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Nutcracker prickleback (Bryozoichthys lysimus) — Stichaeidae

Nutcracker prickleback

Bryozoichthys lysimus
Family: Stichaeidae

The Nutcracker prickleback (Bryozoichthys lysimus) is a saltwater fish of the family Stichaeidae that grows up to 27 cm.

Length
27 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
45.0–490.0 m
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Harmless

Description

The nutcracker prickleback is an elongate prickleback (Stichaeidae) from cold coastal waters of the northern Pacific. The species grows to about 27 cm and has an eel-like, brownish body with a long, continuous dorsal fin and branched skin appendages above the eyes. As a bottom-dweller it shelters among rocks and weed and crushes snails, crustaceans and echinoderms with strong jaws. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Nutcracker prickleback?

The Nutcracker prickleback has an elongate, eel-like body and is mainly brown.

Where does the Nutcracker prickleback live?

The Nutcracker prickleback lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom.

How big does the Nutcracker prickleback get?

The Nutcracker prickleback grows to a maximum of about 27 cm. On average the species is around 22 cm.

Is the Nutcracker prickleback dangerous to humans?

No, the Nutcracker prickleback is harmless to humans.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Notenkraker-slijmvis sourced
English name
Nutcracker prickleback sourced
Scientific name
Bryozoichthys lysimus
Family
Stichaeidae
Other names
Nutcracker prickleback verified

Appearance

Size class
Medium verified
Max length (cm)
27.0 verified
Average length (cm)
22.3 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Brown sourced
Tail shape
Rounded inferred

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom sourced
Min depth (m)
45.0 verified
Max depth (m)
490.0 verified
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Territorial
No inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred

For anglers

Fishing method
Bodemvissen met natuurlijk aas (worm, garnaal of vis) op of vlak boven de bodem. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless verified

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

More from the family Stichaeidae

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