The Red Irish Lord, Bullhead (Hemilepidotus hemilepidotus) is a fish species belonging to the family Cottidae, commonly known as sculpins. It is a relatively small fish, reaching a maximum size of 51.0 cm.
Description & Characteristics
The Hemilepidotus hemilepidotus is characterized by its reddish-brown body, often with dark blotches or spots. It possesses a large, flattened head with a prominent mouth. The eyes are relatively small and positioned on the top of the head. Its body is covered in small, overlapping scales.
Habitat and Occurrence
The Red Irish Lord, Bullhead, Hemilepidotus hemilepidotus, can be found in a wide range of marine environments, from the intertidal zone to depths of 450.0 meters. Its distribution is primarily found in the northeastern Pacific Ocean, ranging from Alaska to California. This species is considered a demersal fish, meaning it dwells on or near the bottom of the ocean floor. Their presence is typically found in rocky areas, kelp forests, and sandy bottoms.
Taxonomy
The species Hemilepidotus hemilepidotus belongs to the Class: Teleostei, Order: Perciformes, and Family: Cottidae. This classification places the Red Irish Lord, Bullhead, within a broad group of bony fishes, specifically those with spiny-rayed fins and a well-developed swim bladder.
Feeding
The Hemilepidotus hemilepidotus is a predatory fish with a diverse diet. It feeds primarily on a variety of invertebrates, including clams, crabs, crustaceans, krill, mysis, rock shrimps, snails, starfish, and worms. The Red Irish Lord, Bullhead, is also known to consume small fishes, displaying its opportunistic feeding habits.
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