Four-bearded rockling
Enchelyopus cimbrius
Scientific synonym
Rhinonemus cimbrius
(also Enhelyopus rockling)
Other names
Fourbeard rockling
Similar species
Size
20–30 cm.
Appearance
A bottom-dwelling fish with an elongated body. Vent roughly half way along body, posterior to which the body is laterally compressed, accentuated by the long fringe of dorsal and ventral fins. First dorsal fin short and low, first ray long and prominent. Posterior dorsal very long. Caudal fin clearly separate, rounded. Pelvic fins well forward of pectorals. Four barbels: one on chin and three on snout. Skin slimy and scales difficult to see with the naked eye.
Colouring
Back brown, belly silvery grey. Rear body may show irregular dark patches. Fins bluish, trailing edges of anal and caudal fins often darker.
Reproduction
Spawns in deep water between February and August. Eggs float. Does not reproduce in Finnish waters.
Food
Crustaceans and other benthic invertebrates.
Distribution and habitat
The four-bearded rockling is a fish of the North Atlantic that has found its way into parts of the southern Baltic. Occurs only occasionally in Finnish waters. Lives at depths of 20 m down to 550 m.
