The kelp greenling is a species of fish native to the north east Pacific Ocean, ranging from Alaska to California.
They are elongate with a 21 to 22 spine dorsal fin followed by a 24 ray second dorsal fin. Kelp greenlings may reach a length of 21 inches and weigh up to 4.5 pounds. Males are brownish colored with blue blotches covering the head and shoulders. Females are more brightly colored, having reddish freckles covering a grey to brownish background and bright golden fins. Both sexes display a small mouth that is yellowish in the interior.
Kelp Greenling tend to inhabit rocky areas and kelp beds, but are also found over sand and mud flats. They eat mollusks, crustaceans, worms and brittle stars and are eaten by salmon, lingcod, and rockfish.
