Rock Greenling

Hexagrammos lagocephalus

The Rock Greenling is a maroon-colored fish adorned with blue spots that fade to a bright red, blending seamlessly into its rocky habitat. Reaching lengths of up to 61 cm, it is distinguished by its fusiform body and a rounded snout. Divers may notice its blue mouth, a feature typical of adults, while juveniles are recognizable by their bright red eyes. The Rock Greenling is typically found along the Pacific Coast, from the Kuril Islands and the Bering Sea down to central California, preferring rocky shorelines and tide pools. It inhabits depths mostly between 10 and 15 meters, though it can be found as deep as 596 meters. In terms of diet, this species is a generalized feeder, consuming a variety of invertebrates, fish eggs, and algae. Juveniles primarily feed on zooplankton. While little is detailed about its breeding habits, the Rock Greenling is known for its solitary nature. Divers might find it elusive, as it often hides among rocks in heavy surges, but it is not aggressive and is known for being kept in public aquariums. The Rock Greenling is considered of Least Concern by the IUCN, with no significant threats to its population noted. It is a popular target for sport fishers due to its habitat along exposed rocky shores, which are challenging for commercial fishing operations.