Some notes on the biology of the snake blenny, Lumpenus lampretaeformis on the west coast of Scotland

Abstract

Large catches of the snake blenny, Lumpenus lampretaeformis, have been made in the inshore waters of the west coast of Scotland. Analysis of these catches confirm the view that this species shows marked seasonal variations in abundance. The species lives for up to 9 years and has a rapid growth rate in the first 2 years. It feeds mainly on meiobenthic organisms, of which polychaetes, harpacticoid copepods, ostracods and nematodes are the most important. The reason for the seasonal variation in catch rate is discussed and it is speculated that it may result from the fossorial habit of the adults and the parental care of the eggs.