| Family: |
Stichaeidae (Pricklebacks), subfamily: Xiphisterinae |
| Max. size: |
58 cm TL (male/unsexed); max. reported age: 11 years |
| Environment: |
demersal; marine; depth range 0 - 18 m |
| Distribution: |
Eastern Pacific: Port San Juan, southeastern Alaska to Santa Cruz Island, southern California, USA. |
| Diagnosis: |
Dorsal spines (total): 71-77; Dorsal soft rays (total): 0-0; Anal spines: 0-0; Anal soft rays: 46-50. Caudal small and rounded, directed upward; pectorals as minute flaps (Ref. 6885). Greenish black with several dusky white bars on posterior part of body, 2 dark bands diverging back from each eye, each band double with a paler center (Ref. 6885). |
| Biology: |
Found in rocky areas, from intertidal to 18 m depth, mostly on exposed coast (Ref. 2850). May remain out of water under rocks or seaweed (Ref. 31184). Feed mainly on algae (Ref. 6885). Oviparous, eggs are laid in several clumps or masses which are guarded by the male (Ref. 58332). Breathe air (Ref. 31184) and can stay out of water for 17-23 hours if kept moist (Ref. 51276). |
| IUCN Red List Status: |
Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 29 November 2023 Ref. (130435)
|
| Threat to humans: |
harmless |
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