Fin's Fish Guide
The Spotted rockling (Gaidropsarus guttatus) is a saltwater fish of the family Lotidae that grows up to 33 cm.
Eastern Atlantic, around the Macaronesian islands and West Africa, on rocky and stony bottoms of shallow water, often in tide pools.
Description
The spotted rockling is a small cod relative of the family Lotidae reaching about 33 cm. Like other rocklings it carries three barbels — two on the snout and one on the chin — with which it searches the bottom by touch. The first dorsal fin consists of a row of fine, thread-like rays in a groove, the second is long and low. The red-brown body is covered with dark and pale spots and blends well against rocks. The species lives hidden on rocky and stony bottoms of shallow water of the eastern Atlantic around the Macaronesian islands of the Azores, Madeira and the Canaries, often in tide pools. Mainly at night it hunts small crustaceans, worms and small fish. Because of its small size it has no fishery importance.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Spotted rockling?
The Spotted rockling has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly brown and shows a spots pattern. Cod-like rockling with three barbels and a red-brown, blotched body; the first dorsal fin is a row of fine thread-like rays in a groove.
Where does the Spotted rockling live?
The Spotted rockling lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Eastern Atlantic, around the Macaronesian islands and West Africa, on rocky and stony bottoms of shallow water, often in tide pools.
How big does the Spotted rockling get?
The Spotted rockling grows to a maximum of about 33 cm.
Is the Spotted rockling dangerous to humans?
No, the Spotted rockling is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Spotted rockling edible?
The Spotted rockling is not usually eaten.
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All data
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Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
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Status & sources
Same genus Gaidropsarus
More from the family Lotidae
Want the complete picture on the Spotted rockling?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Spotted rockling is one of 12,519 species in the app.