cunner
Species Facts

Science Name: Tautogolabrus adspersus
Other Names: cunner, bergall
World Record: 1 lb. 9 oz.
Description

Characteristics
Cunners range in color from mottled reddish to bluish brown on top, fading to slightly paler hues along their sides. These fish have a pointed snout and are moderately slender and deep bodied in shape. They have a single long dorsal fin and a very deep caudal peduncle. Their small mouth is lined with several rows of uneven cone shaped teeth. Cunner rarely grow over one foot in length. Their usual size is between 6 and 10 inches in length and less than 3 pounds in weight.

Size
Cunners grow to about ten to twelve inches in length.

Range
This is a Northern fish, found from Canada to New Jersey.

Habitat
Although it is strictly a shallow water fish, it may be found on nearly all types of bottoms. Rocks and pilings are especially favored. Like most rock dwelling fish, the cunner swims with its pectoral (side) fins rather than the tail. This allows the fish to easilymanuver among the cracks and crevices of the rocks.

Food
The cunner is an omnivore. It uses its sharp teeth and strong jaws to feed on shellfish, algae, crabs and nearly any other plant or animal growing on the bottom.

Importance
This is an extremely common fish but is not used commercially. It is refered to by anglers as the “choggie”, notorious for stealing bait of fishing hooks.

In the Aquarium
The cunner does well in captivity. It accepts all foods and is not aggressive towards other fish. It tends to be quite shy, however, venturing out into the open only to feed.