Fin's Fish Guide
The Banded gunnel (Pholis fasciata) is a saltwater fish of the family Pholidae that grows up to 30 cm.
Arctic and northern Atlantic Ocean, on rocky and stony bottoms of shallow to moderately deep cold coastal water.
Description
The banded gunnel is a long, ribbon-like and laterally compressed fish of the family Pholidae reaching about 30 cm. Along the whole back runs a low, continuous dorsal fin made entirely of short spines; the brown-red body bears a row of pale, dark-rimmed cross-bars, from which the species takes its name. The smooth, slimy skin makes the fish slippery (hence 'gunnel/butterfish'). The species lives on rocky and stony bottoms of the Arctic and northern Atlantic, often hidden among stones and weeds in cold, shallow water. On the bottom it hunts small crustaceans, worms and molluscs. In winter the egg mass, rolled into a ball, is guarded by the parents.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Banded gunnel?
The Banded gunnel has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly red-orange and shows a vertical stripes pattern. Long, ribbon-shaped and laterally flattened small fish with a low, continuous dorsal fin of spines only and a row of pale, dark-rimmed vertical bars.
Where does the Banded gunnel live?
The Banded gunnel lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Arctic and northern Atlantic Ocean, on rocky and stony bottoms of shallow to moderately deep cold coastal water.
How big does the Banded gunnel get?
The Banded gunnel grows to a maximum of about 30 cm.
Is the Banded gunnel dangerous to humans?
No, the Banded gunnel is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Banded gunnel edible?
The Banded gunnel is not usually eaten.
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All data
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Status & sources
Same genus Pholis
More from the family Pholidae
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Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Banded gunnel is one of 12,519 species in the app.