Fin's Fish Guide
The Fourbeard rockling (Enchelyopus cimbrius) is a saltwater fish of the family Lotidae that grows up to 41 cm.
Eastern Atlantic from Norway, Greenland and Iceland to the British Isles and the northern Bay of Biscay; western Atlantic from southwest Greenland and Hudson Strait to North Carolina.
Description
The fourbeard rockling is a slender bottom-dwelling fish of the family Lotidae reaching about 41 cm. It is named for the four barbels on its chin, snout tip and nostrils. The first dorsal fin ray is greatly elongated and is followed by a fringe of fleshy filaments. Colour ranges from dusky brown to pale. A nocturnal, solitary fish, it lives on sand and mud bottoms among hard substrate at depths of 20 to 650 m. It feeds on small crustaceans, worms and flatfishes. The species has little commercial value and is only occasionally taken as bycatch.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Fourbeard rockling?
The Fourbeard rockling has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly brown and shows a plain pattern. Four barbels (chin, snout tip and at each front nostril); first dorsal fin ray elongated, followed by a fleshy fringe.
Where does the Fourbeard rockling live?
The Fourbeard rockling lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Eastern Atlantic from Norway, Greenland and Iceland to the British Isles and the northern Bay of Biscay; western Atlantic from southwest Greenland and Hudson Strait to North Carolina.
How big does the Fourbeard rockling get?
The Fourbeard rockling grows to a maximum of about 41 cm. On average the species is around 30 cm.
Is the Fourbeard rockling dangerous to humans?
No, the Fourbeard rockling is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Fourbeard rockling edible?
The Fourbeard rockling is rarely eaten.
More photos
Easily confused with
These species look like the Fourbeard rockling and live in the same waters.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
More from the family Lotidae
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