Chirolophis decoratus (Jordan & Snyder, 1902)

Overview

Chirolophis decoratus, commonly known as the decorated warbonnet, is a fish species belonging to the family Stichaeidae. Its species epithet decoratus is a Latin term that means ornamented. The species gets its common name from the prominent cirri on its head, which resemble the feathers found in a Native American chieftain's war bonnet.

Range

The decorated warbonnet is a saltwater, cold-water fish. Its range in the North Pacific extends from Kamchatka, Russia, through the Aleutian Chain and the Bering Sea, to the Bering Strait coasts of Alaska, and down to Humboldt Bay, California, USA.

Habitat

These fish live among rocks, seaweed, and algae in crevices along the rocky ocean floor. They can be found from the subtidal zone down to a maximum depth of 91 meters.

Behavior and Display

Decorated warbonnets are very shy, and rarely travel far from their established home ranges, remaining in the same habitat for long periods. Because of their distinctive appearance and relative rarity, they are often held in public aquariums for display and educational purposes. Currently, the toxicity hazard of this species is unknown.

Human Use

Human use of the decorated warbonnet is primarily focused on keeping the species in aquariums for human enjoyment, due to its relative rarity and visually interesting appearance.