Viviparous Blenny
Zoarces viviparus
Habitat: Rocky shore, rock pools, kelp forest
Depth: 0-30m
Food: Small crustaceans, snails, eggs and fry of fish
Length: Up to 40cm
Lifespan: Up to 14 years
Conservation Status: Least Concern (LC) Assessed 2014
A long eel-like fish with protruding lips, the viviparous blenny (or eelpout) lives under stones and seaweed. It is unusual among fish in that it gives birth to live young. Up to 400 young hatch from eggs within the female blenny’s body then attach to small glands in the ovary and suckle nutrients and oxygen. The mother is pregnant for up to 6 months before the baby blennies are born.