Pholis schultzi is a species of fish belonging to the family Pholidae, commonly known as gunnels. These fish are characterized by their elongated, snake-like bodies and their ability to cling to rocks and seaweed using their pelvic fins, which are modified into a sucker-like structure.
Description & Characteristics
Pholis schultzi can reach a maximum size of 13.0 cm. They are typically found in shallow waters, with a depth range of 0.0 to 18.0 meters. Their bodies are slender and compressed, with a small head and a slightly pointed snout. They have a single dorsal fin that extends almost the entire length of their back, and their anal fin is also quite long. The coloration of Pholis schultzi can vary depending on the environment, but they are generally a mottled brown or gray with darker spots or blotches.
Habitat and Occurrence
Pholis schultzi is a common inhabitant of the intertidal zone and shallow subtidal areas. They are often found in rocky areas, tide pools, and kelp forests, where they can use their sucker-like pelvic fins to cling to surfaces and avoid being swept away by currents. These fish are found primarily in the northeastern Pacific Ocean, from Alaska to California, where they are a familiar sight in the near-shore habitats of the neritic zone.
Taxonomy
Pholis schultzi belongs to the Class: Teleostei, Order: Perciformes, and Family: Pholidae. This classification reflects their evolutionary relationships with other fish, placing them among the ray-finned fishes, a diverse group that includes most of the familiar bony fishes. They are further classified within the perch-like fishes, which share similarities in their body plan and skeletal structures. The Pholidae, or gunnel family, contains a diverse range of species adapted for life in shallow marine environments, often clinging to rocky surfaces or hiding in crevices.
Feeding
Pholis schultzi is a carnivore, feeding primarily on small invertebrates such as crustaceans, polychaetes, and mollusks. They use their small, protrusible mouths to capture prey, often hunting by ambush in crevices or among rocks. Their diet plays an important role in the marine food web, helping to regulate populations of small invertebrates and contributing to the balance of their nearshore ecosystems.
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