Fivebeard rockling
📖 Overview
A resident intertidal species with homing behavior . Generally close to the shore, not descending to great depths beyond the limits of the distribution of green algae (20 m), preferring rock bottoms but also living on sandy, muddy, and shell gravel bottoms. Feed mainly on crustaceans, sometimes also on algae, polychaetes, gastropods and occasionally, small fish. Occurs in temperatures ranging from 8 to 24°C .
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Dorsal spines (total): 0; Anal spines: 0. Head relatively small, more than five times in SL. No lobed fold of skin above the upper lip. First fin ray followed by a row of small, fleshy filaments. Dark brown dorsally, reddish to blackish grading to pale gray-brown ventrally . One barbel on the lower jaw and four on the snout .: elongated; Cross section: oval.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Fivebeard rockling is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
🥚 Reproduction
Eggs and larvae are pelagic.
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Marine; demersal; oceanodromous ; depth range 17 - 22 m . Temperate; 72°N - 38°N, 25°W - 22°E Northeast Atlantic: Lisbon north to Finnmark, around the British Isles, in the Skagerrak and Kattegat and Iceland.
🌿 Ecology
crustaceans, sometimes also on algae, polychaetes, gastropods and occasionally, small fish
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🍽️ Edibility & Flavour
"Fivebeard rockling is an edible species."
- Clear, bright eyes — cloudy eyes indicate age
- Firm flesh that springs back when pressed
- Fresh ocean smell, never strong or ammonia-like
- Bright red or pink gills, not grey or brown
- Shiny, moist skin with scales tightly attached
- Cloudy or sunken eyes
- Strong fishy or ammonia odour
- Soft, mushy flesh that doesn't spring back
- Discoloured or dry flesh
⚡ Nutrition
Per 100g cooked - Source: USDA FoodData Central
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Protein | 17.5 g |
| Omega-3 (total) | 342 mg |
🔬 Mercury Safety
Mercury data for Fivebeard rockling has not yet been assigned. Please consult FDA/EPA guidance for general seafood safety advice.
🌿 Sustainability
🔬 Full Nutritional Profile
Per 100g - Raw, per 100g - Source: USDA FoodData Central templates (generic fish average)
📊 Population Dynamics
| Year | Region | Index | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| - | - | - |
🌐 Names & Taxonomy
Scientific Synonyms
| Scientific Name | Author | Year | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ciliata glauca | Couch | 1832 | Synonym |
| Couchia glauca | Couch | 1832 | Synonym |
| Couchia minor | Thompson | 1839 | Synonym |
| Enchelyopus mustela | Linnaeus | 1758 | Synonym |
| Gadus mustela | Linnaeus | 1758 | Synonym |
| Gaidropsarus mustela | Linnaeus | 1758 | Synonym |
| Molvella borealis | Kaup | 1858 | Synonym |
| Motella argenteola | Düben & Koren | 1846 | Synonym |
| Motella mustela | Linnaeus | 1758 | Synonym |
| Onos mustela | Linnaeus | 1758 | Synonym |
🔍 Similar Species
🗺️ Global Occurrence Map
Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) - 42 records indexed .
👥 Community & Contribute
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