How to catch Shanny
Lipophrys pholis (Linnaeus, 1758)
About Shanny fishing
The shanny is a small resident marine fish belonging to the combtooth blenny family Blenniidae. It features an elongated, scaleless body covered in a slimy skin, a blunt head with high-set eyes, and a long dorsal fin marked by a central notch. Its coloration is highly variable, ranging from olive green to dark brown with mottled vertical bars and a distinctive dark spot near the front of the dorsal fin. Growing up to seventeen centimetres in total length, this demersal species inhabits shallow rocky shores and intertidal zones down to eight metres. It displays strong homing behaviour, frequently sheltering in rock pools or under damp seaweed during low tides and even breathing air when exposed. The diet consists primarily of small benthic invertebrates such as crustaceans, molluscs, and marine worms, alongside algae. While of no commercial interest, it is frequently encountered by shore anglers and light rock fishing enthusiasts.
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Difficulty
Medium
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Average size
12 cm
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Habitat
Saltwater
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Season
Spring, Summer, Autumn
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Also known as
Blenny, Shan
Caudal shape
More or less truncate tail fin shape distinctive of this species.
Large pectoral fins
Very large and lobe-like pectoral fins help identify the shanny.
Dorsal fin dip
Noticeable dip in the middle of the dorsal fin.
Shanny fishing facts
Characteristics
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Typical size
12 cm (max 17 cm TL ) -
Typical weight
0.2 kg (max 0 kg ) -
Preferred temperature
9.8–19.3 °C -
Depth
0–8 m -
Longevity
10 years -
Body shape
Fusiform / Normal -
Vulnerability score
32.8
Best hours
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Low
Dawn
First light
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Peak
Morning
After sunrise
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Active
Midday
High sun
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Peak
Afternoon
Late day
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Low
Dusk
Last light
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Low
Night
After dark
When to fish for Shanny
How to catch Shanny
Tips for catching Shanny
Targeting this species requires a light touch along rocky shores, harbour walls, and intertidal pools where the fish hold tight to territorial crevices. Bottom presentations using ultralight tackle work best, keeping the rig tight to underwater boulders and weed beds where the fish forage. Small pieces of natural baits such as ragworm, lugworm, or tiny strips of crab matched to a small hook will readily tempt them. Because these fish are daytime feeders that rely on clear vision in shallow water, calm conditions during high tide offer the most productive sessions. Anglers should handle captures carefully and return them promptly to their home pool to respect their established homing territories.
Other names for Shanny
Local and alternate names anglers use for Shanny.
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Shanny
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Shan
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Blenny
Best equipment to catch Shanny
Compare fishing methods for Shanny — sized kit for each technique.
Note: Typical fish is 0.2 kg Our algorithm will suggest the best equipment for you based on this weight.
Bottom Fishing
Presenting bait or rigs on or near the lake or sea floor.
70% Effectiveness
Rod
Spinning rod
A spinning rod is a fishing rod built to carry a spinning reel under the blank. You cast lures and light baits with it from shore or a boat.
Sized for a typical fish
ultralight · 1.8 m
- Reel seat
- Spinning
- Form factor
- Multi-piece
- Action
- Fast
- Grip
- EVA
Reel
Spinning reel
A spinning reel hangs under the fishing rod and is the default reel for casting lures and light baits. Line peels off an open spool with a bail.
Sized for a typical fish
1000 · 3 kg drag · 185 g
- Spool
- Fixed
- Mount
- Under
- Drag
- Front
- Retrieve
- Manual
Line
Monofilament line
Monofilament fishing line is the everyday main line: easy to knot, cheap to replace, and stretchy enough to forgive a hard strike.
Sized for a typical fish
1.3 kg · 0.125 mm
- Visibility
- Medium
- Abrasion
- Medium
- Stretch
- High
- Sink rate
- Slow
Leader
Fluorocarbon leader
A fluorocarbon leader is the clear, fast-sinking join between a visible main line and the lure or hook.
Sized for a typical fish
4 kg · 0.2 mm · 80 cm
- Visibility
- Very low
- Abrasion
- High
- Stretch
- Low
- Sink rate
- Fast
Hook
Circle hook
A circle hook turns in the mouth and usually finds the corner of the jaw. You do not strike hard — you come tight. It includes freshwater.
Sized for a typical fish
4
- Points
- 1
- Offset
- No
- Barbed
- Yes
- Gap
- Standard
Best lures and baits for Shanny
Ranked lures and natural baits from every method, best first.
01
Soft worm
- Bottom Fishing
A long soft worm for Texas, wacky, and ned-style spinning.
02
Lugworm
- Bottom Fishing
Fleshy, segmented body provides substantial scent and natural appeal for bottom fish.
03
Shrimp
- Bottom Fishing
Translucent segmented carapace protects the body.
04
Crab
- Bottom Fishing
Hard upper shell protects the crab and anchors its vital organs.
05
Casting jig
- Bottom Fishing
A casting jig you hop, drag, and swim on the bottom.
Where Shanny spends the year — Non-migratory
Stays in the same waters year-round. Look for it on the same grounds rather than timing a run.
1 Eggs
Same water all year
Laid on the home grounds.
2 Juveniles
Same water all year
Grow up close by.
3 Adults
Same water all year
Keep to a small home range.
4 Spawners
Same water all year
Spawn on the same grounds, with only short moves.
Hover or tap a number to read each stage.
Diet and behavior of Shanny
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Diet
Carnivore -
Feeds by
Mixed feeder -
Hunts
Morning · Afternoon -
Feeds over
Intertidal · Seagrass -
Main prey
Baitfish · Bottom prey
Prey and predators of Shanny
Prey is what Shanny eats. Predators are the animals that eat it.
That is how it feeds, and how it is hunted.
Prey
What it eats
Predators
What hunts it
Fish
Where Shanny lives
Lives on or just above the bottom. Work jigs, bait, and lures along the seabed.
0–8 m
Where this species lives
Shanny photos for identification
Compare these photos with the catalog plate to identify the species.
Where to fish for Shanny
Mapped fishing spots where Shanny is recorded — open a pin for access and methods.
