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DIVISION OF FISn AND GAME 



BLENNY-EEL 

 Xiphister mucosus 



Relationship: One of the northern blennies, belonging to family Stichaeidae in 

 which are also classed a number of small tide-pool fishes. Not a true eel and not a 

 close relative of the moray. 



Distinguishing Characters: The absence of ventral fins; the four lateral lines, 

 each with a series of cross-branches ; the tiny pectoral fins which are scarcely if any 

 longer than the eye ; the absence of spines on the anal fin and of rays on the extremely 

 long dorsal fin ; the small, well-imbedded scales which cover the body. Length to 

 about 20 inches. Color: Blackish green becoming paler below, sometimes with yellow- 

 ish blotches in older fish ; two prominent olive brown streaks edged with black radiate 

 back from the eye. 



Distribution: Alaska to Central California, common in the intertidal zone. 



Fishing Season: Taken throughout the year subject to size and bag limits in 

 part of the State. See fish and game laws. 



Importance: Rarely enters the commercial catch. A minor sport fish in Central 

 and Northern California. 



Fishing Gear: Hook and line; a specially made stick with a hook on the end. 

 Caught incidentally in trawls. 



