Our first Fish of the Month for 2024 is the Kelp Greenling, Hexagrammos decagrammus!
Survey Regions: Kelp Greenlings are found throughout the PAC REEF survey region, from Alaska to northern and central California. They are also present (but less common) in southern California. Click here to view the REEF database report for this species.
Size: They are typically about 10-18 inches long, and grow to a maximum length of 2 feet.
Identifying Features: Male and female Kelp Greenlings look different from one another. Males have a brownish to blue body with light blue blotches on the head and forebody. These blue blotches are outlined in darker spots. Females have a pale body covered in yellow to orange speckles, and bright yellow fins.
Fun Facts: Kelp Greenlings inhabit kelp beds, rocky areas, and sandy bottoms. They have been reported on just over 40% of REEF surveys conducted in the PAC region, making them one of the top ten most commonly seen species in the region!
Thanks for reading, and stay tuned for our next Fish of the Month.
Photos by Janna Nichols.