Fish

Almost all species of fish can be found stranded in rockpools, particular the juveniles. There are only a few common species that can be described as truly living and adapting to life in the intertidal zone.

    Shanney Lipophrys pholis

    Tompot Blenny Parablennius gatterorugine

    Rock Goby Gobius paganellus

    Black Goby Gobius niger

    Rocklings

    Cornish Sucker Lepadogaster lepadogaster

    Pipe Fish

    Mermaid's Purse

    Shoal of Fry

Shanney   Lipophrys pholis

The most common fish found in Cornish rockpools. Not only young fish live in these pools but also the adults. They reach up to six inches, and are a tough fish with strong teeth and jaws which enable them to feed on barnacles.

Usually green but the males change to black with white lips during the breeding season.

Tompot Blenny Parablennius gatterorugine  

This is is a fish with a heavier build than the shanney. In much of England it is found offshore. Whilst in Cornwall it can be found on shore but only at the low tide mark.

The fish is easily recognised by the red tentacles on its head and the red colouring in the eyes.

Rock Goby Gobius paganellus & Black Goby Gobius niger

Both gobies are common but difficult to tell apart. They are both found in similar habitats in rockpools and underneath rocks. The fish most commonly seen are not mature. Adults reach over 4 inches in length. In both species the males turn black during the breeding season.

The main difference between the species is that the first dorsal fin of the black goby is elongated.

Cornish Sucker Lepadogaster lepadogaster  

Outside Cornwall the Cornish Sucker is known as the shore clingfish. It is very common, found in rock pools and under boulders on rocky beaches. It is an unusual shaped fish with its large head and flattened body. There are two blue spots on its head and two small tentacles by the eyes. On its underside there is a sucker that enables it to grip to surfaces.

Rocklings

There are three species of rocklings found on these shores, Shore Rockling Gaidropsarus meditteraneus, 3 Bearded Rockling Gaidropsarus vulgaris, and the 5 Bearded Rockling Ciliata mustela.

Their colouring varies, depending on the habitat. All three species have barbels. The dorsal fin close to the head, quickly pulsates.

Pipefish

The name pipefish, accurately describes their distinctive look. There are three species that can be found on Cornish shores. Like the sea horses they have an unusual breeding habit.

The males have a brooding pouch, in which the female lays her eggs.

The male carrying the eggs until they hatch.

Mermaid's Purse   

Mermaid's purses are often found on the strandline. To find them one has to look carefully as they are camouflaged to match seaweed.

Mermaid's purses are the egg cases of fish.

Ray and skate produce egg cases with a spike in each corner. Those produced by dogfish, have tendrils the method used to attach the egg case to seaweed.

Ray or Skate Egg Case

Dogfish Egg Case 

Shoal of Fry

During the summer in the shallows and stranded in rock pools, can be seen large shoals of fry.

The species of which are to numerous to name here.