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Xiphister mucosus (Girard, 1858)
Rock Prickleback
Family: Stichaeidae
Introduction to the Fish

Photograph

© Aaron Baldwin     (Photo ID #6049)

Map

Source: Distribution of Xiphister mucosus as compiled by Aquamaps

Species Information

Dorsal spines (total): 71 - 77; Dorsal soft rays (total): 0; Anal spines: 0; Anal soft rays: 46 - 50. Caudal small and rounded, directed upward; pectorals as minute flaps (Ref. 6885). Greenish black with several dusky white bars on posterior part of body, 2 dark bands diverging back from each eye, each band double with a paler center (Ref. 6885).

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

Biology

Species Biology

Found in rocky areas, from intertidal to 18 m depth, mostly on exposed coast (Ref. 2850). May remain out of water under rocks or seaweed (Ref. 31184). Feed mainly on algae (Ref. 6885). Oviparous, eggs are laid in several clumps or masses which are guarded by the male (Ref. 58332). Breathe air (Ref. 31184) and can stay out of water for 17-23 hours if kept moist (Ref. 51276). Environment: demersal; marine; depth range ? - 18 m (Ref. 2850) Climate: subtropical; 59°N - 34°N

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

Distribution

Distribution

Eastern Pacific: Port San Juan, southeastern Alaska to Santa Cruz Island, southern California, USA.

Source: 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 Range and Status Information Links

NatureServe Explorer
 University of Alaska Museum

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