Fin's Fish Guide
The Montagu's seasnail (Liparis montagui) is a saltwater fish of the family Liparidae that grows up to 16 cm.
Northeast Atlantic and the North Sea, on rocky coasts among seaweeds and under stones in the intertidal zone and shallow water.
Description
Montagu's seasnail is a small, tadpole-like snailfish of the family Liparidae reaching about 15 cm. The stocky, rearward-tapering body has a smooth, scaleless and slippery skin; as in other snailfishes the pelvic fins are fused into a sucking disc, with which the fish anchors itself firmly to stones, even in the surf. The colour varies from brown and yellow to reddish. Unlike the common seasnail this species lacks a notch dividing the dorsal fin. It lives on rocky shores of the north-eastern Atlantic and the North Sea, among weeds and under stones in the intertidal zone and shallow water. On the bottom it searches for small crustaceans and worms. Because of its small size it has no fishery importance.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Montagu's seasnail?
The Montagu's seasnail has an irregular in shape body, is mainly brown and shows a plain pattern. Small, tadpole-like snailfish with a smooth, scaleless skin; the pelvic fins form a sucker with which it attaches itself to stones in the surf.
Where does the Montagu's seasnail live?
The Montagu's seasnail lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Northeast Atlantic and the North Sea, on rocky coasts among seaweeds and under stones in the intertidal zone and shallow water.
How big does the Montagu's seasnail get?
The Montagu's seasnail grows to a maximum of about 16 cm.
Is the Montagu's seasnail dangerous to humans?
No, the Montagu's seasnail is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Montagu's seasnail edible?
The Montagu's seasnail is not usually eaten.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Liparis
More from the family Liparidae
Want the complete picture on the Montagu's seasnail?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Montagu's seasnail is one of 12,519 species in the app.