Crescent Gunnel

Pholis laeta

The Crescent Gunnel, also known as the bracketed blenny, is a small, eel-like fish that can grow up to 25 cm in length. It is distinguished by its unique pattern of blackish crescent-shaped markings with yellow spots along its back, which helps differentiate it from other gunnel species. The body color ranges from orange-brown to olive-green, providing effective camouflage in its natural habitat. This species is commonly found in the shallow coastal waters of the eastern North Pacific, from the Bering Sea coast of Alaska to northern California. It inhabits intertidal zones and tide pools, often hiding under rocks or seaweed, and is capable of breathing air when out of water. The Crescent Gunnel primarily feeds on small crustaceans and marine worms. It reaches sexual maturity at about 10 cm in length, with females laying between 600 and 1,600 eggs in late winter. The eggs are sticky and adhere to each other and the substrate, sometimes guarded by a parent. After about two months, the eggs hatch into larvae, which then become part of the plankton. Divers encountering the Crescent Gunnel might find it in tide pools or under rocks, especially during low tide when it may emerge from the water. It is not considered a threat to humans and is sometimes displayed in public aquariums. The conservation status of this species has not been evaluated by the IUCN.