Fish ID

[bergie berg]

I caught this critter with a 4 inch christmas tree big hammer in a kelp bed. It hit the swimmie on the drop and it fought like a small calico. Anybody know what it's called?? (I released it right after the pic)

[BingJr]

Ironically enough, its a kelp fish!

It really fits the name!

[flyngby]

I agree with kelp fish!!!!!! Imagine they are in the kelp but have caught them along the jetty's where there is no kelp!

Nice new species added to your log book!!!!!

Steve

[falcor49]

its a giant kelp fish thats its name its not actually giant though yah they fight good

[glumace]

Yep, kelp fish

Here is some more info

http://www.thejump.net/id/giant-kelpfish.htm

Giant kelpfish "Heterostichus rostratus" stick close to kelp forest of the Pacific ocean. Their bodies are shaped and colored to help them blend in with the kelp forest. Giant kelpfish are able to hide among a variety of seaweeds because they come in a variety of colors: red, green and brown, along with a series of silvery patterns. Giant Kelpfish can even change colors to match changes in local color just as flounder do.

Giant kelp fish get up to about 2 feet long and feed on crustaceans, small fish and even mollusks.

The females lay their eegs on the kelp and the male guards the eggs.

http://www.thejump.net/id/giant-kelpfish.jpg

[sansou]

Cool fish!

Here's one that fell for a piece of mussel down here in SD:

http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/kk274/sansou/kelpfish2.jpg

[bergie berg]

thanks for the info guys!!! Wow, catching a two foot one of those would be a trip!