Rosehearty (6/02)

Conger eel (Conger conger)

Generally only part seen by divers with the head poking out of large crevices and retreating when approached. The tail end or middle may on occasion be observed through looking in an adjacent hole leaving their overall size to the divers imagination! Diameter of body may vary from around 2.5-5cm for very small specimens up to 10cm+ . Length is likely to be 1m+ in most cases. 

Codling in weed Rosehearty, Aberdeenshire

Although larger specimens are certainly free swimming, these are more generally seen by divers when hiding in large holes under rocks. These may be up to about 50cm in length. Small specimens may also hide in clumps of weed

Rosehearty, Aberdeenshire

Ling (Molva molva)

Can be observed free swimming across the bottom, but will generally retreat to safety under rocks / in a crevice in the reef when approached. With its elongated body it might on occasion be mistaken at first sight for a conger when only part of the body is seen in a crevice. Colouring tends to be fawny green as opposed to the more grey coloured conger. The ling has 2 separate dorsal fins, tail fin and anal fin whereas in the conger these are merged as one continuous fin. In addition the ling has a distinctive long barbel on its chin. Size varies with some specimens of around 1m having been seen in relatively shallow (10-15m) water adjacent to the shore but potentially growing to 2m.

Rosehearty, Aberdeenshire

Rockling

Distinct from its larger relative by its much darker red brown colour it is generally seen in crevices on reefs. There are 3 and 5 "bearded" species according to the number of barbles on the lower jaw. Size generally to 15".

Wolf fish Anarhichas lupus

Generally seen by divers when looking out from their hiding places in larger crevices, they may on occasion be seen swimming free over the reef. Their fearsome teeth are used to break open their prey - particularly urchins. Despite their appearance they are not aggressive and have been known to be hand fed by divers on occasion