#shannies

MONKEYFACE PRICKLEBACK
(Cebidichthys violaceus)

zimway2k, 2010. “what a face #2 (monkeyface eel)”
Joseph M. Long Marine Laboratory, Santa Cruz, California

Meet the monkeyface prickleback. The fish with a face even its mother couldn’t love. I’m sure I don’t need to explain the ‘monkeyface’ bit (hint: it’s the ‘nose’) but ‘prickleback’ refers to the many spines supporting the fish’s large dorsal fin. There are actually around 70 species of prickleback (Stichaeidae), including absolute gems like the high cockscomb (Anoplarchus purpurescens) and pighead prickleback (Acantholumpenus mackayi).