Hexagrammidae

Hexagrammidae is a family of perciform fish commonly known as greenlings, rock greenlings, and kelp greenlings. They are found in the northern Pacific Ocean, primarily along the coasts of North America, Asia, and Russia. These fish are characterized by their elongated, compressed bodies, large mouths, and often brightly colored patterns. They are benthic fish, typically inhabiting rocky reefs, kelp forests, and other coastal habitats.

Painted greenling – Oxylebius pictus

Lingcod – Ophiodon elongatus

Kelp greenling – Hexagrammos decagrammus

Masked greenling – Hexagrammos octogrammus

Fat greenling – Hexagrammos otakii

Common Names

Members of the Hexagrammidae family are often referred to as:

  • Greenlings
  • Rock Greenlings
  • Kelp Greenlings

Characteristics

Hexagrammidae fish possess several distinguishing features, including:

  • Elongated, compressed bodies
  • Large mouths
  • Often brightly colored patterns
  • Two dorsal fins, the first spiny and the second soft-rayed
  • A single anal fin
  • A forked tail fin

Environments

Hexagrammidae fish are typically found in coastal marine environments, including:

  • Rocky reefs
  • Kelp forests
  • Seaweed beds
  • Shallow waters

They are often seen near the bottom, feeding on invertebrates and small fish.

References

For further information and scientific references, please consult the following sources: