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Hemilepidotus hemilepidotus (Tilesius, 1811)
Red Irish Lord
Family: Cottidae

Photograph

© Derek Holzapfel     (Photo ID #15926)

Map

Source: Distribution of Hemilepidotus hemilepidotus as compiled by Aquamaps

Species Information

Dorsal spines (total): 10 - 12; Dorsal soft rays (total): 18 - 20; Anal spines: 0; Anal soft rays: 13 - 16; Vertebrae: 35. Dorsal with moderate notches in the spinous part after the third spine, and between the spinous and rayed parts; caudal bluntly rounded; pelvic fins larger in males (Ref. 6885). Color variable, predominately red, sometimes brilliant red, with brown, white, and black mottling and spotting all over; there are four irregular dark saddles across back; the caudal fin with darker rays, sometimes with vertical light bars; some large males with darkly spotted pelvic fins (including base of pectorals) (Ref. 6885).

Source: FishBase. FishBase. Eschmeyer, W.N., E.S. Herald and H Hammann. 1983 . (Ref. 2850)

Biology

Species Biology

Usually near shore in rocky areas (Ref. 2850), from intertidal areas to 275 m depth (Ref. 6793). Adults feed on crabs, barnacles, and mussels (Ref. 6885). Environment: demersal; marine; depth range 0 - 450 m (Ref. 58496). Climate: temperate; 66°N - 34°N

Source: FishBase. FishBase. Eschmeyer, W.N., E.S. Herald and H Hammann. 1983 . (Ref. 2850)

Distribution

Distribution

North Pacific: Kamchatka, Russia and along the Commander and Aleutian Islands to St. Paul Island in the Bering Sea and to Monterey Bay, California, USA.

Source: FishBase. FishBase. Eschmeyer, W.N., E.S. Herald and H Hammann. 1983 . (Ref. 2850)

Status Information

Origin StatusProvincial StatusBC List
(Red Blue List)
COSEWIC
NativeSNRNo StatusNot Listed



BC Ministry of Environment: BC Species and Ecosystems Explorer--the authoritative source for conservation information in British Columbia.

Additional Notes

This species can change color to match its surroundings and can be almost invisible as a result. Photos # 7607 and 7608 show an individual that changed colour within seconds.

Additional Range and Status Information Links