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Walker's prickleback (Ernogrammus walkeri) — Stichaeidae

Walker's prickleback

Ernogrammus walkeri
Family: Stichaeidae

The Walker's prickleback (Ernogrammus walkeri) is a saltwater fish of the family Stichaeidae that grows up to 29 cm.

Length
28.8 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
1.0–21.0 m
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Stone or rock
Danger
Harmless
Range
North America: USA

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Description

Walker's prickleback is an eel-like fish (Stichaeidae) from shallow coastal water of the northwest Pacific, off East Asia. The species grows to about 20 cm and has a strongly elongate, brownish body with a long, low dorsal fin of stiff spines and a smooth skin. As a bottom-dweller it shelters under stones, in crevices and among weed of rocky shores and snaps at small crustaceans and worms. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Walker's prickleback?

The Walker's prickleback has an elongate, eel-like body and is mainly brown.

Where does the Walker's prickleback live?

The Walker's prickleback lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. North America: USA

How big does the Walker's prickleback get?

The Walker's prickleback grows to a maximum of about 29 cm.

Is the Walker's prickleback dangerous to humans?

No, the Walker's 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.

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All data

Identification

English name
Walker's prickleback sourced
Scientific name
Ernogrammus walkeri
Family
Stichaeidae
Other names
Masked prickleback verified

Appearance

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

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Stone or rock sourced
Min depth (m)
1.0 verified
Max depth (m)
21.0 verified
Natural range
North America: 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
Fishing with natural bait (fish, shrimp, worm) or lures close to reef and rock structures. 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 Ernogrammus

More from the family Stichaeidae

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