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Montagu's sea snail

Montagu's sea snail by Paul Naylor

Montagu’s sea snail

Scientific name: Liparis montagui
Although, commonly referred to as a ‘sea snail,’ this species in fact belongs to the fish family!

Species information

Category

Statistics

Up to 12cm long, usually much smaller.

Conservation status

Unknown.

When to see

April - October.

About

Montagu’s sea snails often feed on small crustaceans and use a modified pelvic fin or ‘sucker’ to cling rocks and seaweed. Which is where it is often found!

How to identify

This small fish resembles a large tadpole, with a large head and tapering tail, which can often be seen curled up under its chin. Colour is usually olive brown.

Distribution

Found around the British Isles and North Sea.

Habitats

Did you know?

This fish has no scales, but instead has skin, covered in tiny prickles!

How people can help

Always follow the Seashore Code when rockpooling, be careful to leave everything as you found it - replace any rocks you turn over, put back any crabs or fish and ensure not to scrape anything off its rocky home. If you want to learn more about our rockpool life, Wildlife Trusts around the UK run rockpool safaris and offer Shoresearch training - teaching you to survey your local rocky shore. The data collected is then used to protect our coasts and seas through better management or through the designation of Marine Protected Areas.