The three-bearded rockling, Gaidropsarus vulgaris, has one long white barbel under the lower lip and two projecting forward over the top lip. Colour is a basic light brown, sometimes with a pinkish cast, and boldly marked with light blotches. It grows to about 50cms but is not often observed as it spends most of its time well hidden under rocks. If disturbed, it makes a very rapid gettaway and dives under another rock before the observer has really time to see what has happened! Inhabits an area from just below low tide mark down to 50m although juveniles can be found in rock pools.

Location: North Sea - St. Abbs Marine Reserve