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.
Diet information for Black prickleback is currently being compiled.
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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