Halfmoon (Medialuna californiensis) fish species and information / pictures of Halfmoon - Medialuna californiensis

Halfmoon (Medialuna californiensis) fish species information

Scientific Name
Medialuna californiensis

Common Name
Halfmoon

Biology
Often occur in rocky areas and in kelp beds. Found from inshore areas to 40 m depth. Feed on seaweed and small invertebrates. Pelagic spawner (Ref. 56049). Also caught with harpoons. The flesh is of excellent quality and is marketed fresh (Ref. 9310).

Classification

Classified By
Steindachner, 1876
Class
Ray-finned fishes (Actinopterygii)
Order
Perch-like fish (Perciformes)
Family
Sea chubs (Kyphosidae)

Distribution

Region
Eastern Pacific
Distribution
Eastern Pacific: Vancouver Island in British Columbia, Canada to Gulf of California; rare north of Point Conception in California, USA.
Range
51°N - 23°N

Environment

Climate
Temperate
Water Temperature From
Unknown °C
Water Temperature To
Unknown °C
Depth From - meters
0 m
Depth To - meters
40 m
Zone
demersal
Environment
Marine; demersal; depth range 0 - 40 m (Ref. 9310)
Trophic Level
2.67 s.e. 0.22 Based on food items.
Occurs in Marine / Salt water
True
Occurs in Brackish water
False
Occurs in Fresh Water
False
Occurs on Reefs
False
Is kept in Aquariums
False

Physical Size and Genetics

Maximum Length
48.0 cm
Common Length
Unknown cm
Phylogenetic Diversity Index
PD50 = 0.7500 many relatives (e.g. carps) 0.5 - 2.0 few relatives (e.g. lungfishes)

Human Uses and Population

Human Uses
Unknown
Vulnerability
Low to moderate vulnerability (34 of 100)
Resilience
Medium, minimum population doubling time 1.4 - 4.4 years (tm=2)
Threat To Humans
  Harmless
IUCN Red List Status
  Least Concern (LC)