The rock greenling, Hexagrammous lagocephalus , in the family Hexagrammidae, is noted for the prominent cirri, or fringelike skin flaps, and dark spot above the eye. They range in the North Pacific from southern California to the Bering Sea and the Kuril Islands, preferring rocky nearshore habitats, especially on exposed coastlines. Length to 61 cm (24 inches). The sexes of this species show color differences; this photograph is of a male. This fish was removed from the aquarium because it was eating our red salmon.

Scientific name: Greek hex (six) and gramma (line); and lagos (hare) and cephelos (head).

Digital photo by Jan Haaga. References (a complete list) in the text include: Kessler (1985), Eschmeyer et al. (1983), and Hart (1973).

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