Mosshead Warbonnet

Chirolophis nugator

The Mosshead Warbonnet is a small reef fish known for its elongated body and distinctive coloration. Males typically exhibit a brownish hue with a red tinge, adorned with pale spots rimmed with darker shades along their sides. These spots become fainter and more numerous towards the dorsal area. Females, on the other hand, are nearly plain brown, with a line of dark spots forming prominent ocelli along the middle of the dorsal fin. This species can reach a maximum length of 15 centimeters. This fish inhabits the rocky intertidal and subtidal zones of the eastern Pacific, stretching from Alaska's Aleutian Islands to California's San Miguel Island. It is commonly found at depths ranging from 20 to 80 meters, although most occurrences are shallower than 40 meters. The Mosshead Warbonnet often seeks refuge in crevices and tubeworm holes, where it hides with only its head protruding. The species is harmless to humans and has not been evaluated for conservation status by the IUCN.