Butterfish

D-Butterfisch; GB-Rock gunnel; DK-Tangspræl; PL-Ostropłetwiec; LT-Taukžuvė; LV-Taukzivs; EST-Võikala; RU-Обыкновенный маслюк; FIN-Teisti; S-Tejstefisk

Characters

1) Striking black spots with white edges along basis of dorsal fin.
2) Pelvic fins poorly developed.
3) Caudal fin rounded.
●) Body colouration brownish, occasionally with unregular lighter pattern.
Usually below 20 cm, max. up to 30 cm length.

Similar species

Viviparous eelpout - caudal fin not developed distinctly; thick-lipped mouth.

Snake blenny - caudal fin pointed; slender, body significantly more elongated.

Biology

Lives bottom-orientated on sandy-gravel grounds, grown with algae; in shallow waters down to 30 m depth. Sexually mature with 3 years. In autumn and winter eggs are layed in clusters in-between stones and mussel shells. Afterwards the eggs are defended by both parents for 2 months.

Diet

Feeds preferably on amphipods and isopodas, but also on other small invertebrates.

Importance

Serves as an important food basis for bigger commercially important fish.