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Graveldiver (Scytalina cerdale) — Scytalinidae

Graveldiver

Scytalina cerdale
Family: Scytalinidae

The Graveldiver (Scytalina cerdale) is a saltwater fish of the family Scytalinidae that grows up to 15 cm.

Length
15 cm
Water
Saltwater
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
North America: Canada, Russia, USA, Alaska

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Description

The graveldiver is a small, eel-like fish (Scytalinidae) from the tidal zone of the northeast Pacific, off the west coast of North America. The species grows to about 15 cm and has a smooth, scaleless, pale body without pelvic fins and with rearward-set dorsal and anal fins. As a burrowing bottom-dweller it wriggles among gravel and coarse sand of the surf and tide pools and hunts small crustaceans. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Graveldiver?

The Graveldiver has an elongate, eel-like body and is mainly white.

Where does the Graveldiver live?

The Graveldiver lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. North America: Canada, Russia, USA, Alaska

How big does the Graveldiver get?

The Graveldiver grows to a maximum of about 15 cm.

Is the Graveldiver dangerous to humans?

No, the Graveldiver is harmless to humans. This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status.

More photos

Graveldiver (Scytalina cerdale) — Scytalinidae — 2
iNaturalist ((c) Michael Spencer, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Graveldiver (Scytalina cerdale) — Scytalinidae — 3
iNaturalist ((c) Floyd E. Hayes, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Graveldiver (Scytalina cerdale) — Scytalinidae — 4
iNaturalist ((c) Thea Rodgers, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Fin

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All data

Identification

English name
Graveldiver sourced
Scientific name
Scytalina cerdale
Family
Scytalinidae
Other names
Graveldiver; Burrowing blenny verified

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
15.0 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
White sourced
Tail shape
Rounded inferred

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom sourced
Natural range
North America: Canada, Russia, USA, Alaska sourced
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Territorial
No inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known. inferred

For anglers

Fishing method
Small in size and barely an angling target; mostly caught incidentally or as baitfish. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless verified
First aid
This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status. verified

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0
Fin

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