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Threeline prickleback (Esselenichthys carli) — Stichaeidae

Threeline prickleback

Esselenichthys carli
Family: Stichaeidae

The Threeline prickleback (Esselenichthys carli) is a saltwater fish of the family Stichaeidae that grows up to 17 cm.

Length
17.1 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
1.0–26.0 m
Diet
Carnivore
Behaviour
Solitary
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
Northeast Pacific; kelp and rocky bottoms.
Edibility
Not eaten

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Description

Carl's prickleback is a prickleback (Stichaeidae) from the northeastern Pacific. The species has an elongate, eel-like body with a long, low dorsal fin full of spines. It lives among kelp and on rocky and sandy bottoms, where it shelters in crevices and kelp holdfasts. As a small bottom hunter it snaps small crustaceans and invertebrates. The species is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Threeline prickleback?

The Threeline prickleback has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly brown and shows a plain pattern. Eel-like body with a long spiny dorsal fin; shelters among kelp and in rock crevices.

Where does the Threeline prickleback live?

The Threeline prickleback lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Northeast Pacific; kelp and rocky bottoms.

How big does the Threeline prickleback get?

The Threeline prickleback grows to a maximum of about 17 cm.

Is the Threeline prickleback dangerous to humans?

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

Is the Threeline prickleback edible?

The Threeline prickleback is not usually eaten.

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All data

Identification

English name
Threeline prickleback verified
Scientific name
Esselenichthys carli
Family
Stichaeidae
Other names
Threeline prickleback verified

Appearance

Size class
Medium verified
Max length (cm)
17.1 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Brown inferred
Pattern
Plain inferred
Tail shape
Rounded 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)
1.0 verified
Max depth (m)
26.0 verified
Natural range
Northeast Pacific; kelp and rocky bottoms. inferred
Origin
Native sourced

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore sourced
Diet (detail)
Small crustaceans and invertebrates sourced
Social behaviour
Solitary inferred
Territorial
No inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes sourced
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known. inferred
Special features
Eel-like body with a long spiny dorsal fin; shelters among kelp and in rock crevices. sourced

For anglers

Edibility
Not 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

More from the family Stichaeidae

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