Sandhaven, Aberdeenshire

 Tadpole fish

A member of the cod family this will normally be seen hiding in crevices in reefs. It gets its name from its resemblance to the shape of a very large tadpole. Dark brown / black in colour, maximum size is about 25-30 cm but more frequently seen at about half this size. It's dorsal and anal fin extend much of the length of the body but are separated from the tail fin.

Rosehearty, Aberdeenshire

Yarrells Blennie

Generally only seen by the more observant diver looking into small crevices where they shelter during the day, they may on occasion be ignored as part of the scenery. The Blennie family are in general distinguished by the small frill on their forehead. Yarrels Blennie has both a tuft on the head and frills at the start of the dorsal fin.

Rosehearty, Aberdeenshire

Gunnel (Butterfish) Pholis gunnelis

Often encountered in small crevices, in weed and on the bottom it may even be found on the shore at low tide sheltering under the seaweed. Its alternative name came from its slipperiness when picked up on the shore. This small elongated and laterally flattened species swims in an eel like fashion. It has a very distinct row of white rimmed black spots along the base of the dorsal fin. Length up to about 25cm. It is part of the same family as Yarrels Blenny.

Shanny Lipophrys pholis

Distinguished from other blennies by the lack of tentacles on its head, it otherwise has the tyopical looks of a blenny with thick lips and high set eyes. Colouring varies from green through to brown according to background colour of surrounding seaweed.

Leopard spotted goby Thorogobius ephippiatus

A very distinct small sized species having a pale body covered with darker spots. Has been seen at various depths and on wrecks. Length to about 12cm.