearded Rockling Gaidropsarus vulgaris Length to 50cm. Attractive, well-marked fish. Mostly sublittoral but sometimes found in pools on lower shore. Adult is pinkish-orange, marbled with darker patches; overall, darker above than below. Head has 3 barbels. Widespread and locally common in SW and W only.
    144683.jpg
  • Two-spotted Goby Gobiusculus flavescens L to 6cm<br />
Well-marked fish that spends more time swimming in water column than most other gobies. Found among seaweeds and eelgrass beds in shallow water. Aduklt has rather streamlined body, marbled brown and buff with blue spots and pale dorsal patches. Typically there is a dark spot at base of tail; male has 2nd dark spot behind pectoral fin. Locally common except along E coast.
    142958.jpg
  • Two-spotted Goby Gobiusculus flavescens L to 6cm<br />
Well-marked fish that spends more time swimming in water column than most other gobies. Found among seaweeds and eelgrass beds in shallow water. Aduklt has rather streamlined body, marbled brown and buff with blue spots and pale dorsal patches. Typically there is a dark spot at base of tail; male has 2nd dark spot behind pectoral fin. Locally common except along E coast.
    142957.jpg
  • Lumpsucker Cyclopterus lumpus Length to 55cm<br />
Unmistakable fish. Usually lives offshore but males, guarding eggs, are sometimes found in rocky shallows. Young sometimes occur pools on lower shore, and among floating rafts of seaweed. Adult is the size and shape of a rugby ball. Skin is lumpy and sometimes covered in parasites. Typically bluish-black above marbled reddish below. Young are often uniformly red or yellow. Widespread but local; commonest in N.
    142943.jpg
  • Common Goby Pomatoschistus microps Length to 70mm<br />
A small fish whose colours and markings are variable and will change according to background. It favours estuaries and brackish water. Adult male has a dark spot at base of 1st dorsal, and pectoral fins; there 40-50 scales along the side; scales are absent on top of head. It is patchily distributed and absent from much of NE.
    142748.jpg
  • Shore Rockling - Gaidropsarus mediterraneus - juvenile. Length to 40cm<br />
Elongated, eel-like fish; head has 3 barbels. Found on lower shore, under rocks and in pools. Adult is dark brown overall, paler below than above. Head has 3 barbels. Fin arrangement is similar to that of Five-bearded. Local, SW only. NOTE Young of this species, and other rocklings, are known as ‘mackerel midges’ and are greenish above, silvery below; they are found among drifting seaweed rafts, and tangled hiding places on the seabed.
    142714.jpg
  • Lumpsucker - Cyclopterus lumpus - juvenile. Length to 55cm<br />
Unmistakable fish. Usually lives offshore but males, guarding eggs, are sometimes found in rocky shallows. Young sometimes occur pools on lower shore, and among floating rafts of seaweed. Adult is the size and shape of a rugby ball. Skin is lumpy and sometimes covered in parasites. Typically bluish-black above marbled reddish below. Young are often uniformly red or yellow. Widespread but local; commonest in N.
    142715.jpg
  • Red Gurnard Aspitrigla cuculus Length to 30cm<br />
Stunning fish. Favours sandy and mixed substrates; found in inshore waters in summer. Adult has large head and eyes; sloping forehead has more concave profile than Grey Gurnard. Pectoral fins extend beyond vent lowest 3 rays lack webbing and are tactile. Lateral line is not spiny. Overall red, grading to pinkish white on belly. Locally common in S and W; scarce or absent from E coasts.
    142678.jpg
  • Montagu's Sea Snail Liparis montagui Length to 5cm<br />
Unusual species, recalling a plump tadpole. At first glance, hard to recognise as a fish at all. Found in pools and under stones on lower shore. Adult is slimy and scaleless, with skin that wrinkles. Head is bulbous. Dorsal and anal fins do not overlap tail fin. Colour variable, often yellowish but sometimes dark reddish-brown. Widespread but local; mainly in S and W.
    142671.jpg
  • Montagu's Sea Snail Liparis montagui Length to 5cm<br />
Unusual species, recalling a plump tadpole. At first glance, hard to recognise as a fish at all. Found in pools and under stones on lower shore. Adult is slimy and scaleless, with skin that wrinkles. Head is bulbous. Dorsal and anal fins do not overlap tail fin. Colour variable, often yellowish but sometimes dark reddish-brown. Widespread but local; mainly in S and W.
    142672.jpg
  • Lumpsucker Cyclopterus lumpus Length to 55cm<br />
Unmistakable fish. Usually lives offshore but males, guarding eggs, are sometimes found in rocky shallows. Young sometimes occur pools on lower shore, and among floating rafts of seaweed. Adult is the size and shape of a rugby ball. Skin is lumpy and sometimes covered in parasites. Typically bluish-black above marbled reddish below. Young are often uniformly red or yellow. Widespread but local; commonest in N.
    142658.jpg
  • Worm Pipefish Nerophis lumbriciformis Length to 15cm<br />
At first glance, hard to recognise as a living creatures, let alone a fish. Found among seaweeds and under rocks at low water, but easily overlooked. Adult has very slender, stiff body with small dorsal fin; pectoral and tail fins are absent. Snout is short and upcurved creating ‘pug-nosed’ look. Usually dark yellowish-brown. Widespread and locally common in SW and W; mostly absent from E England
    142560.jpg
  • Tub Gurnard - Trigla lucerna (formerly Chelidonichthys lucerna)Length to 55cm<br />
Attractive fish. Favours sandy and mixed substrates; found in inshore waters in summer. Adult has large head and eyes; forehead slopes abruptly. Pectoral fins extend beyond vent; lowest 3 rays lack webbing and are tactile. Lateral line is not spiny. Overall orange-brown; pectoral fins are often yellow with a blue margin. Locally common in S and W; scarce or absent from E coasts.
    142536.jpg
  • Lesser Spotted Catshark Scyliorhinus canicula Length to 75cm<br />
Juvenile in bright light – note slit-like pupil in eye.<br />
Familiar inshore fish, better known as a Dogfish. Found in inshore waters, on mixed substrates. Adult is slender and buffish-yellow above with darker spots. Skin is rough, with a texture like sandpaper. The eye has slit-like pupil in bright light. It lays eggs, protected in a tough case, a so called ‘Mermaid’s Purse’. Widespread and locally common, except along E coast.
    142508.jpg
  • Striped Red Mullet Mullus surmuletus Length to 40cm<br />
Striking, colourful fish. Sometimes found inshore, on sandy and muddy substrates. Adult has a powerful, thickset body. Head is relatively large and blunt, with 2 barbels. Overall colour is red with darker and yellow lengthways stripes on sides. 1st dorsal fin is striped. Fairly common in S and SW.
    142506.jpg
  • Black Sea-bream Spondyliosoma cantharus Length to 55cm<br />
Deep-bodied fish with a steep profile to the head. Ventures into inshore waters in summer months. Adult is bluish-grey overall, darker above than below and tinged reddish on head and underparts. Dorsal fin has spiny rays; pectoral fins are relatively long. Widespread and fairly common in S and W; commonest from Dorset to Sussex.
    142450.jpg
  • Blue Shark Prionace glauca Length to 2m<br />
Large, predatory shark. Feeds mainly on squid and fish. Tagging records indicate most British individuals are immature females that migrate long distances. Adult is blue-grey above and whitish below. Scarce seasonal visitor, mainly to SW.
    142448.jpg
  • Red Gurnard Aspitrigla cuculus Length to 30cm<br />
Stunning fish. Favours sandy and mixed substrates; found in inshore waters in summer. Adult has large head and eyes; sloping forehead has more concave profile than Grey Gurnard. Pectoral fins extend beyond vent lowest 3 rays lack webbing and are tactile. Lateral line is not spiny. Overall red, grading to pinkish white on belly. Locally common in S and W; scarce or absent from E coasts.
    142449.jpg
  • Dragonet Callionymus lyra Length to 20cm<br />
Distinctive fish. Broad and flattened at head end, slender and tapering behind. Favours shallow inshore seas, sometimes found in pools on lower shore. Adult has rather long, tapering snout. Breeding male is distinctive: marbled reddish-brown with blue spots; 1st dorsal fin is very tall, 2nd marked with blue and yellow. Immatures and females are marbled yellow-brown; 1st dorsal fin is much shorter. Widespread but commonest on S and W coasts only.
    142446.jpg
  • Sand Smelt Atherina presbyter Length to 15cm<br />
Slender, silvery-looking fish. Swims in shoals, often in inshore waters in summer months. Adult is yellowish-green above, pale below with silver scales along flanks. Has 2 dorsal fins, sited above pelvic and anal fins respectively. Local and seasonal, mainly in S and SW.
    142447.jpg
  • Sea Scorpion Taurulus bubalis Length to 20cm<br />
A rockpool fish with a large, spiny head is likely to be this species. Adult has an angular, almost lizard-like head; gill covering armed with 4 spines. Lateral line is spiny. Has white barbels at corners of mouth. Colour and patterning is variable and matches background; often marbled reddish-brown, with dark banding. Widespread and locally common, least so in SE.
    142443.jpg
  • Poor-cod Trisopterus minutus Length to 25cm<br />
Streamlined but rather deep-bodied pelagic fish with proportionately very large eyes. Young in particular venture into inshore waters. Adult is brown above, silvery below. Has 3 dorsal fins and 2 anal fins. Lower jaw is roughly same length as upper, with delicate barbel. Widespread and locally common although absent from much of NE.
    142393.jpg
  • Three-bearded Rockling Gaidropsarus vulgaris Length to 50cm<br />
Attractive, well-marked fish. Mostly sublittoral but sometimes found in pools on lower shore. Adult is pinkish-orange, marbled with darker patches; overall, darker above than below. Head has 3 barbels. Widespread and locally common in SW and W only.
    142392.jpg
  • Sand Smelt Atherina presbyter Length to 15cm<br />
Slender, silvery-looking fish. Swims in shoals, often in inshore waters in summer months. Adult is yellowish-green above, pale below with silver scales along flanks. Has 2 dorsal fins, sited above pelvic and anal fins respectively. Local and seasonal, mainly in S and SW.
    142219.jpg
  • Sea Scorpion Taurulus bubalis Length to 20cm<br />
A rockpool fish with a large, spiny head is likely to be this species. Adult has an angular, almost lizard-like head; gill covering armed with 4 spines. Lateral line is spiny. Has white barbels at corners of mouth. Colour and patterning is variable and matches background; often marbled reddish-brown, with dark banding. Widespread and locally common, least so in SE.
    142186.jpg
  • Montagu's Sea Snail Liparis montagui Length to 5cm<br />
Unusual species, recalling a plump tadpole. At first glance, hard to recognise as a fish at all. Found in pools and under stones on lower shore. Adult is slimy and scaleless, with skin that wrinkles. Head is bulbous. Dorsal and anal fins do not overlap tail fin. Colour variable, often yellowish but sometimes dark reddish-brown. STATUS Widespread but local; mainly in S and W.
    142187.jpg
  • Common Goby Pomatoschistus microps Length to 70mm<br />
A small fish whose colours and markings are variable and will change according to background. It favours estuaries and brackish water. Adult male has a dark spot at base of 1st dorsal, and pectoral fins; there 40-50 scales along the side; scales are absent on top of head. It is patchily distributed and absent from much of NE.
    142182.jpg
  • Montagu's Sea Snail Liparis montagui Length to 5cm<br />
Unusual species, recalling a plump tadpole. At first glance, hard to recognise as a fish at all. Found in pools and under stones on lower shore. Adult is slimy and scaleless, with skin that wrinkles. Head is bulbous. Dorsal and anal fins do not overlap tail fin. Colour variable, often yellowish but sometimes dark reddish-brown. STATUS Widespread but local; mainly in S and W.
    142178.jpg
  • Montagu's Sea Snail Liparis montagui Length to 5cm<br />
Unusual species, recalling a plump tadpole. At first glance, hard to recognise as a fish at all. Found in pools and under stones on lower shore. Adult is slimy and scaleless, with skin that wrinkles. Head is bulbous. Dorsal and anal fins do not overlap tail fin. Colour variable, often yellowish but sometimes dark reddish-brown. STATUS Widespread but local; mainly in S and W.
    142140.jpg
  • Tub Gurnard - Trigla lucerna (formerly Chelidonichthys lucerna) Length to 55cm<br />
Attractive fish. Favours sandy and mixed substrates; found in inshore waters in summer. Adult has large head and eyes; forehead slopes abruptly. Pectoral fins extend beyond vent; lowest 3 rays lack webbing and are tactile. Lateral line is not spiny. Overall orange-brown; pectoral fins are often yellow with a blue margin. Locally common in S and W; scarce or absent from E coasts.
    142122.jpg
  • Short-snouted Seahorse Hippocampus hippocampus Length to 15cm<br />
Enigmatic, unmistakable fish. Extremely hard to observe and protected by law. Adult has classic seahorse shape; profile is angular; body lacks slender projections. Local, mainly along S coast of England.
    142114.jpg
  • Short-snouted Seahorse Hippocampus hippocampus Length to 15cm<br />
Enigmatic, unmistakable fish. Extremely hard to observe and protected by law. Adult has classic seahorse shape; profile is angular; body lacks slender projections. Local, mainly along S coast of England.
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  • Salmon Salmo salar Length to 150cm<br />
Large and distinctive fish. Found in open seas for much of life, but migrates into freshwater to spawn. Adult has streamlined, powerfully muscular body. At sea, silver-grey above, silvery-white below, with dark spots on back and flanks; spawning individuals become duller and more yellow. Widespread and locally, and seasonally, fairly common, least so in E and SE.
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  • Lesser Sand Eel Ammodytes tobianus Length to 20cm<br />
Extremely slender fish. Swims in shoals and can burrow into sand and disappear almost instantly if alarmed. Appears silvery in water; outer of water upper half is greyish-yellow, lower half is silvery white. Dorsal fin starts above pectoral fin.
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  • Greater Sand Eel Hyperoplus lanceolatus Length to 35cm Extremely slender fish. Swims in shoals and can burrow into sand and disappear almost instantly if alarmed. Appears silvery in water; outer of water upper half is greyish-yellow, lower half is silvery white. Dorsal fin starts behind pectoral fin.
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  • Worm Pipefish Nerophis lumbriciformis Length to 15cm<br />
At first glance, hard to recognise as a living creatures, let alone a fish. Found among seaweeds and under rocks at low water, but easily overlooked. Adult has very slender, stiff body with small dorsal fin; pectoral and tail fins are absent. Snout is short and upcurved creating ‘pug-nosed’ look. Usually dark yellowish-brown. Widespread and locally common in SW and W; mostly absent from E England
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  • Blackspot Sea-bream Pagellus bogaraveo Length to60cm Deep-bodied fish with a blunt head. Typically reddish overall with black spot at base of pectoral fin. Occasional in S. Young venture into estuary mouths.
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  • John Dory Zeus faber Length to 80cm<br />
Another bizarre and unmistakable fish. Regular inshore; usually in fairly deep water but sometimes near surface. Adult is incredibly laterally flattened and angular-oval in side-on profile. Dorsal fin is tall and spiny; other fins are relatively large too. Overall colour is silvery yellow with diagnostic black central spot. Widespread, mainly S and W.
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  • LumpsuckerCyclopterus lumpus Length to 55cm<br />
Unmistakable fish. Usually lives offshore but males, guarding eggs, are sometimes found in rocky shallows. Young sometimes occur pools on lower shore, and among floating rafts of seaweed. Adult is the size and shape of a rugby ball. Skin is lumpy and sometimes covered in parasites. Typically bluish-black above marbled reddish below. Young are often uniformly red or yellow. Widespread but local; commonest in N.
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  • Pilchard Sardina pilchardus Length to 25cm<br />
Shoal-forming fish. Found in open seas, often inshore in summer months. Adult is streamlined, bluish above and silvery on sides and below. Scales are relatively large. Dorsal fin starts in front of pelvic fins. Widespread but rather scarce, mainly in SW; numbers much reduced in recent years due to overfishing.
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  • Lesser Spotted Catshark Scyliorhinus canicula Length to 75cm<br />
Familiar inshore fish, better known as a Dogfish. Found in inshore waters, on mixed substrates. Adult is slender and buffish-yellow above with darker spots. Skin is rough, with a texture like sandpaper. The eye has slit-like pupil in bright light. It lays eggs, protected in a tough case, a so called ‘Mermaid’s Purse’. Widespread and locally common, except along E coast.
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  • Lesser Spotted Catshark Scyliorhinus canicula Length to 75cm<br />
Familiar inshore fish, better known as a Dogfish. Found in inshore waters, on mixed substrates. Adult is slender and buffish-yellow above with darker spots. Skin is rough, with a texture like sandpaper. The eye has slit-like pupil in bright light. It lays eggs, protected in a tough case, a so called ‘Mermaid’s Purse’. Widespread and locally common, except along E coast.
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  • Bib Trisopterus luscus Length to 40cm<br />
Attractive, rather deep-bodied fish with relatively tall fins. Adult is golden brown above, silvery blue below. Fins are yellowish, dorsal and tail fins with dark margins. Has 3 dorsal fins and 2 anal fins. Lower jaw is slightly shorter tha upper, with long barbel. Note dark spot at base of pectoral fin. Widespread and generally common in S and W Britain; absent from much of NE.
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  • Bib Trisopterus luscus Length to 40cm<br />
Attractive, rather deep-bodied fish with relatively tall fins. Adult is golden brown above, silvery blue below. Fins are yellowish, dorsal and tail fins with dark margins. Has 3 dorsal fins and 2 anal fins. Lower jaw is slightly shorter tha upper, with long barbel. Note dark spot at base of pectoral fin. Widespread and generally common in S and W Britain; absent from much of NE.
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  • Five-bearded Rockling Ciliata mustela Length to 30cm<br />
Elongate, rather cylindrical fish. Found in pools and under rocks on lower shore; adept at slithering into crevices to escape capture. Adult is overall brown above, paler below. 1st dorsal fin has long ray at front; 2nd dorsal fin contuse almost to tail. Head has 5 barbels. Widespread and fairly common, except in N.
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  • Mackerel Scomber scombrus Length to 55cm<br />
Fast-swimming predatory fish. Shoals are frequent in inshore waters in summer months and popular with anglers. Adult has streamlined body, pointed head and rather small dorsal fins. Small ‘finlets’ extend along top and bottom of narrowly tapering tail stock. Body is greenish with black bands above, silver on sides and whitish below; green colour fades to blue after death. Widespread; locally and seasonally common, especially in S and W.
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  • Garfish Belone belone Length to 90cm<br />
Unmistakable pelagic fish. Ventures into inshore waters in summer months, along with Mackerel. Adult has a very slender body and long pointed jaws, armed with sharp teeth. Dorsal, anal and tail fins are set far back on body. Green above, silvery on sides and white below. Locally, and seasonally, common, mainly in S and W.
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  • Pollack Pollachius pollachius Length to 125cm<br />
Classic fish of rocky coasts. Adult is beautifully patterned: overall, tinged golden, marbled with silvery-grey spots. Lower jaw protrudes, barbel is absent. Has 3 dorsal fins and 2 anal fins. Widespread and generally common, least so on E coasts.
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  • Pollack Pollachius pollachius Length to 125cm<br />
Classic fish of rocky coasts. Adult is beautifully patterned: overall, tinged golden, marbled with silvery-grey spots. Lower jaw protrudes, barbel is absent. Has 3 dorsal fins and 2 anal fins. Widespread and generally common, least so on E coasts.
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  • Black Sea-bream Spondyliosoma cantharus Length to 55cm<br />
Deep-bodied fish with a steep profile to the head. Ventures into inshore waters in summer months. Adult is bluish-grey overall, darker above than below and tinged reddish on head and underparts. Dorsal fin has spiny rays; pectoral fins are relatively long. Widespread and fairly common in S and W; commonest from Dorset to Sussex.
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  • Shore Rockling Gaidropsarus mediterraneus Length to 40cm<br />
Elongated, eel-like fish; head has 3 barbels. Found on lower shore, under rocks and in pools. Adult is dark brown overall, paler below than above. Head has 3 barbels. Fin arrangement is similar to that of Five-bearded. Local, SW only. NOTE Young of this species, and other rocklings, are known as ‘mackerel midges’ and are greenish above, silvery below; they are found among drifting seaweed rafts, and tangled hiding places on the seabed.
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  • Lesser Weever Echiichthys vipera Length to 15cm<br />
Notorious fish, capable of inflicting painful sting in a bather’s foot. Found on sandy beaches, mostly buried in substrate during daytime with just eyes visible. Adult has elongate, laterally flattened body with upturned mouth and eyes on top of head. 1st dorsal fin (with venomous spines) has black membrane; fin is raised in defence. Body is marbled reddish and yellow-grey above, paler below. Widespread and locally common, mainly in S half of Britain.
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  • Lesser Weever Echiichthys vipera Length to 15cm<br />
Notorious fish, capable of inflicting painful sting in a bather’s foot. Found on sandy beaches, mostly buried in substrate during daytime with just eyes visible. Adult has elongate, laterally flattened body with upturned mouth and eyes on top of head. 1st dorsal fin (with venomous spines) has black membrane; fin is raised in defence. Body is marbled reddish and yellow-grey above, paler below. Widespread and locally common, mainly in S half of Britain.
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  • Lesser Weever Echiichthys vipera Length to 15cm<br />
Notorious fish, capable of inflicting painful sting in a bather’s foot. Found on sandy beaches, mostly buried in substrate during daytime with just eyes visible. Adult has elongate, laterally flattened body with upturned mouth and eyes on top of head. 1st dorsal fin (with venomous spines) has black membrane; fin is raised in defence. Body is marbled reddish and yellow-grey above, paler below. Widespread and locally common, mainly in S half of Britain.
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  • Whiting Merlangius merlangus Length to 70cm<br />
Streamlined pelagic fish. Young in particular often occur in shallow inshore waters. Adult is brown (can appear bluish) above, silvery below. Note dark spot at base of pectoral fin. Has 3 dorsal fins and 2 anal fins. Lower jaw is slightly shorter the upper; tiny barbel on lower jaw is sometimes present but usually absent. Widespread, commonest in S and W.
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  • Topknot Zeugopterus punctatus Length to 20cm<br />
Distinctive fish. Unusually for flatfish it favours rocky coasts and is quite happy clinging onto vertical sides of rock faces. Adult lives with left side, and eyes, facing uppermost. Outline is round-oval with anal and dorsal fins almost meeting at head end, and continuous with tail. Upper surface is typically marbled reddish brown. Widespread and locally common, except on E coast.
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  • Sea Scorpion Taurulus bubalis Length to 20cm<br />
A rockpool fish with a large, spiny head is likely to be this species. Adult has an angular, almost lizard-like head; gill covering armed with 4 spines. Lateral line is spiny. Has white barbels at corners of mouth. Colour and patterning is variable and matches background; often marbled reddish-brown, with dark banding. Widespread and locally common, least so in SE.
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  • Sea Scorpion Taurulus bubalis Length to 20cm<br />
A rockpool fish with a large, spiny head is likely to be this species. Adult has an angular, almost lizard-like head; gill covering armed with 4 spines. Lateral line is spiny. Has white barbels at corners of mouth. Colour and patterning is variable and matches background; often marbled reddish-brown, with dark banding. Widespread and locally common, least so in SE.
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