Medialuna californiensis

(Steindachner, 1876)

Vernacular names
English : Halfmoon
French : Perche demi-lune

Classification
Class : Teleostei
Order : Centrarchiformes
Family : Kyphosidae
Notes : No subspecies known.

Identification
Adults can grow to 48 cm in length. Laterally compressed and elongated body, small head, short dorsal and anal fins with black edges, straight and black-edged caudal fin. Coloration bluish-grey with black blotch on top of opercle.

Range and habitat
The species is found in the eastern Pacific Ocean, from Vancouver island to Gulf of California. Lives in rocky areas and kelp beds, in inshore areas, down to 40 meters deep.

Conservation
IUCN RED LIST : LEAST CONCERN
CITES : Not Listed
Status : The species is common throughout its range. It is caught for food but this doesn’t seem to be a threat. No declines have been observed.
Ex-Situ Programs : None known

Observation

 

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