The Blackline prickleback (Acantholumpenus mackayi) is a brackish-water fish of the family Stichaeidae that grows up to 70 cm.
Description
The blackline prickleback is an elongate prickleback from the cold waters of the northern Pacific and adjacent Arctic seas. The species grows to about 70 cm and has an eel-like, compressed body with a long, spiny dorsal fin and a dark longitudinal line. As a bottom-dweller it lives on sand and mud bottoms of shallow coastal and estuarine water to about 200 metres and searches for small crustaceans and worms. The fish is harmless to humans. The IUCN has not evaluated the species.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Blackline prickleback?
The Blackline prickleback has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly brown and shows a horizontal stripes pattern.
Where does the Blackline prickleback live?
The Blackline prickleback lives in brackish water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom.
How big does the Blackline prickleback get?
The Blackline prickleback grows to a maximum of about 70 cm.
Is the Blackline prickleback dangerous to humans?
No, the Blackline prickleback is harmless to humans.
Is the Blackline prickleback edible?
The Blackline prickleback is not usually eaten.
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Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
More from the family Stichaeidae
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