Monkeyface prickleback (Cebidichthys violaceus)

Scientific name: Cebidichthys violaceus Girard, 1854

Monkeyface prickleback (Cebidichthys violaceus)

The Monkeyface prickleback (Cebidichthys violaceus) is a marine fish of the family Stichaeidae. Native range: Eastern Pacific, southern Oregon, USA to northern central Baja California, Mexico; rare south of Point Conception, California, USA.

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. Feeds mainly on crustaceans and algae. Breathes air and can remain out of water for 15-35 hours if kept moist. Demersal spawners in nearshore habitats. Oviparous. Commonly caught by 'poke-poling', a method using a long bamboo pole with a very short wire leader and baited hook. Good eating.

Source: FishBase, licensed CC BY-NC 4.0.

Species facts

Scientific name
Cebidichthys violaceus
Family
Stichaeidae (Pricklebacks)
Order
Perciformes (Perch-like fish)
Class
Actinopterygii (Ray-finned fishes)
Maximum length
76.0
Depth range
0–24 m (0–79 ft)
Environment
Marine; demersal; non-migratory; depth range 0 - 24 m, usually 0 - 1 m
Climate
Subtropical
Distribution
Eastern Pacific: southern Oregon, USA to northern central Baja California, Mexico; rare south of Point Conception, California, USA.
Conservation status (IUCN)
Not Evaluated
Threat to humans
Harmless
Uses
Fisheries: subsistence fisheries; gamefish: yes; aquarium: commercial
Resilience
Medium, minimum population doubling time 1.4 - 4.4 years (tm=4; tmax=18; Fec = 18,000)

More other marine fish

See all other marine fish

Sources

Taxonomy, distribution and biology data: FishBase (Froese, R. and D. Pauly, eds.), licensed CC BY-NC 4.0.

Last updated