Help identify a local

[Youkai]

Hi all,

Found this fish while in Qualicum Beach (that's on Vancouver Island, for those of you not familiar).
Any help identifying it would be great.

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/210/501403204_f635154390_o.jpg
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/195/501437141_02bdd3e80b_o.jpg

[christyf5]

Probably a saddleback gunnel, Pholis ornata. Cool little fish :biggrin:

[Delphinus]

Sure looks like a gunnel. Is it a baby one or does this species stay tiny like that? The penpoint gunnels I've seen are like small eels, easily 12" or more..

[Coldwater]

Sure looks like a gunnel. Is it a baby one or does this species stay tiny like that? The penpoint gunnels I've seen are like small eels, easily 12" or more..

Ya those will get to about a foot long. They look different when they are older though.

Matt

[Youkai]

Thanks for the ID...that was driving me crazy.
Are there any good books or websites for identifying local critters in our waters?

[Coldwater]

I am not really a fan of computers so I don't know if there are any good websites buuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuut there are many great books on that thing. Coastal Fishes of the Pacific NorthWest by Andy Lamb and Phil Edgell is ok but the best book full of the most information and pictures is Marine Life of the Pacific NorthWest by Andy Lamb and Bernard Hanby. There are many more but these are the best two in my option.

Matt

[Dale]

I second the marine life book by Lamb/Hanby. 398 pg's of excellent colour photos. I got mine for about $50. Publisher: www.harbourpublishing.com. Click on browse and scroll down to the title.

[Youkai]

Thanks again guys. I'm going to have to check those out (soon!).