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Greenling (Hexagrammos lagocephalus) — Hexagrammidae

Greenling

Hexagrammos lagocephalus
Family: Hexagrammidae
LC · Least Concern

The Greenling (Hexagrammos lagocephalus) is a saltwater fish of the family Hexagrammidae that grows up to 61 cm.

Length
61 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
0.0–596.0 m
Diet
Carnivore
Behaviour
Solitary
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
North Pacific; shallow rocky coasts.
Edibility
Commonly eaten

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Description

The rock greenling is a greenling (Hexagrammidae) from the northern Pacific. The species has an elongate body with several lateral lines and can be handsomely brown, red or greenish; males often become brighter in the spawning season. It lives in shallow rocky areas, especially on exposed surf coasts. As a bottom hunter it feeds on crustaceans, molluscs, worms and small fishes. It is fished from the shore. The species is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Greenling?

The Greenling has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly brown and shows a marbled pattern. Several lateral lines and variable colour; rock-dweller of exposed surf coasts.

Where does the Greenling live?

The Greenling lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. North Pacific; shallow rocky coasts.

How big does the Greenling get?

The Greenling grows to a maximum of about 61 cm.

Is the Greenling dangerous to humans?

No, the Greenling is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.

Is the Greenling edible?

Yes, the Greenling is commonly eaten.

More photos

Greenling (Hexagrammos lagocephalus) — Hexagrammidae — 2
iNaturalist ((c) André Giraldi, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Greenling (Hexagrammos lagocephalus) — Hexagrammidae — 3
iNaturalist ((c) Crobsauce, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
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All data

Identification

English name
Greenling verified
Scientific name
Hexagrammos lagocephalus
Family
Hexagrammidae
Other names
Rock greenling verified

Appearance

Size class
Large verified
Max length (cm)
61.0 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Brown inferred
Pattern
Marbled inferred
Tail shape
Straight inferred
Mouth position
Terminal inferred
Lips
Thick / fleshy inferred
Barbels
No sourced
Dorsal fins
One continuous inferred
Dorsal spines
Yes sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom sourced
Min depth (m)
0.0 verified
Max depth (m)
596.0 verified
Natural range
North Pacific; shallow rocky coasts. inferred
Origin
Native sourced

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore sourced
Diet (detail)
Crustaceans, molluscs, worms and small fishes sourced
Social behaviour
Solitary inferred
Territorial
No inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes sourced
Sexual dimorphism
Yes inferred
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known. inferred
Special features
Several lateral lines and variable colour; rock-dweller of exposed surf coasts. sourced

For anglers

Edibility
Commonly eaten sourced
Fishing method
Bottom fishing with natural bait (worm, shrimp or fish) on or just above the seabed. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless sourced
First aid
None required: this species is harmless to humans. sourced

Status & sources

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

Same genus Hexagrammos

More from the family Hexagrammidae

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