Identification
Phycis phycis is an elongated fish to 65 cm, closely related to the greater forkbeard (P. blennoides). The color is darker, chocolate-brown to grey-brown. Like its relative, it has a chin barbel and long, thread-like pelvic fins. Distinguished by the shorter first dorsal fin and preference for warmer waters.
Ecology
A bottom-dweller of rocky coasts in the Mediterranean and eastern Atlantic, at 10 to 200 meters depth. Nocturnal, feeding on small fish and crustaceans.
In the Netherlands
Extremely rare. This is a warm-water species centered in the Mediterranean. Incidental North Sea records represent vagrants.
