Rock greenling (Hexagrammos lagocephalus)

Category: Fish
Related species groups: Greenling

Rarely caught by recreational harvesters within Puget Sound.

Description and Range

Physical description

The body of the rock greenling varies in color but is usually greenish to brown with darker mottling. Most males tend to have red blotches on the sides. Five lateral lines run along the body. The fins have dark bars or blotches. The inside of the mouth is bluish. This species has a large cirrus above the eye.

Rock greenling can grow up to 61 cm (24 in) in length, and 830 g (1.83 lbs) in weight.

Geographic range

Rock greenling range from the Bering Sea, Alaska to Point Conception, California. This species is fairly uncommon in southern California. They can be found in shallow rocky nearshore areas, especially on exposed coasts.