Giant kelpfish

The giant kelpfish (Heterostichus rostratus) is a 10–24 inches (25–61 cm) species of marine fish, and the largest member of the family Clinidae. It is currently the only known member of its genus.

Description

The giant kelpfish has an eel-like, elongated, and compressed body with a pointed head and small, terminal mouth. Its dorsal fin is continuous along the entire top length of the body, ending at the caudal peduncle. The dorsal fin consists of a small section of vertically longer spiny rays close to the head and a soft ray portion connected to the spiny rays.

The pectoral fins are rounded and short while the pelvic fins are small and thin. It has a very long, broad and continuous anal fin, and a forked tail. It has small cycloid scales covering its body used for protection and hydrodynamics.

As the name suggests, this fish looks very similar to the habitat it resides in. The giant kelpfish has three color morphs: red, brown and green, often with melanistic barring or striping patterns depending on sex, developmental stage, and habitat. Because of this cryptic coloration, it is hard to spot by both people and other organisms.

It may be confused with the striped kelpfish (