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Slender cockscomb (Anoplarchus insignis) — Stichaeidae

Slender cockscomb

Anoplarchus insignis
Family: Stichaeidae

The Slender cockscomb (Anoplarchus insignis) is a saltwater fish of the family Stichaeidae that grows up to 12 cm.

Length
12 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
1.0–30.0 m
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
North America: Canada, USA, Alaska
Edibility
Commonly eaten

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Description

The slender cockscomb is an elongate prickleback (Stichaeidae) from coastal waters of the northeast Pacific, off the west coast of North America. The species grows to about 12 cm and has an eel-like, brownish body with a low, fleshy crest on the head and a long, continuous dorsal fin. As a bottom-dweller it shelters in tide pools and under stones among weed and hunts small crustaceans and worms. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Slender cockscomb?

The Slender cockscomb has an elongate, eel-like body and is mainly brown.

Where does the Slender cockscomb live?

The Slender cockscomb lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. North America: Canada, USA, Alaska

How big does the Slender cockscomb get?

The Slender cockscomb grows to a maximum of about 12 cm.

Is the Slender cockscomb dangerous to humans?

No, the Slender cockscomb 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 Slender cockscomb edible?

Yes, the Slender cockscomb is commonly eaten.

More photos

Slender cockscomb (Anoplarchus insignis) — Stichaeidae — 2
iNaturalist ((c) Karen L. Johnson, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Slender cockscomb (Anoplarchus insignis) — Stichaeidae — 3
iNaturalist ((c) Karen L. Johnson, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Slender cockscomb (Anoplarchus insignis) — Stichaeidae — 4
iNaturalist ((c) Steve Kelly, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Fin

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All data

Identification

English name
Slender cockscomb sourced
Scientific name
Anoplarchus insignis
Family
Stichaeidae
Other names
Slender cockscomb verified

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
12.0 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
Min depth (m)
1.0 verified
Max depth (m)
30.0 verified
Natural range
North America: Canada, USA, Alaska 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

Edibility
Commonly eaten inferred
Fishing method
Small in size and barely an angling target; mostly caught incidentally or as baitfish. 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 Anoplarchus

More from the family Stichaeidae

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