Butterfish

Butterfish

Butterfish ©Polly Whyte/Earth in Focus

Butterfish

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Scientific name: Pholis gunnellus
The slippery butterfish is a common sight in rockpools all around the UK. Look out for the distinctive black spots on their backs that look a lot like eyes!

Top facts

Stats

Length: up to 25cm

Conservation status

Common

When to see

January to December

About

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.

What to look for

Unmistakeable. Pale yellowish-orange to reddish-brown in colour, with bands of darker brown and distinctive white-ringed black spots along the back.

Where to find

Found on rocky shores all around the UK.

Did you know?

Butterfish get their name from their slimy, buttery skin. If you ever try to catch one, you'll get why!