Scarborough Rockpooling

 

The 5-bearded Rockling (Ciliata mustela) is probably only second to the Shanny in terms of abundance at Holbeck. They are frequently found underneath stones on the middle shore. Typically, they grow to 10cm long, although we have seen larger examples that can are estimated at 18cm long. Because of the 5 prominent

barbels on its face, it is easy to identify.

 

 

 

The Butterfish (Pholis gunnellus) is a medium sized eel-like fish found on the middle shore. It is often found underneath rocks. It is named after the slippery texture of its body, which make it very difficult for predators and rockpoolers to get hold of them! They typically grown to 8-10cm in length.

 

 

 

The Long Spined Sea Scorpion, or Long Spined Bullhead (Taurulus bubalis) is often found on the mid shore, in large pools, or under rocks. It has poisonous barbels just behind its large head. It can grow to over 20cm in length, but they are usually found half that size. The colour of this fish varies enormously.

 

 

 

The Two-Spotted Goby (Gobiusculus flavescens) is a new find at Holbeck, and is a small, colourful fish found on the middle shore in large rockpools. It rarely exceeds 8cm in body length, and is more likely to be around 5-6cm.

 

 

 

The oddly named Montagu's Sea Snail (Liparis montagui) is actually a type of shore clingfish. It can be found underneath rocks and in large rockpools on the middle shore. It is an uncommon sight on British coasts. It is quite small, rarely exceeding 8cm in body length. Two of these have been captured at Holbeck, with one furthur sighting in Autumn 2009.

 

 

 

The Shanny, or Smooth Blenny (Lipophrys pholis) is the most common fish found at Holbeck. It is frequently found underneath rocks on the upper and middle shore. They are often around 8-10cm long, but larger examples can reach over 20cm in length. The Shanny pictured was close to 20cm in length and pregnant.

 

 

 

Snake Pipefish (Entelurus aequoreus) are very common in summer, and can be found in great numbers in large, weedy rockpools. They rely on seaweeds for camouflage. They typicaly grow to 25cm in length, although 30cm examples have been found occasionally. *Update*In 2009 we have not seen a single snake pipefish on any of the beaches we rockpool at. It is possible this species is disappearing as quickly as it appeared. 

 

 

 

Lumpsuckers (Cyclopterus lumpus) are found in late spring and early summer only, as they come inshore to lay their eggs. They are large, stocky fish that can reach 50cm in length. The picture shown is of a pregnant female that was 50cm long, and over 20cm wide. They are found in rockpools on the middle and lower shore. They are called lumpsuckers because they house a large 'sucker' that helps them cling on to rocks. They are related to shore clingfish such as the Sea Snail (Liparis liparis).

 

 

 

Plaice (Pleuronectes platessa) are found in sandy rockpools on the middle and lower shore. Juveniles are frequently found in summer, along with some larger adults. Juveniles will often be less than 2cm long. Older examples that are closer to 10cm long can also be found in summer.

 

 

 

The Lesser Sand Eel, or Sand Lance (Ammodytes tobianus) is a very common sight in large rockpools in summer and early autumn, when sea temperatures are at their highest. They rarely exceed 8cm in length, and to confuse predators, they can play dead!

 

 

 

The Rock Goby (Gobius paganellus) is currently a one-time find. We saw it at Scalby on the middle shore, underneath a stone in shallow water. The fish was 10cm long, which is what most adults grow to. *Update* After several months of deliberation, we are now confident that this is indeed a Rock Goby, despite several websites and books claiming that it is absent from the North Sea.

 

 

 

 

Unfortunately, this Wrasse was found dead on the beach.  It is a Ballan Wrasse (Labrus bergylta). They are often found in deeper waters, and can grow up to 60cm long. Our example was about 30cm long.

 

 

 

 

The Corkwing Wrasse (Crenilabrus melops) was first observed in December 2008, to the south of Holbeck stream. No more were seen until Autumn 2009, when three juvenile examples were netted quite high on the shore.

  

 

 

 

 The Lesser Weever fish (Echiichthys vipera) is, as of yet, a one time find. This specimen was found at Cornelian Bay in Spring 2009. I'm sure you'll be glad to hear that nobody was stung.

 

 

 

 

The Star Ascidian (Botryllus schlosseri) was found at Cornelian Bay earlier in 2008. It was found on the lower shore underneath a rock. We often see various different colour forms. Star Ascidian can be found on all three of the beaches we regularly visit.

 

 

 

 

 

 ANY NEW SPECIES OF CHORDATES FOUND AT HOLBECK WILL BE POSTED IN HERE