The master of disguise! This is one of my favorite fishes in our waters – well next to the octopus (the other master of disguise). This little guy grows up to 2 feet in length and can blend in perfectly with the California kelp forest. He is easy to miss as his coloring and shaping mimics the kelp blades perfectly. They can actually change their coloring to match the varieties of kelp they need to blend into, be that red, green or brown.

As young the giant kelpfish are often translucent and can school with transparent shrimp. In adulthood they no longer need the protection and are mostly solitary. The females, the larger of the species lay their eggs upon a bed of kelp and the males guard the fertilized eggs – usually about 2 weeks till hatching.

The giant kelpfish is related to fringehead but it is the only fish of the Heterostichus genus. They are mostly found along the eastern pacific coast from British Columbia to Mexico, but most abundant in California. Their diets comprise of small crustaceans and fishes.

These guys are generally shy, like to hide and move quick when they notice being spotted – so remember go-slow and keep your eyes open.