TAXONOMY
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Actinopterygii (ray-finned fishes)
Order: Perciformes (Perch-likes)
Family: Kyphosidae (Sea chubs) All similar families recognized by combination of ovate body, small mouth, strong caudal fin

Genus/species: Medialuna californiensis

GENERAL CHARACTERISTICS: Oval with a small mouth and caudal fin slightly indented. Color is Slate blue to blue-black, silver belly. dusky area above gill cover. Medialuna and common name refers to the half-moon shape of the tail. Scales extend over part of dorsal fin.

Length up to 19 inches (48 cm)

 

DISTRIBUTION/HABITAT: Vancouver Island, British Columbia to Gulf of California. Most common south of Point Conception, California. Found commonly on nearshore rocky reefs and in kelp beds. Most abundant from 3–20m (10-65 feet).

DIET IN THE WILD: Seaweed, sponges, small invertebrates. Diurnal feeders.

REPRODUCTION: Females oviparous.

PREDATORS: Taken by California sea lions, northern fur seals, loons, cormorants, and bald eagles among others.

CONSERVATION: IUCN LEAST CONCERN

Halfmoon 3702917995_61211c59dc_b

REMARKS: A popular sport fish, especially from Santa Monica south. Also a small commercial fishery, as flesh is of excellent quality. Typically found in schools or loose aggregations.

References

California Academy of Sciences, Steinhart Aquariun, Southern California kelp forest 2017

Ron’s WordPress Shortlink wp.me/p1DZ4b-XA

Pacific Coast Fishes Eschmeyer, Herald and Hammann page 224

fishbase www.fishbase.org/summary/3597

More than You Want To Know About Pacific Coast Fishes Milton Love page 256

Ron’s flickr https://www.flickr.com/photos/cas_docents/2959049802/in/album-72157633391356187/