Scientific Name
Cebidichthys violaceus

Common Name
Monkeyface prickleback

Biology
Common inshore, in tide pools or shallow rocky areas, from the intertidal zone to 24 m depth. May remain out of water under rocks or seaweed (Ref. 31184). Feeds mainly on crustaceans and algae. Breathes air (Ref. 31184) and can remain out of water for 15-35 hours if kept moist (Ref. 51276). Demersal spawners in nearshore habitats (Ref. 56049). Oviparous (Ref. 205). Commonly caught by 'poke-poling', a method using a long bamboo pole with a very short wire leader and baited hook. Good eating.

Classification

Classified By

Girard, 1854

Class

Ray-finned fishes (Actinopterygii)

Order

Perch-like fish (Perciformes)

Family

Pricklebacks (Stichaeidae)

Distribution

Region

Eastern Pacific

Distribution

Eastern Pacific: southern Oregon, USA to northern central Baja California, Mexico; rare south of Point Conception, California, USA.

Range

Unknown

Environment

Climate

Subtropical

Water Temperature From

Unknown °C

Water Temperature To

Unknown °C

Depth From - meters

0 m

Depth To - meters

24 m

Zone

demersal

Environment

Marine; demersal; non-migratory (Ref. 43439); depth range 0 - 24 m (Ref. 51666), usually 0 - 1 m (Ref. 43439)

Trophic Level

2.33 s.e. 0.27 Based on diet studies.

Occurs in Marine / Salt water

True

Occurs in Brackish water

False

Occurs in Fresh Water

False

Occurs on Reefs

False

Is kept in Aquariums

True

Physical Size and Genetics

Maximum Length

76.0 cm

Common Length

Unknown cm

Phylogenetic Diversity Index

PD50 = 1.0000 many relatives (e.g. carps) 0.5 - 2.0 few relatives (e.g. lungfishes)

Human Uses and Population

Human Uses

Fisheries: subsistence fisheries; gamefish: yes; aquarium: commercial

Vulnerability

High vulnerability (64 of 100)

Resilience

Medium, minimum population doubling time 1.4 - 4.4 years (tm=4; tmax=18; Fec = 18,000)

Threat To Humans

Harmless

IUCN Red List Status

Not Evaluated