| Family: |
Stichaeidae (Pricklebacks), subfamily: Xiphisterinae |
| Max. size: |
30.5 cm TL (male/unsexed) |
| Environment: |
demersal; marine; depth range 8 - 12 m |
| Distribution: |
Eastern Pacific: Kodiak Island, Alaska to Rio Santo Tomas, northern Baja California, Mexico. |
| Diagnosis: |
Dorsal spines (total): 65-73; Dorsal soft rays (total): 0-0; Anal spines: 0-0; Anal soft rays: 40-52. Caudal rounded; pectorals as minute flaps (Ref. 6885). Dark reddish brown to black with head pale enough to display 3 dark light-edged bands radiating from each eye; light band sometimes prominent across base of caudal fin and extending on dorsal and anal fins (Ref. 6885). |
| Biology: |
Juveniles and adults inhabit intertidal areas down to 8 m depth (Ref. 2850); Individuals to 2 cm in length have been taken from surface waters (Ref. 6885). Found under rocks and in gravel areas (Ref. 2850). May remain out of water under rocks or seaweed (Ref. 31184). Breathe air (Ref. 31184) and can stay out of water for 10-23 hours if kept moist (Ref. 51276). Oviparous, eggs are laid in several clumps or masses which are guarded by the male (Ref. 58332). |
| IUCN Red List Status: |
Not Evaluated (N.E.) Ref. (130435)
|
| Threat to humans: |
harmless |
| Country info: |
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