Cunner facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Cunner |
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The cunner (Tautogolabrus adspersus) is a type of fish found in the northwestern Atlantic Ocean. It's also known by other names like blue perch or sea perch. This fish is part of the wrasse family, which includes many colorful fish often seen near coral reefs.
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About the Cunner Fish
Cunners live in coastal waters, usually close to the seafloor. They like to hide in places with lots of seaweed, old shipwrecks, or wharf pilings (the posts that hold up docks). They can be found at depths from about 30 feet (10 meters) down to over 400 feet (128 meters).
During the cold winter months, cunners go into a special deep sleep. They hide underneath rocks and stay very still until the weather gets warmer. You might also see them in aquariums!
How to Spot a Cunner
Cunners are often found living near another fish called the tautog. They sometimes share the same hiding spots. Cunners are usually smaller than tautogs. You can tell a cunner apart by its pointed snout. Anglers (people who fish) sometimes catch a cunner and think it's a small tautog.
Cunners are also amazing because they can change their color! This helps them blend in with their surroundings. Because of this, they can sometimes be confused with other fish like black sea bass or grouper.
Cunner's Special Abilities
Cunners have a cool trick to survive cold temperatures and low oxygen. They can enter a special state where their body functions slow down a lot. This is like going into a super deep sleep or hibernation.
For example, in Newfoundland, Canada, cunners have been seen going into this dormant (sleeping) state when the water gets colder than 5°C (41°F). They stay in this state until May or June when the water warms up again. This ability helps them survive tough conditions.
A Record-Breaking Cunner
On May 26, 2019, something exciting happened in New Jersey! A new state record was set for the biggest cunner ever caught. This amazing fish weighed 3 pounds, 8.8 ounces. It was 18.5 inches long and 13 inches around. This was a big deal because it beat the old record by more than 6 ounces!
Tautogolabrus adspersus is currently the only known type of fish in its specific group (genus).
