Phytichthys chirus (Jordan & Gilbert, 1880)
Ribbon prickleback
Phytichthys chirus
photo by Bull. U.S. Bur. Fish.

Family:  Stichaeidae (Pricklebacks), subfamily: Xiphisterinae
Max. size:  20 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  demersal; marine; depth range 0 - 12 m
Distribution:  Eastern Pacific: Bering Sea coast of Alaska to southern California, USA.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 69-78; Dorsal soft rays (total): 0-0; Anal spines: 2-3; Anal soft rays: 40-50. Caudal rounded; pectorals very small (Ref. 6885). Olive green to olive dark brown dorsally, yellow to green ventrally, frequently with darker markings on side, small white spots sometimes evident along midside, 4 light and dark streaks reaching back and down from eyes, fins green to brown tinged with yellow (Ref. 6885).
Biology:  Found under rocks in intertidal areas and to about 12 m depth (Ref. 2850). Feeds on crustaceans, and red and green algae (Ref. 6885).
IUCN Red List Status: Not Evaluated (N.E.) Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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