Fin's Fish Guide
The Butterfish (Pholis gunnellus) is a brackish-water fish of the family Pholidae that grows up to 25 cm.
North Atlantic from the Kanin Peninsula to La Rochelle, including Iceland; western Atlantic from Labrador to Delaware Bay.
Description
The rock gunnel is a slender, eel-like coastal fish of the family Pholidae reaching about 25 cm. The body is smooth and slimy — hence the name butterfish — and carries a row of nine to thirteen dark eyespots along the base of the long, low dorsal fin. The colour is brown with yellow tints. The rock gunnel lives in shallow coastal water, tide pools and under stones and seaweed of the northern Atlantic and North Sea, and can survive out of water for a time thanks to air-breathing. In winter the male and female spawn together and coil around the egg ball to protect it. The species is of no fisheries value.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Butterfish?
The Butterfish has a snake-like body, is mainly brown and shows a spots pattern. Slimy, eel-shaped small coastal fish with a row of 9-13 eyespots along the base of the long dorsal fin; parent pairs coil around the ball of eggs.
Where does the Butterfish live?
The Butterfish lives in brackish water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. North Atlantic from the Kanin Peninsula to La Rochelle, including Iceland; western Atlantic from Labrador to Delaware Bay.
How big does the Butterfish get?
The Butterfish grows to a maximum of about 25 cm.
Is the Butterfish dangerous to humans?
No, the Butterfish is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Butterfish edible?
The Butterfish is not usually eaten.
More photos
Want the complete picture on the Butterfish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Butterfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.
All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Pholis
More from the family Pholidae
Want the complete picture on the Butterfish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Butterfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.