Fivebeard Rockling

Identification

The five-bearded rockling is an elongated, eel-like fish of 15 to 25 cm with a rounded body and smooth, slimy skin. Color is dark brown to red-brown. Most distinctive: five barbels around the mouth — one on the chin, two on the upper jaw, and two near the nostrils. The first dorsal fin is reduced to a vibrating skin fold.

Ecology

Lives among rocks, under stones, and in tidal pools along the coast. A nocturnal hunter of small crustaceans, worms, and shrimp. Hides in crevices during the day.

In the Netherlands

The five-bearded rockling is rare in the Netherlands, with only one record in our database. More common along the rocky coasts of Britain and Norway. The Dutch coast offers little suitable rocky habitat.