Family Stichaeidae - pricklebacks
Pricklebacks are cold water species common in the north Pacific. These
eel-like fishes inhabit near shore, ranging from rocky subtidal zones to soft
bottoms over 100 meters.
High cockscomb- Anoplarchus
purpurescens
Remarks: A small slender fish
inhabiting coastal rocky zones. This unique fish is seclusive and is rarely
observed.
Identification: A fleshy crest is on top of the
head. Pelvic fins are absent. Coloration varies but most are brownish with
darker and lighter mottling. Two dark bands on cheek region. Body elongate.
Length to 20cm.
Range: Alaska to southern California.
Monkeyface prickleback- Cebidichthys violaceus
Remarks: Preferred habitat
is rocky coastal zones and tidepools. Resides among the rocky jetties in the
bay. People poke-pole fishing occasionally catch monkeyface pricklebacks.
Identification: Head is rounded with a lumpy ridge. Two
dark bands radiate back from the eyes. Lateral line is just below the dorsal
fin. Coloration is uniformly dark olive to black. Length to 76cm.
Range: Oregon to Baja California.
Decorated warbonnet- Chirolophis
decoratus
Remarks: One individual recorded
from the bay. Resides in subtidal rocky zones from Humboldt Bay northward.
Identification: Single large cirrus in front of each eye
and many cirri on top of head. Small pelvic fins present, thoracic. Coloration
is light brown with lighter mottling. Length to 42cm.
Range: Alaska to northern California.
Snake prickleback- Lumpenus
sagitta
Remarks: Habitat varies from bays and
shallow waters to offshore zones. Occasionally taken by anglers in the bayÍs
channels and jetties.
Identification: Body elongate. Dorsal
fin originates above gill opening and terminates at base of caudal fin. Anal fin
about half of body length. A midbody row of dark oblong blotches extends from
the operculum to the caudal fin. Caudal fin has dark vertical bands. Body color
is greenish and lighter below. Length to 51cm.
Range:
Alaska to northern California.