Kingdom Animalia Genus Hemilepidotus Higher classification Hemilepidotus Order Scorpaeniformes | Family Cottidae Phylum Chordata Rank Species | |
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Scientific name Hemilepidotus hemilepidotus Similar Enophrys bison, Artedius, Enophrys, Quillback rockfish, Myoxocephalus polyacanthocephalus | ||
Hemilepidotus hemilepidotus, commonly known as the red Irish lord (US) or bullhead, is a species of fish in the family Cottidae. It is found in the northern Pacific ocean, from Russia to Alaska and as far south as Monterey Bay.
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Description
Hemilepidotus hemilepidotus has a maximum recorded length of 51.0 cm, and a maximum recorded weight of 1,110 grams. It is predominantly red, with white, brown and black mottling and has 10-12 dorsal spines, 18-20 dorsal soft rays and 35 vertebrae.
Habitat and behavior
Hemilepidotus hemilepidotus lives in temperate, demersal marine environments between 66°N - 34°N. It usually lives close to rocky shores but can survive at depths as low as 450 meters. Adults feed on mussels, crabs, and barnacles. They are not harmful to humans, with the possible exception of injuring oneself on their various barbs and spines while handling one barehanded.