How to Identify Shanny

To identify Shanny (Lipophrys pholis), look at these key features.

Physical Characteristics

Body shape

eel-like

Coloration

Highly variable, ranging from olive-green to brown, often mottled or blotched to blend with its surroundings. Males may develop darker coloration and a prominent white spot behind the eye during breeding season. The belly is typically paler.

Scale type

none

Mouth position

terminal

Distinctive features

Smooth, scaleless body, Large, prominent eyes set high on the head, Thick, fleshy lips, Continuous dorsal fin with both spiny and soft rays, Absence of tentacles or cirri on the head (distinguishing feature from many other blennies)

Dorsal fin

Long, continuous fin extending from behind the head to the caudal peduncle, with 11-13 spines and 17-20 soft rays. The spiny portion is typically lower than the soft-rayed portion.

Tail fin

Rounded caudal fin.

Pectoral fin

Large, fan-like pectoral fins.

Distinctive fins

Pelvic fins are jugular (located anterior to the pectoral fins) and consist of one spine and two soft rays, often appearing finger-like.

Identification Tips

1. 1

   Body Surface

   Feel for a smooth, scaleless body. This is a key differentiator from many other fish species.

2. 2

   Head Features

   Observe the large, prominent eyes and the absence of any tentacles or cirri (fleshy appendages) on the head, which are present in many other blenny species.

3. 3

   Dorsal Fin

   Note the single, continuous dorsal fin that runs along most of the back. The spiny anterior part is usually lower than the soft-rayed posterior part.

4. 4

   Coloration

   While variable, the mottled brown or olive-green coloration helps it blend with rocky substrates. Look for a paler belly.

5. 5

   Breeding Males

   During the breeding season, males become much darker, almost black, and develop a distinctive white spot behind each eye.

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