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Radiated shanny (Ulvaria subbifurcata) — Stichaeidae

Radiated shanny

Ulvaria subbifurcata
Family: Stichaeidae
LC · Least Concern

The Radiated shanny (Ulvaria subbifurcata) is a saltwater fish of the family Stichaeidae that grows up to 18 cm.

Length
18 cm
Water
Saltwater
Diet
Carnivore
Behaviour
Solitary
Activity
Diurnal
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Stone or rock
Danger
Harmless
Range
Northwest Atlantic along the east coast of Canada and the northeastern USA, among rocks and seaweeds of cold, shallow coastal water.
Edibility
Not eaten

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Description

The radiated shanny is an elongate bottom fish of the family Stichaeidae (pricklebacks) reaching about 18 cm. The eel-like body has a long, continuous dorsal fin and a brown, marbled pattern with a dark stripe running obliquely through the eye, good camouflage among rocks and weeds. The species lives in cold, shallow coastal water along the east coast of Canada and the northeastern USA, often hidden under stones and in crevices. On the bottom it searches for small crustaceans, worms and molluscs. The eggs are laid in a clump among stones and guarded. Because of its small size it has no fishery value.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Radiated shanny?

The Radiated shanny has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly brown and shows a marbled pattern. Oblong, blenny-like small bottom fish with a long dorsal fin and a dark stripe running obliquely through the eye; well camouflaged among rocks.

Where does the Radiated shanny live?

The Radiated shanny lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Northwest Atlantic along the east coast of Canada and the northeastern USA, among rocks and seaweeds of cold, shallow coastal water.

How big does the Radiated shanny get?

The Radiated shanny grows to a maximum of about 18 cm.

Is the Radiated shanny dangerous to humans?

No, the Radiated shanny is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.

Is the Radiated shanny edible?

The Radiated shanny is not usually eaten.

More photos

Radiated shanny (Ulvaria subbifurcata) — Stichaeidae — 2
iNaturalist ((c) Drew, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Radiated shanny (Ulvaria subbifurcata) — Stichaeidae — 3
iNaturalist ((c) czipcng, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Radiated shanny (Ulvaria subbifurcata) — Stichaeidae — 4
iNaturalist ((c) Laurent Fey, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Radiated shanny (Ulvaria subbifurcata) — Stichaeidae — 5
elli (CC BY-NC 4.0) via GBIF — iNaturalist
Fin

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All data

Identification

English name
Radiated shanny verified
Scientific name
Ulvaria subbifurcata
Family
Stichaeidae
Other names
Radiated shanny; Crinkly dick verified

Appearance

Size class
Medium verified
Max length (cm)
18.0 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) verified
Dominant colour
Brown sourced
Pattern
Marbled sourced
Tail shape
Rounded inferred
Mouth position
Terminal inferred
Lips
Thick / fleshy inferred
Barbels
No verified
Dorsal fins
One continuous sourced
Dorsal spines
Yes verified

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater verified
Substrate
Stone or rock verified
Natural range
Northwest Atlantic along the east coast of Canada and the northeastern USA, among rocks and seaweeds of cold, shallow coastal water. verified
Origin
Native verified

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore verified
Diet (detail)
Small crustaceans, worms and molluscs from the bottom sourced
Social behaviour
Solitary verified
Territorial
Yes verified
Activity
Diurnal inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes verified
Sexual dimorphism
No verified
Seasonality
Resident bottom-dweller of cold coastal waters; the eggs are deposited in a clump among stones and guarded. sourced
Special features
Oblong, blenny-like small bottom fish with a long dorsal fin and a dark stripe running obliquely through the eye; well camouflaged among rocks. sourced

For anglers

Edibility
Not eaten verified
Fishing method
Fishing with natural bait (fish, shrimp, worm) or lures close to reef and rock structures. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless verified
First aid
None required: this species is harmless to humans. sourced

Status & sources

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

More from the family Stichaeidae

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