Description: This rockling is relatively large, reaching a maximum size of 40 cm, although more commonly around 25 cm. It has three barbels on its head. The overall colouration is dark brown - red or orange on their backs becoming paler underneath, and may sometimes feature pale speckling along lateral line or flanks. Large adults may have pale spots on their head.

Habitat: Found on a range of substrates, among rockpools to shallow subtidal down to around 20 m, although there are rare records from 60 m.

Distribution: Scattered records from around Britain and Ireland. There may be some confusion with Gaidropsarus vulgaris.

Similar Species: Could be confused with Gaidropsarus vulgaris but G. mediterraneus lacks the distinctive colouration and patterning of Gaidropsarus vulgaris and G. vulgaris is highly unlikely to be found on the shore.

Key Identification Features:

• Three barbels on head.
• Dark brown to orange colouration on back; paler underneath.
• May have pale speckling along lateral line or flank.

Distribution Map from NBN: Gaidropsarus mediterraneus at National Biodiversity Network mapping facility, data for UK.

iNaturalist: Gaidropsarus mediterraneus at iNaturalist World Species Observations database.

GBIF data for Gaidropsarus mediterraneus

WoRMS: Gaidropsarus mediterraneus at World Register of Marine Species. Accepted name: Gaidropsarus mediterraneus (Linnaeus, 1758). AphiaID: 126457.

Classification: Biota; Animalia; Chordata; Vertebrata; Gnathostomata; Osteichthyes; Actinopterygii; Actinopteri; Teleostei; Gadiformes; Gaidropsaridae; Gaidropsarus