Fin's Fish Guide
The Cunner (Tautogolabrus adspersus) is a saltwater fish of the family Labridae that grows up to 44 cm.
Western Atlantic off the east coast of North America, on rocky bottoms, reefs and near piers and wrecks of shallow to mid-depth water.
Description
The cunner is a robust wrasse of the family Labridae reaching about 44 cm and the most common wrasse of the north-western Atlantic coast. The elongate body is highly variable in colour — brown, reddish or bluish and mottled — and has the thick lips and strong throat teeth typical of wrasses. The species lives on rocky bottoms, reefs and around piers and wrecks of the western Atlantic off the east coast of North America. With its throat teeth it crushes mussels, snails, crustaceans and sea urchins. In the cold winter it retreats among the rocks into a kind of dormancy. The cunner is a common, easily caught coastal fish that is regularly eaten.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Cunner?
The Cunner has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly brown and shows a marbled pattern. Large, variably coloured wrasse with thick lips and strong pharyngeal teeth; a common reef fish of the northwest Atlantic coast.
Where does the Cunner live?
The Cunner lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Western Atlantic off the east coast of North America, on rocky bottoms, reefs and near piers and wrecks of shallow to mid-depth water.
How big does the Cunner get?
The Cunner grows to a maximum of about 44 cm.
Is the Cunner dangerous to humans?
No, the Cunner is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Cunner edible?
Yes, the Cunner is commonly eaten.
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More from the family Labridae
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