Tadpole Fish (Raniceps raninus)

Comrades,

I am attempting to collate records of Tadpole Fish (Raniceps raninus) from Irish waters and I would be grateful for your assistance.

Since the species is relatively small, it has no commercial value and is therefore rarely landed by fishermen. Its general preference for inshore rocky habitats also probably protects it from most forms of commercial fishing (apart from potting).

Although there are only about 30 published records of its occurrence, it is possible that the species is probably much more common, at least locally. Significantly, at least 30% of the published records were captured by anglers.

I am interested in hearing from any anglers who may have captured this species, including details about where and when, size (total length & weight) and, if possible, a photo.

Many Thanks,

Rarefish

talk to Ronald Surgenor off this forum, he has caught some if I recall.
Also appear regularly to small boat competition our of Cahore and SE in general, offshore.

FWIW

Had one in Cahirciveen 2 years ago aboard a charter, fishing the Munster Open. Fish was taken over a reef in over 250 feet of water and actually hooked on a baited pirk. It was about 8 inches long. Thats the most info I can give I'm afraid as apart from a cursory glance and an "oh look, a tadpole fish" it was back to the job at hand mid comp.

I`ve had quite a few at Bangor Pier.Sizes from 4oz to 1lb and lost bigger.
Only ever had them at night during the winter,but that could just be that we fished the pier more at that time.
Ronald had a few too and i know of a few other people who have caught them.
Talk to Davy Macormick he said he caught a really big one from the pier

I`ll upload some pic`s when i`ve more time

here's a link to one i had a couple of years ago, with some pictures

viewtopic.php?f=3&t=14336&start=0&st=0&sk=t&sd=a

Quite common in the pots off the north coast

Many thanks to Kieran, Petekd, Davy Murdock, John1 & Fishermanfin for their helpful replies. Please keep me posted if you come across any further specimens.

Best Regards,

Rarefish

Fairly sure Donal Domeney had one mid comp in Cork Harbour at one stage bout 2 years ago.

Fairly sure Donal Domeney had one mid comp in Cork Harbour at one stage bout 2 years ago.

It's here viewtopic.php?f=5&t=20466

Caught it east of Power Head it was the 3rd. one I've go in that area

Hi, got one off a wreck 10 miles south of dunmore east, it had managed to get its mouth around a full mackerel flapper on a size 10/0 hook! picture of it in the species hunt section for boats under screeming reels,
Had another one out of kilmore quay, 40 foot water, on a reef, caught on size 8 hook and ragworm