How to Identify Painted Greenling

To identify Painted Greenling (Oxylebius pictus), look at these key features.

Physical Characteristics

Body shape

elongated

Coloration

Highly variable, typically mottled with shades of brown, red, green, and white, forming intricate patterns of bars and spots. The most distinctive feature is usually 5-7 dark, vertical bars across the body, often outlined in white or pale yellow. The fins are similarly patterned, aiding in camouflage.

Scale type

ctenoid

Mouth position

terminal

Distinctive features

Elongated body with a relatively large head and mouth., Prominent cirri (fleshy filaments) above each eye and on the nape., A single, long dorsal fin with both spiny and soft rays., Large pectoral fins., Highly variable, cryptic coloration with distinct vertical bars.

Dorsal fin

Single, long dorsal fin with 15-17 spines followed by 13-15 soft rays. A deep notch often separates the spiny and soft ray portions.

Tail fin

Rounded to slightly emarginate caudal fin.

Pectoral fin

Large, fan-like pectoral fins with 13-15 rays.

Distinctive fins

Pelvic fins are thoracic, located beneath the pectoral fins, with one spine and five soft rays. Anal fin has 3 spines and 11-13 soft rays.

Identification Tips

1. 1

   Coloration and Pattern

   Look for the distinctive mottled pattern of browns, reds, greens, and whites, with 5-7 prominent dark vertical bars across the body. This is the most reliable visual cue.

2. 2

   Cirri

   Observe the fleshy, branched cirri above the eyes and on the nape. These are characteristic of the species.

3. 3

   Dorsal Fin

   Note the single, long dorsal fin with a distinct notch separating the spiny and soft-rayed portions.

4. 4

   Body Shape

   Its elongated, somewhat compressed body shape, combined with the other features, helps distinguish it from other rockfish or sculpins.

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