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Ocellated prickleback (Opisthocentrus ocellatus) — Stichaeidae

Ocellated prickleback

Opisthocentrus ocellatus
Family: Stichaeidae

The Ocellated prickleback (Opisthocentrus ocellatus) is a saltwater fish of the family Stichaeidae that grows up to 20 cm.

Length
20 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
0.0–335.0 m
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
Asia: Japan, Korea (South), Russia, USA

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Description

The ocellated prickleback is an elongate prickleback (Stichaeidae) from cold coastal waters of the northwest Pacific. The species grows to about 20 cm and has an eel-like, brown-mottled body with a long, continuous dorsal fin bearing a few black, pale-rimmed eyespots. As a bottom-dweller it shelters among weed, stones and empty shells of shallow coastal water and eats small crustaceans and worms. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Ocellated prickleback?

The Ocellated prickleback has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly brown and shows a marbled pattern.

Where does the Ocellated prickleback live?

The Ocellated prickleback lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Asia: Japan, Korea (South), Russia, USA

How big does the Ocellated prickleback get?

The Ocellated prickleback grows to a maximum of about 20 cm.

Is the Ocellated prickleback dangerous to humans?

No, the Ocellated prickleback is harmless to humans. This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status.

More photos

Ocellated prickleback (Opisthocentrus ocellatus) — Stichaeidae — 2
iNaturalist ((c) krkzv, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Ocellated prickleback (Opisthocentrus ocellatus) — Stichaeidae — 3
Wikimedia Commons — A. C. Tatarinov (CC BY-SA 4.0) [illustratie/foto]
Fin

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All data

Identification

English name
Ocellated prickleback sourced
Scientific name
Opisthocentrus ocellatus
Family
Stichaeidae
Other names
Ocellated blenny sourced

Appearance

Size class
Medium verified
Max length (cm)
20.0 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Brown sourced
Pattern
Marbled sourced
Tail shape
Rounded inferred

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom sourced
Min depth (m)
0.0 verified
Max depth (m)
335.0 verified
Natural range
Asia: Japan, Korea (South), Russia, USA sourced
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Territorial
No inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known. inferred

For anglers

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 verified
First aid
This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status. verified

Status & sources

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

Same genus Opisthocentrus

More from the family Stichaeidae

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