Juvenile, ~ 8 inches long. Tidepool at Heisler Park, Laguna Beach, Orange County, CA. 2/12/13. © Sandy Dildine
 

Monkeyface Prickleback

Cebidichthys violaceus

An eel-like fish that can grow up to 30 inches in length. Juveniles feed mainly on zooplankton, while adults prefer annual red and green algal species. Their habitat includes rocky areas with ample crevices, including high and low intertidal tide pools, jetties and breakwaters, and relatively shallow subtidal areas, particularly kelp beds. Juveniles are particularly adapted for the high intertidal area, and this species has air-breathing capabilities.

Osteichthyes: Stichaeidae

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Juvenile, ~ 8 inches long. Tidepool at Heisler Park, Laguna Beach, Orange County, CA. 2/12/13. © Sandy Dildine

Juvenile, ~ 8 inches long. Tidepool at Heisler Park, Laguna Beach, Orange County, CA. 2/12/13. © Sandy Dildine

With tidepool sculpin. Juvenile, ~ 8 inches long. Tidepool at Heisler Park, Laguna Beach, Orange County, CA. 2/12/13. © Sandy Dildine