This slender fish has a very pointed snout and narrow body. On the upper surface there are tiny dark spots.

Low tide to about 15m deep on exposed shores. Usually in amongst seaweed, they can be very hard to spot. Found all over NZ except on the West Coast.

A predator feeding on small crustaceans.

Breeds in the winter or spring and there is usually a single layer of eggs laid in the seaweed. The male does not guard the nest.

Photo Credit: Rod Morris. Photos available from www.rodmorris.co.nz