Pholis is a noun that refers to a genus of small marine fish belonging to the family Pholidae, which are commonly known as gunnels. This genus includes various species that are distributed primarily in the colder regions of the northern Atlantic and northwestern Pacific Oceans. Gunnels are characterized by their slim and elongated body shape, typically reaching lengths between 10 and 30 centimeters.
Pholis fish are known for their slender, eel-like bodies that enable them to navigate through small crevices and rocky habitats. They typically have a flattened head, small eyes, and a large mouth with sharp teeth. Their body is covered in elongated scales, which are often arranged in distinct bands that provide them with some camouflage against their surroundings.
These fish are commonly found in intertidal areas, shallow coastal waters, and rocky reefs, where they hide among crevices and feeding primarily on small invertebrates like crustaceans, mollusks, and worms. Their coloring can vary but is often brown or greenish in order to blend with their habitat.
Despite their small size, gunnels play an important role in the marine ecosystem as both predator and prey. They are preyed upon by larger fish, marine mammals, and birds, while they themselves contribute to the diet of various marine organisms.
Overall, pholis or gunnels are small marine fish notable for their slender body, adaptation to rocky habitats, and their role within the marine food chain.
