Fin's Fish Guide
The Pixie poacher (Stellerina xyosterna) is a saltwater fish of the family Agonidae that grows up to 16 cm.
Description
The pricklebreast poacher is a small poacher from the eastern Pacific, along California and Baja California. The species grows to about 16 cm and has a slender body armoured with bony plates and a flattened, spiny head. As a bottom-dweller it lies half-buried on sandy and muddy bottoms of the coastal shelf and searches for small crustaceans and worms. The fish is harmless to humans and is assessed as Least Concern (LC) by the IUCN.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Pixie poacher?
The Pixie poacher has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly brown and shows a plain pattern. Bony armour and a spiny head; buried bottom-dweller
Where does the Pixie poacher live?
The Pixie poacher lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Eastern Pacific
How big does the Pixie poacher get?
The Pixie poacher grows to a maximum of about 16 cm.
Is the Pixie poacher dangerous to humans?
No, the Pixie poacher 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.
Is the Pixie poacher edible?
The Pixie poacher is not usually eaten.
More photos
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
More from the family Agonidae
Want the complete picture on the Pixie poacher?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Pixie poacher is one of 12,519 species in the app.