Arctic Shanny

Stichaeus punctatus is a subspecies of the ray-finned fish in the spine family (Stichaeidae). It is an amphiboreal northern blenny.

Description

Its body shape is moderately elongated and compressed laterally. The coloring of the top varies from green to brownish, that of the bottom is whitish yellow.  Its head has a pointed form, it is without scales; its lower part is marked with 6 or 7 short bands of dark color. His mouth is small and his lower jaw is overflowing. The eyes are of medium size and are separated by a small space. The lateral line is high on the side and ends under the middle of the dorsal. Flanks, caudal, anal and pectoral fins are spotted. The pectoral fins are rounded. There are 5 to 6 dark spots on the dorsal fin. Pelvic yellow is well developed. Its maximum size is 220 mm.

Distribution

North Pacific: south to British Columbia. North Atlantic: Arctic to western Greenland and Maine, USA.

Habitat and biology

Found in subtidal rocky to sandy areas. Benthic; feeds on crustaceans and worms. Depth range 0 - 100 m, usually to 55 m. This fish can live in water that’s below freezing, thanks to an enzyme in their blood that acts as a natural antifreeze.

Threat to humans: harmless.