Introducing our December Fish of the Month, the Decorated Warbonnet, Chirolophis decoratus!
Survey Regions: Decorated Warbonnets are found in the north Pacific, from Russia to Alaska and down the coast of California, part of REEF's PAC survey region. Click here to see a REEF database report for this species.
Size: They are typically between 4-10 inches and grow to a maximum size of 16 inches.
Identifying Features: Decorated Warbonnets have a brown to tan body with a mottled or barred pattern. They have a dark band extending under each eye and dark bars spanning their long dorsal fin. Their most distinctive feature is the presence of extremely large, bushy cirri between and in front of their eyes. They also have cirri on their first four dorsal fin spines.
Fun Facts: The Decorated Warbonnet is a member of the prickleback family. They live in rough, rocky areas filled with crevices and caves, and perch at the openings so they can dart away when threatened.
Thanks for reading, and stay tuned for our next Fish of the Month.
Photo by Janna Nichols.