Kelp greenling

Biology

The kelp greenling is a fish of coastal rocky waters that swims amongst kelp beds. It feeds on crustaceans, molluscs and small fish.

Conservation

The kelp beds where it swims are composed of the brown algae that dominate nutrient-rich areas and cold temperate places. Along the California coast, where this greenling lives, the dominant species is the giant-kelp (Macroystis pyrifera).

Curiosities

The kelp greenling is a solitary species that only pairs up to mate. The female lays blue-coloured eggs which are protected by the males until hatching. However, the main feature that distinguishes this greenling, and that gives it its scientific name of decagrammus, is the presence of 10 lateral lines.