Tadpole Fish
Raniceps raninus
Identification
The tadpole fish is one of the most bizarre-looking fish in the North Sea. The head is enormously broad and flattened — like a tadpole, hence the name. The body is dark brown to black, slimy, and scaleless. The first dorsal fin is tiny (just three rays), while the second dorsal and anal fins are long and continuous. A small chin barbel adorns the lower jaw. Reaches 30 cm.
Ecology
Despite its radically different appearance, the tadpole fish belongs to the cod family. Lives hidden among rocks, stones, and seaweed in coastal waters at 5 to 100 meters depth. Nocturnal. Feeds on small crustaceans, worms, and small fish.
In the Netherlands
Found along the Dutch North Sea coast but rarely seen. Its cryptic lifestyle and nocturnal habits make it one of the least-known fish of our coast.
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Seasonal patterns
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Key predictors
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