Facultative air-breathing ; Juveniles and adults inhabit intertidal areas down to 8 m depth ; Individuals to 2 cm in length have been taken from surface waters . Found under rocks and in gravel areas . May remain out of water under rocks or seaweed . Breathe air and can stay out of water for 10-23 hours if kept moist . Oviparous, eggs are laid in several clumps or masses which are guarded by the male .
Dorsal spines (total): 65 - 73; Dorsal soft rays (total): 0; Anal spines: 0; Anal soft rays: 40 - 52. Caudal rounded; pectorals as minute flaps . Dark reddish brown to black with head pale enough to display 3 dark light-edged bands radiating from each eye; light band sometimes prominent across base of caudal fin and extending on dorsal and anal fins .
Behavioural data for Black prickleback is currently being reviewed.
Eggs are laid in several clumps or masses which are guarded by the male . 101194
Marine; demersal; depth range 8 - 12 m . Subtropical; 59°N - 27°N, 156°W - 114°W
| Language | Common Names |
|---|---|
| 🇬🇧English | black prickleback |
| 🇫🇷French | lompénie noir · lompénie noire |
| 🇷🇺Russian | Восьмилинейный морской вьюн |
| 🇪🇸Spanish | abrojo negro |
| Scientific Name | Author | Year | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Anoplarchus atropurpureus | Kittlitz | 1858 | Synonym |
| Centronotus cristagalli | Günther | 1861 | Synonym |
| Epigeichthys atropurpureus | Kittlitz | 1858 | Synonym |
| Ophidium atropurpureum | Kittlitz | 1858 | Synonym |
| Xiphidion rupestre | Jordan & Gilbert | 1880 | Synonym |
| Xiphister rupestris | Jordan & Gilbert | 1880 | Synonym |
Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) - 13 records indexed .
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