Fin's Fish Guide
The Threebeard rockling (Gaidropsarus vulgaris) is a saltwater fish of the family Lotidae that grows up to 60 cm.
Northeast Atlantic and the North Sea, on stone and gravel bottoms from the coast to the continental slope.
Description
The three-bearded rockling is a cod relative of the family Lotidae reaching about 60 cm. The elongate body is red-brown with dark blotches and bears three barbels: two on the snout and one on the chin. The first dorsal fin is peculiar: it consists of one long, waving ray followed by a row of fine rays in a groove that vibrate constantly. The species lives among stones, rocks and wrecks of the north-eastern Atlantic and the North Sea, from the coast to several hundred metres. Mainly at night it hunts crustaceans, worms and small fish. It is rarely targeted by fisheries and has little commercial value.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Threebeard rockling?
The Threebeard rockling has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly red-orange and shows a spots pattern. Cod-like fish with three barbels (two on the snout, one on the chin) and a first dorsal fin consisting of a long, waving ray in a groove.
Where does the Threebeard rockling live?
The Threebeard rockling lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Northeast Atlantic and the North Sea, on stone and gravel bottoms from the coast to the continental slope.
How big does the Threebeard rockling get?
The Threebeard rockling grows to a maximum of about 60 cm. On average the species is around 25 cm.
Is the Threebeard rockling dangerous to humans?
No, the Threebeard rockling is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Threebeard rockling edible?
The Threebeard rockling is rarely eaten.
More photos
Easily confused with
These species look like the Threebeard rockling and live in the same waters.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Gaidropsarus
More from the family Lotidae
Want the complete picture on the Threebeard rockling?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Threebeard rockling is one of 12,519 species in the app.