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Halfmoon (Medialuna californiensis) — Kyphosidae

Halfmoon

Medialuna californiensis
Family: Kyphosidae
LC · Least Concern

The Halfmoon (Medialuna californiensis) is a saltwater fish of the family Kyphosidae that grows up to 48 cm.

Length
48 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
0.0–40.0 m
Diet
Herbivore
Behaviour
Large groups
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Harmless
Edibility
Commonly eaten

Description

The halfmoon is a sea chub (Kyphosidae) from the eastern Pacific off the west coast of North America. The species has an oval, blue-black body with a deeply forked, half-moon-shaped tail, to which the name refers. It occurs in rocky areas and kelp forests, from the shore to about 40 m deep, often in schools. It grazes mainly on seaweed and also picks small invertebrates. It is a sport and food fish. The species is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Halfmoon?

The Halfmoon has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly blue and shows a plain pattern.

Where does the Halfmoon live?

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

How big does the Halfmoon get?

The Halfmoon grows to a maximum of about 48 cm.

Is the Halfmoon dangerous to humans?

No, the Halfmoon is harmless to humans.

Is the Halfmoon edible?

Yes, the Halfmoon is commonly eaten.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Californische halvemaanvis sourced
English name
Halfmoon verified
Scientific name
Medialuna californiensis
Family
Kyphosidae
Other names
Halfmoon verified

Appearance

Size class
Large verified
Max length (cm)
48.0 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Blue inferred
Pattern
Plain inferred
Tail shape
Crescent (lunate) 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)
40.0 verified
Origin
Native sourced

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Herbivore sourced
Social behaviour
Large groups inferred
Territorial
No inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes sourced
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred
levensduur_max_jaar
8.0 verified

For anglers

Edibility
Commonly eaten sourced
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 sourced

Status & sources

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

Same genus Medialuna

More from the family Kyphosidae

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