Rock Prickleback
Xiphister mucosus
- Group: Other
- Typical depth: 0–18 m
- Max size: 58 cm
- For divers: safe
- IUCN status: LC
An eel shaped fish of exposed rocky shores along the eastern Pacific, the rock prickleback grows to nearly sixty centimetres and grazes mainly on algae. It can breathe air and survive for long stretches out of water, tucked under rocks or seaweed while the tide is out, and the male coils around the egg masses to guard them.
Taxonomy: Animalia › Chordata › Teleostei › Perciformes › Stichaeidae › Xiphister
Species data via the World Register of Marine Species (WoRMS), AphiaID 283195.
FAQ
- How deep does the Rock Prickleback live?
- The Rock Prickleback (Xiphister mucosus) is typically found at 0–18 m.
- Is the Rock Prickleback dangerous to divers?
- The Rock Prickleback is harmless to divers.
- How big does the Rock Prickleback get?
- The Rock Prickleback grows to about 58 cm.