23 replies to this topic

[littlen]

A good guess, Derek, but that is not it.

*This species maxes out in size at about half that of the Kelp Greenling.
*Their fins are much more ornamental, and used for courting by males.
*The orange eggs are laid in small clusters, usually attached to the underside of rocks. Males do not guard the eggs.

[littlen]

Another excellent guess, Gerald, but also incorrect. You are certainly on the right track with the large pectoral fins.

*The fry/species in the picture continues to develop a very large, flowing, dorsal fin...much more so than the gurnard.
*Although not a member of the North American, Cottus genus, this fish shares the same common name for the type of fish it is.
*Adult coloration is usually a pale white, they can be shades of mottled brown with black blotches and stripes.
*Breeding males turn yellow (also with darker markings).
*Both sexes display a prominent eye stripe that runs from the top of the eye to the bottom of the head.

[littlen]

Well the enthusiasm seems to have run out on this thread, so I'll pony up the final answer. This species is the Sailfin sculpin (Nautichthys oculofasciatus).