[3] Distributed in the Eastern Atlantic from the southern Norway to Morocco and Madeira, including the Mediterranean and the Balearics.

[5] The males change in colour to being all black with a contrasting white mouth and a pale blue margin to the dorsal fin when in breeding condition.

[5] The shanny is an intertidal species which displays homing behavior and which occurs along rocky coasts in shallow waters.

[4] They prefer to remain in rockpools at low tide and will only shelter in crevices or under boulders if they cannot return to a favoured pool.

[6] The eggs are laid under rocks in the intertidal zone[8] and the larvae are young can be common on shorelines in the autumn.