This is a small fish, max size 6 inches, that is common here in the Pacific NW. They can be found on muddy bottoms and near jumbled rocks. Often they are near a “bolt hole” that allows them to quickly hide from the observer. They are generally cream-colored with the dark eye, a black edge to the dorsal fin and a pale blue patch under the eye. We find them from intertidal to 200 feet. Sometimes they change to more tan with slightly darker bars on the sides.
They hatch as females and at about 2 inches may change to a male. They tend to have small territories that they stick to.
One place that I see lots of them is Sund Rock in Hood Canal. But I see them at Cove 2 regularly also.
When you see one, comment to the Club FaceBook page. Add a photo if you have it. Tell us dive site, approximate depth and date.
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