Species guide

How to catch Monkeyface prickleback

Cebidichthys violaceus

Stylized 2D illustration of Monkeyface prickleback
saltwatergame fishCebidichthyidae

The monkeyface prickleback is an elongated saltwater fish found along the Pacific coast of North America. It commonly inhabits tide pools and shallow rocky areas, where it can even breathe air and survive out of water for extended periods. This unique fish mainly grazes on algae and feeds on small crustaceans.

Where they live

Inhabits shallow inshore and intertidal zones up to 24 meters deep, often living in tide pools and under rocks along the Pacific coast of North America.

Typical size

Up to about 76 cm

What they eat

  • algae
  • small crustaceans
  • juvenile crustaceans

Best baits

  • small crustaceans bait
  • pieces of marine algae

Best lures

  • soft plastic lures mimicking small invertebrates
  • small jigs

How to fish for them

  • light spinning tackle in tide pools
  • rock fishing with bait

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How to catch Monkeyface prickleback | Bobbr