Family Stichaeidae - pricklebacks
Pricklebacks are cold water species common in the north Pacific. These eel-like fishes inhabit near shore, ranging from rocky subtidal zones to soft bottoms over 100 meters.
High cockscomb- Anoplarchus purpurescens
Remarks: A small slender fish inhabiting coastal rocky zones. This unique fish is seclusive and is rarely observed.
Identification: A fleshy crest is on top of the head. Pelvic fins are absent. Coloration varies but most are brownish with darker and lighter mottling. Two dark bands on cheek region. Body elongate. Length to 20cm.
Range: Alaska to southern California.
Monkeyface prickleback- Cebidichthys violaceus
Remarks: Preferred habitat is rocky coastal zones and tidepools. Resides among the rocky jetties in the bay. People poke-pole fishing occasionally catch monkeyface pricklebacks.
Identification: Head is rounded with a lumpy ridge. Two dark bands radiate back from the eyes. Lateral line is just below the dorsal fin. Coloration is uniformly dark olive to black. Length to 76cm.
Range: Oregon to Baja California.
Decorated warbonnet- Chirolophis decoratus
Remarks: One individual recorded from the bay. Resides in subtidal rocky zones from Humboldt Bay northward.
Identification: Single large cirrus in front of each eye and many cirri on top of head. Small pelvic fins present, thoracic. Coloration is light brown with lighter mottling. Length to 42cm.
Range: Alaska to northern California.
Snake prickleback- Lumpenus sagitta
Remarks: Habitat varies from bays and shallow waters to offshore zones. Occasionally taken by anglers in the bayÍs channels and jetties.
Identification: Body elongate. Dorsal fin originates above gill opening and terminates at base of caudal fin. Anal fin about half of body length. A midbody row of dark oblong blotches extends from the operculum to the caudal fin. Caudal fin has dark vertical bands. Body color is greenish and lighter below. Length to 51cm.
Range: Alaska to northern California.