False kelpfish are spiny fish that live among rocks off East Asia and are not native to U.S. waters. Their mottled brown and reddish coloring helps them blend into the seafloor.
Appearance
Appearance
It has a large, rough head and sharp spines. Its body can be brown or reddish, depending on its surroundings.
Where it lives
Typical habitats
Rocky nearshore bottoms
Range
Its native range is the western Pacific, from southern Hokkaido toward the Philippines. It is not native to U.S. waters.
Behavior
Diet
Studies in East Asian waters found that it eats small fish and .
Life cycle
Reproduction
Females release live young after the eggs hatch inside the body.
Cautions
Cautions
Its fin spines have and can puncture skin. Avoid touching the spines.