Guide to nearshore fish of Kachemak Bay

(some selected species)

PACIFIC COD
Gadus macrocephalus
3 dorsal fins. 2 anal fins.
Nose sticks out further than lower jaw.
Barbel as long as entire eye is wide.
Length up to 39 inches.

TOM COD
Microgadus proximus
3 dorsal fins. 2 anal fins.
Nose sticks out further than lower jaw.
Barbel as long as eye pupil is wide.
Length up to 12 inches.

GREENLINGS
Hexagrammidae family
1 long dorsal fin with a notch midway.
Large round pectoral fins. 1 anal fin.
5 lateral lines. Length up to 24.
Can be very colorful, red or blue spots.

SNAILFISH
Clyclopteridae family
Disc on belly like a suction cup.
Short, stout body tapers to small tail.
No scales or lateral line.
Length up to 12 inches.
Kachemak Bay Research Reserve - Download this page at: www.kbayrr.org - this page found under Education/resources
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Guide to nearshore fish of Kachemak Bay

(some selected species)

GREAT SCULPIN
Myoxocephalus polyacanthocephalus
Large head and mouth. 2 dorsal fins.
Large, straight spines on side of head.
Length up to 30 inches.
* There are many different sculpin.

PACIFIC STAGHORN SCULPIN

Leptocottus armatus
Large head and mouth. No scales.
Antlerlike spines on head.
2 dorsal fins. Black spot on first dorsal.
Length up to 18 inches.

PACIFIC HALIBUT
Hippoglossus stenolepis
Dark on top, clean white on bottom.
Tail slightly forked or crescent-shaped.
Lateral line arched.
* There are many different flounders.

STARRY FLOUNDER
Platichthys stellatus
Dark on top, creamy white on bottom.
Very rough skin.
Dark colored bands on fins.
Spine hidden near anus.

Kachemak Bay Research Reserve - 2012 - Download this page: www.kbayrr.org - look under Education/resources