The monkeyface prickleback (Cebidichthys violaceus), also commonly known as the monkeyface eel, is a species of prickleback native to the Pacific coast of North America. Although its shape resembles an eel due to its slender and leg-less body, the monkeyface prickleback does not belong to the order Anguilliformes, which includes true eels, instead, it is classified under either the Perciformes, along with nearly half of all bony fish, or the Scorpaeniformes, according to different authorities. Observations in nature and in the laboratory indicate that C. violaceus is a cryptic, bottom dweller and a weak, short-distance swimmer.
From Wikipedia, under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Is it venomous or poisonous?
We have no record of Monkey-faced Prickleback being toxic, poisonous or venomous. That is not proof that it is safe. Never eat, touch or handle a wild plant, mushroom or animal on the strength of an identification; ask someone qualified.
Easily confused with
- Xiphister mucosus
- Xiphister atropurpureus
- Anoplarchus purpurescens
- Acanthoclinus fuscus
- Plagiogrammus hopkinsii
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Actinopterygii
- Order
- Perciformes
- Family
- Cebidichthyidae
- Genus
- Cebidichthys
- Species
- Cebidichthys violaceus
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