E-Fauna BC: Electronic Atlas of the Wildlife of British Columbia

Phytichthys chirus (Jordan & Gilbert, 1880)
Ribbon Prickleback
Family: Stichaeidae

Source: Distribution of Phytichthys chirus as compiled by Aquamaps

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Species Information

Dorsal spines (total): 69 - 78; Dorsal soft rays (total): 0; Anal spines: 2 - 3; Anal soft rays: 40 - 50. Caudal rounded; pectorals very small (Ref. 6885). Olive green to olive dark brown dorsally, yellow to green ventrally, frequently with darker markings on side, small white spots sometimes evident along midside, 4 light and dark streaks reaching back and down from eyes, fins green to brown tinged with yellow (Ref. 6885).

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

Biology

Species Biology

Found under rocks in intertidal areas and to about 12 m depth (Ref. 2850). Feeds on crustaceans, and red and green algae (Ref. 6885). Environment: demersal; marine; depth range ? - 12 m (Ref. 2850). Climate: temperate; 66°N - 32°N

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

Distribution

Eastern Pacific: Bering Sea coast of Alaska to southern California, USA.

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

Status Information

Origin Status	Provincial Status	BC List (Red Blue List)	COSEWIC
Native	SNR	No Status	Not Listed

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

Taxonomic and Nomenclatural Links

Genetic and lineage information (NCBI Taxonomy Browser)

Additional Range and Status Information Links

NatureServe Explorer
University of Alaska Museum

Additional Photo Sources

Flickr Image Search
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Images from Calphoto

Related Databases

fishbase

General References

FishBase References
Google Scholar Search

Recommended citation: Author, Date. Page title. In Klinkenberg, Brian. (Editor) 2021. E-Fauna BC: Electronic Atlas of the Fauna of British Columbia [efauna.bc.ca]. Lab for Advanced Spatial Analysis, Department of Geography, University of British Columbia, Vancouver. [Accessed: 2025-06-23 12:40:44 PM]

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