British Sign Language Glossaries of Curriculum Terms

BSL Marine Glossary - Butterfish - definition

Translation:

The Butterfish has pectoral fins like other fish but positioned higher on the body behind the eyes. Also known as 'Rock Gunnel' they are small and eel-like in appearance. They have a long dorsal fin that tapers from front to back, with black spots ringed with white along their back. Butterfish range in colour from yellow/orange to reddish brown with darker spotted markings and a black stripe down each eye.

Butterfish are found in the Atlantic Ocean, between Northern Europe and North America, where they live in shallow water (intertidal zone). They are slippery to the touch and difficult to grasp. Butterfish feed on small crabs, crustaceans, shrimps and worms. They are dutiful parents, guarding their eggs which are deposited in a crevice.