Medialuna californiensis (Steindachner, 1876) Halfmoon |
photo by
Gotshall, D.W. |
Family: | Scorpididae (Halfmoons) | |||
Max. size: | 48 cm TL (male/unsexed); max. reported age: 8 years | |||
Environment: | demersal; marine; depth range 0 - 40 m | |||
Distribution: | Eastern Pacific: Vancouver Island in British Columbia, Canada, to Gulf of California; rare north of Point Conception in California, USA. | |||
Diagnosis: | ||||
Biology: | Often occur in rocky areas and in kelp beds. Found from inshore areas to 40 m depth. Feed on seaweed and small invertebrates. Pelagic spawner (Ref. 56049). Also caught with harpoons. The flesh is of excellent quality and is marketed fresh (Ref. 9310). | |||
IUCN Red List Status: | Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 23 May 2007 Ref. (130435) | |||
Threat to humans: | harmless |