Three-bearded rockling – Gaidropsarus vulgaris

The Three-bearded Rockling, scientifically known as Gaidropsarus vulgaris, is a fish species belonging to the family Lotidae. These fish are commonly found in the Northeast Atlantic, inhabiting coastal waters and the continental shelf.

Description & Characteristics

Gaidropsarus vulgaris is characterized by its elongated, slender body, typically reaching a maximum size of 60.0 cm. Its body is covered in small scales, and its color can vary from brown to grayish-brown, often with darker blotches. A distinctive feature of the Three-bearded Rockling is its three prominent barbels, two located on the chin and one on the snout, which are used to detect food on the seabed.

Habitat and Occurrence

The Three-bearded Rockling, Gaidropsarus vulgaris, is a demersal species, meaning it lives and feeds on or near the bottom of the ocean floor. Their preferred habitat is rocky and gravelly bottoms, where they can find shelter and food. These fish are typically found in depths ranging from 20.0 to 120.0 meters, occupying the bathyal zone, the region of the ocean floor between 200 and 3,000 meters.

Taxonomy

The species Gaidropsarus vulgaris belongs to the Class: Teleostei, Order: Gadiformes, and Family: Lotidae. This family encompasses a diverse group of fish commonly known as codfishes, including species like the common cod and the haddock.

Feeding

Gaidropsarus vulgaris, the Three-bearded Rockling, is a carnivorous fish that feeds primarily on invertebrates. Its diet includes a wide range of organisms found on the seabed, such as: clams, crabs, crustaceans, edible crab, fish (little fishes), isopods, rock shrimps, schrimps, snails, worms, and zoobenthos. The barbels on its chin and snout help it locate and capture these prey items.