Sea snail

D-Grosser Scheibenbauch; GB-Sea snail, Striped seasnail; DK-Ringbug; PL-Dennik; LT-Gleivys; LV-Plūkšņzivs; EST-Pullukala; RU-Европейский липарис; FIN-Imukala; S-Ringbuk

Characters

1) Origin of pectoral fins reaching till under head.
2) Pelvic fins modified to a round sucking disc.
3) Dorsal and anal fins overlapping origin of caudal fin.
●) Body tadpole-like.
Often 12 to 15 cm length, often 18 cm length.

Similar species

Montagu's sea snail - end of dorsal and anal fins not overlapping origin of caudal fin.

Biology

Bottom-living fish in shallow waters with algae, but also over pebbles, down to max. 300 m depth. Spawns in winter months; often also close to estuaries.

Diet

Feeds on small invertebrates, mainly on crustaceans.

Importance

Of no commercial importance.

Endangerment

Decline of stocks due to loss of habitat and increasing water pollution.