Size / Weight / Age

Dorsalspines
(total): 8 - 9;
Dorsalsoft rays
(total): 27-30;
Analspines: 0;
Analsoft rays: 18 - 20. Caudal fin rounded, directed upward (Ref. 6885). Color variable, gray above with dark markings and obscure dusky bands, paler below; spinous dorsal darker; other fins except pelvic fins diagonally streaked darker; sometimes red flecks on rayed dorsal and on eyes; a very distinct black band running diagonally down and back through eye (Ref. 6885). A recognizable variant occurs in Knight Inlet, British Columbia - the first caudal fin is dominated by the II, III, I rather than the first four spines and the whole fin is frail and when removed from fluid appears more like a mast than a sail (Ref. 6885).

Biology
Glossary
(e.g. epibenthic)

Occurs inshore and to 110 m depth, mostly on rocky bottoms and areas with algae (Ref. 2850). Nocturnal (Ref. 6885). May be found upside down against roofs of crevices (Ref. 6885). Swims with its dorsal fin extended in front of its head (Ref. 6885). Eggs deposited in late winter or spring (Ref. 6885).