A Manx Wildlife Trust (MWT) volunteer has identified a new species of fish in Manx waters.
Jon Russell-Dunn identified the Small Headed Clingfish (Apletodon dentus) in Douglas Bay in 2022.
The little fishy reaches a maximum length of around 4cm and have only been recorded 3 times in Ireland and are predominantly found in the south of the UK.
New fish
The MWT says that due to the fishes small size and the possible confusion with its more common cousin the Two-Spotted Clingfish (Diplecogaster bimaculata bimaculate) they could be under reported.
It adds that their presence could also be a result of climate change.
MWT
The Manx Wildlife Trust have received a number of recent reports of wildlife disturbance, some about barn owls and others about grey seals.
It would respectfully remind photographers and wildlife watchers to always give wildlife space.
It has issued a few tips for those of you that are keen to capture the magnificent beasts, but also just respect their space too:
- If a barn owl is hunting during the day it is probably struggling to find enough food. Disturbing them at this time could make life even harder for them.
- If a seal lifts it’s head to look at you then it is disturbed. It may not seem like much, but causing a seal to return to the sea when it is on land resting, and likely digesting food, can have a serious effect.
Here is a simple rule of thumb from trust: If your actions cause the animal’s behaviour to change in any way you should stop and slowly back away.
There is some good guidance on bird watching and wildlife photography on the Government website.
And also relating to seals on the MWT website.
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