gunnels

crescent gunnel

Scientific name: Pholis laeta

Family: Pholidae

Phylum: Chordata

Typical size: 10 to 25 centimeter

Depth range: Subtidal to 73 meters

Description: Strongly resembling an eel, the crescent gunnel has an elongated body with low dorsal and anal fins as well as small pectoral and tail fins. Its main distinguishing features, which also provided its common name, are the two dorsal rows of crescent marking.

Habitat and behavior: They can be seen taking shelter in beds of eelgrass or under rocks. Interestingly, the crescent gunnel is able to breathe air when out of water.

penpoint gunnel

Scientific name: Apodichthys flavidus

Family: Pholidae

Phylum: Chordata

Typical size: Up to 50 centimeters total length

Depth range: Subtidal to 20 meters

Description: They are an elongated fish that can be bright green, red or brown. 

Habitat and behavior: Lives from Alaska to Southern California. They often camouflage themselves with sea lettuce, eelgrass or other algae that matches their color. They will hide under rocks and can breathe air out of water when the tide goes out. 

saddleback gunnel

Scientific name: Pholis ornata

Family: Pholidae

Phylum: Chordata

Typical size: 10 centimeters

Depth range: Intertidal-subtidal zone, 0 to 50 meters

Description: Eel-like, elongated body with lobe-shaped pectoral fins and small caudal (tail) fin. Large, dark saddle-like crests mark the dorsal and ventral side all along the body—not to be confused with the crescent gunnel. Saddleback gunnels have a dark bar that appears to run through each eye.

Habitat and behavior: Rocky intertidal or eelgrass habitats, living near the bottom (demersal). These fish tend to hide between small rocks during the day, and are nocturnal and active at night. Both males and females guard eggs. Gunnels can temporarily live out of water and breathe air, and feed on small marine worms.