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Decorated warbonnet (Chirolophis decoratus) — Stichaeidae

Decorated warbonnet

Chirolophis decoratus
Family: Stichaeidae

The Decorated warbonnet (Chirolophis decoratus) is a saltwater fish of the family Stichaeidae that grows up to 42 cm.

Length
42 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
0–91.0 m
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Harmless
Edibility
Commonly eaten

Description

The decorated warbonnet is an elongate prickleback (Stichaeidae) from cold coastal waters of the northern Pacific. The species grows to about 42 cm and has an eel-like, brownish body with a long, continuous dorsal fin and conspicuously branched, antler- or feather-like skin appendages on the head. As a bottom-dweller it shelters in crevices and cavities of rocky reefs and snaps at small crustaceans and molluscs. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Decorated warbonnet?

The Decorated warbonnet has an elongate, eel-like body and is mainly brown.

Where does the Decorated warbonnet live?

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

How big does the Decorated warbonnet get?

The Decorated warbonnet grows to a maximum of about 42 cm.

Is the Decorated warbonnet dangerous to humans?

No, the Decorated warbonnet is harmless to humans.

Is the Decorated warbonnet edible?

Yes, the Decorated warbonnet is commonly eaten.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Versierde baardslijmvis sourced
English name
Decorated warbonnet sourced
Scientific name
Chirolophis decoratus
Family
Stichaeidae
Other names
Decorated prickleback; Decorated warbonnet verified

Appearance

Size class
Large verified
Max length (cm)
42.0 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
Max depth (m)
91.0 verified
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Territorial
No inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred

For anglers

Edibility
Commonly eaten inferred
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

Same genus Chirolophis

More from the family Stichaeidae

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