The striped gunnel, although not well known to sport fishermen, is a fascinating fish that primarily inhabits the salt and brackish waters of Quebec. It is often found in cold coastal waters, making it a less targeted species by recreational anglers. However, it plays an essential role in the coastal marine ecosystem, serving as prey for many predators. Its distribution is mainly in the St. Lawrence regions and adjacent maritime waters. Due to its small size and discreet behavior, it is rarely intentionally caught, but it can be accidentally captured while fishing for other species. Its sporting interest is therefore limited, but it remains a fascinating subject of study for ichthyologists.

The striped gunnel has an elongated, snake-like body that typically reaches a length of 15 to 20 cm. Its color ranges from light brown to dark brown, with lighter crossbands giving it a distinctive striped appearance. The head is small with a relatively wide mouth and thick lips. The dorsal and anal fins are long and continuous, extending almost the entire length of the body, which is typical of the Pholidae family. The caudal fin is rounded. The scales are small and barely visible, contributing to its smooth appearance. Juveniles resemble adults but are often paler. There is no marked sexual dimorphism between males and females, even during the spawning period.

In Quebec, the striped gunnel is primarily found in the coastal waters of the Gulf of St. Lawrence and in certain areas of the estuary. It prefers shallow, rocky areas, often near marine algae and seagrass where it can find shelter and food. Although its distribution is limited to coastal regions, it can sometimes be observed in the brackish waters of river mouths. Its presence is more sporadic in the deeper waters of the St. Lawrence, where it is less abundant.

The striped gunnel favors shallow coastal waters, generally between 0 and 10 meters deep. It is often associated with rocky bottoms and areas with abundant vegetation cover, such as algae and seagrass. These habitats provide the striped gunnel with both protection from predators and a constant supply of food. It tolerates variations in salinity well, allowing it to live in brackish waters. The ideal temperatures for this species are between 5 and 15 °C, which correspond to the conditions often encountered in the coastal waters of Quebec.

Spawning of the striped gunnel occurs in spring when temperatures begin to rise. Females lay their eggs in crevices or under stones, where they are protected from predators. Males guard the eggs until they hatch, which usually occurs after two to three weeks. The larvae are pelagic before transforming into juveniles and joining the seabed. Growth is relatively rapid, and gunnels reach sexual maturity around two to three years of age. Their lifespan is 5 to 7 years. Spring → Spawning and laying → Summer → Juvenile growth → Autumn → Preparation for winter → Winter → Slowed life

The striped gunnel is rather solitary, although it can be observed in small groups in food-rich areas. It is not particularly territorial and often shares its habitat with other fish and invertebrate species. It is generally active during the day, hiding among rocks and algae to avoid predators. Variations in light and temperature influence its activity, and it tends to be more active in overcast or rainy weather when light is diffuse.

The diet of the striped gunnel evolves with age. Juveniles primarily feed on small crustaceans and zooplankton. As they grow, their diet expands to include marine worms, mollusks, and small fish. In summer, when food is abundant, they feed opportunistically, while in winter, they reduce their activity and consume less. They primarily feed at the bottom, foraging among rocks and algae for food.

Fishing for the striped gunnel is rarely practiced intentionally, but it can be accidentally caught throughout the year. In spring and summer, it is more active during the day, especially during rising tides. In autumn, its activity decreases slightly, while in winter, it becomes very discreet. The best chances of capture are during cloudy or rainy weather, where low light reduces its vigilance. Atmospheric pressure and wind have little impact on its behavior, but it tends to be more active when the sea is calm.

For the striped gunnel, prefer small lures imitating worms or crustaceans. In clear water, use natural colors like brown, olive green, or beige. In murky water, brighter colors like orange or red can attract their attention. In sunny weather, metallic lures or those with reflections can be effective, while in overcast conditions, matte or dark-colored lures are preferable.

To fish for the striped gunnel, an ultra-light rod of 1.8 to 2.1 meters is ideal, with a fast action to feel the delicate bites. A small reel, spooled with 4 to 6 lb line, is sufficient. Use hooks size 8 to 12, suitable for the small mouths of these fish. A fluorocarbon leader can be useful for its stealth, especially in clear water.

Handling the striped gunnel should be gentle due to its small size and sensitive skin. Use wet hands to avoid damaging its protective mucus. If you wish to release it, do so quickly to minimize stress. For photos, support it well and avoid holding it out of the water for too long.

The striped gunnel is prey for various aquatic predators such as striped bass and Atlantic cod. Among birds, the double-crested cormorant and the herring gull are frequent hunters of coastal fish like it.

In Quebec, the striped gunnel is not considered a threatened species, and there are no specific regulations regarding its fishing. However, as with any species, it is important to practice sustainable fishing and respect marine ecosystems. Catch and release is encouraged to preserve local populations.