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Greenling (Hexagrammos stelleri) — Hexagrammidae

Greenling

Hexagrammos stelleri
Family: Hexagrammidae

The Greenling (Hexagrammos stelleri) is a saltwater fish of the family Hexagrammidae that grows up to 48 cm.

Length
48 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
0–300 m
Diet
Carnivore
Behaviour
Solitary
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
North Pacific; from the intertidal zone to deeper water.
Edibility
Commonly eaten

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Description

The whitespotted greenling is a greenling (Hexagrammidae) from the northern Pacific. The species has an elongate, brownish body strewn with pale spots and blotches. It lives from the intertidal zone into deeper water, often near rocks, pilings and piers. As a bottom hunter it feeds on crustaceans, molluscs, worms and small fishes. It is a local food fish. The species is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Greenling?

The Greenling has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly brown and shows a spots pattern. Brown body scattered with pale spots; bottom-dweller near rocks and pilings.

Where does the Greenling live?

The Greenling lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. North Pacific; from the intertidal zone to deeper water.

How big does the Greenling get?

The Greenling grows to a maximum of about 48 cm.

Is the Greenling dangerous to humans?

No, the Greenling is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.

Is the Greenling edible?

Yes, the Greenling is commonly eaten.

More photos

Greenling (Hexagrammos stelleri) — Hexagrammidae — 2
iNaturalist ((c) Neil McDaniel, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Greenling (Hexagrammos stelleri) — Hexagrammidae — 3
iNaturalist ((c) thegeckoguy907, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))

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All data

Identification

English name
Greenling verified
Scientific name
Hexagrammos stelleri
Family
Hexagrammidae
Other names
White greening; Whitespotted greenling verified

Appearance

Size class
Large verified
Max length (cm)
48 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Brown
Pattern
Spots
Tail shape
Straight
Mouth position
Terminal
Lips
Thick / fleshy
Barbels
No sourced
Dorsal fins
One continuous
Dorsal spines
Yes sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom sourced
Min depth (m)
0 verified
Max depth (m)
300 verified
Natural range
North Pacific; from the intertidal zone to deeper water.
Origin
Native sourced

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore sourced
Diet (detail)
Crustaceans, molluscs, worms and small fishes sourced
Social behaviour
Solitary
Territorial
No
Reproduction
Separate sexes sourced
Sexual dimorphism
No
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known.
Special features
Brown body scattered with pale spots; bottom-dweller near rocks and pilings. sourced

For anglers

Edibility
Commonly eaten sourced
Fishing method
Bottom fishing with natural bait (worm, shrimp or fish) on or just above the seabed.
Regulations source

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless sourced
First aid
None required: this species is harmless to humans. sourced

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

Same genus Hexagrammos

More from the family Hexagrammidae

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