Crescent gunnel • Pholis laeta
Identification
Like other gunnels, this elongated fish looks somewhat eel-like with its long, low dorsal and anal fins and small tail and pectoral fins. It is distinguished from other gunnels by two dorsal rows of crescent-shaped markings. These markings are brownish to blackish and enclose a yellow to orange spot. The overall body colouring varies from orange-brown to olive green. Colour phases vary to match surroundings (cryptic colouration). The crescent gunnel reaches 25 cm long.
Habitat & Range
The crescent gunnel seeks shelter under rocks and in beds of eelgrass and other algae. It is found in the intertidal and shallow subtidal; it can remain out of water, hidden under rocks or seaweed. Its range extends from the Aleutian Islands to Northern California.
Similar Species
The saddleback gunnel (Pholis ornata) has U- or V-shaped markings instead of crescent-shaped markings.
Intriguing Info
Crescent gunnels can breathe air when out of water.
The Alaska Department of Fish and Game species profile provides more information on biology, ecology, and range.
iNaturalist
https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/67362-Pholis-laeta
Like other gunnels, this elongated fish looks somewhat eel-like with its long, low dorsal and anal fins and small tail and pectoral fins. It is distinguished from other gunnels by two dorsal rows of crescent-shaped markings. These markings are brownish to blackish and enclose a yellow to orange spot. The overall body colouring varies from orange-brown to olive green. Colour phases vary to match surroundings (cryptic colouration). The crescent gunnel reaches 25 cm long.
Habitat & Range
The crescent gunnel seeks shelter under rocks and in beds of eelgrass and other algae. It is found in the intertidal and shallow subtidal; it can remain out of water, hidden under rocks or seaweed. Its range extends from the Aleutian Islands to Northern California.
Similar Species
The saddleback gunnel (Pholis ornata) has U- or V-shaped markings instead of crescent-shaped markings.
Intriguing Info
Crescent gunnels can breathe air when out of water.
The Alaska Department of Fish and Game species profile provides more information on biology, ecology, and range.
iNaturalist
https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/67362-Pholis-laeta
References
Froese, R. and Kesner-Reyes, K. Pholis laeta (Cope, 1873). FishBase. Accessed 24/11/2014.
Lamb, A. and Edgell, P. Coastal Fishes of the Pacific Northwest. Revised. (2010). Madeira Park, BC: Harbour Publishing. P. 129.
Lamb, A., and Hanby, B. (2005). Marine Life of the Pacific Northwest [electronic version]. Madeira Park, BC: Harbour Publishing.
McClory, J.G. and Gotthardt, T.A. (2005). Crescent Gunnel. Alaska Natural Heritage Program. Alaska Department of Fish and Game. Accessed 24/11/2014.
Authors and editors of page
Kelly Fretwell and Brian Starzomski (2014).
Froese, R. and Kesner-Reyes, K. Pholis laeta (Cope, 1873). FishBase. Accessed 24/11/2014.
Lamb, A. and Edgell, P. Coastal Fishes of the Pacific Northwest. Revised. (2010). Madeira Park, BC: Harbour Publishing. P. 129.
Lamb, A., and Hanby, B. (2005). Marine Life of the Pacific Northwest [electronic version]. Madeira Park, BC: Harbour Publishing.
McClory, J.G. and Gotthardt, T.A. (2005). Crescent Gunnel. Alaska Natural Heritage Program. Alaska Department of Fish and Game. Accessed 24/11/2014.
Authors and editors of page
Kelly Fretwell and Brian Starzomski (2014).