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


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