Top 20 Fish Species Found in Puget Sound Waters

Divers huddle together, clutching coffee cups while steam rises between their hands, disappearing against the backdrop of gray skies and grayer waters. At 45° F in February, and with water temperatures only a few degrees warmer, the conditions may seem less than inviting. Surprisingly, the divers demonstrate enthusiasm while squeezing into their drysuits, drawn by the promise of the vibrant and bizarre sea life that Puget Sound, Washington, has to offer. Jaques Cousteau famously labeled it his second favorite diving destination globally. While diving in warm Caribbean waters is a popular choice, many argue that diving in the Pacific Northwest offers a unique adventure that is unequaled.

Giant Pacific Octopus

The giant pacific octopus, Enteroctopus dofleini, reigns as one of the most revered features of Puget Sound. These remarkable reddish-brown creatures can grow to average weights of 60 – 80 lbs, with the largest specimens recorded at an astonishing 600 lbs and spanning 30 feet across. While octopuses possess venom, theirs is harmless to divers. Instead, they utilize their poison to efficiently subdue prey before retreating to their dens for leisurely meals. To locate a giant pacific octopus’s den, divers often look for midden piles of discarded shells that the octopus has released after snacking.

These highly intelligent beings exhibit curiosity and occasionally venture from their lairs to engage with divers, particularly when offered treats. The internet brims with engaging images of these playful creatures attaching themselves to divers’ heads, arms, and regulators. However, caution is advised, as the sudden removal of a mask or regulator could pose a danger.

East Pacific Red Octopus

The east pacific red octopus, Octopus rubescens, resembles a miniature giant pacific octopus. This small and solitary species frequents the west coast of North America, ranging from California to Alaska. Typically found in temperate bays and estuaries, east pacific red octopuses average around 3 – 5 ounces in weight and slightly exceed 1 foot in length. Much like their larger counterpart, these octopuses can often be located via midden piles, which indicate a den.

These octopuses exhibit remarkable color-changing abilities through special skin cells called chromophores. Consequently, spotting an east pacific red octopus may be challenging, as they can seamlessly blend into their environments. The simplest way to detect movement is to watch for motion among stones or coral as divers explore.

Wolf Eel

Characterized by a face reminiscent of a wrinkled grandmother, wolf eels (Anarrhichthys ocellatus) can reach lengths of up to 8 feet and possess razor-sharp teeth. However, experienced divers recognize that their intimidating appearance belies a friendly disposition. Wolf eels often engage playfully with divers, eagerly accepting morsels of sea urchins and shellfish directly from a daring diver’s hand, although such actions are not encouraged.

During daylight hours, these eels tend to conceal themselves within rocky ledges or coral dens. Couples may frequently be spotted within the same den, as they are known for their lifelong partnerships while collaboratively defending their eggs from predators. Distinguishing male and female wolf eels is possible by color; males exhibit gray shades, while females are typically brown.

Found along the Pacific Northwest and as far north as the Aleutian Islands, these fascinating fish are classified as cartilaginous and are related to wolffish. Interestingly, they can tolerate frigid temperatures as low as 30° F, defying expectations.

Metridium Anemone

Giant metridium anemones, scientifically known as Metridium farcimen, inhabit the entirety of the west coast of North America. These impressive organisms can reach heights of up to one meter, frequently forming colonies. Similar to all anemones, metridiumn anemones possess stinging cells; however, they do not pose any threat to divers who maintain a safe distance. Due to their leisurely pace, metridium anemones cannot swiftly attack divers.

While they move slowly, they may leave small pieces of their foot behind, resulting in the growth of genetically identical clones. Consequently, entire colonies of cloned anemones can materialize. Interestingly, metridiumn anemone colonies develop a unique defense against potential invasions from genetically different species. They use a special tentacle, known as a catch tentacle, to seize upon any foreign anemone, delivering stings or damaging its tissue. Apart from cloning, these anemones also reproduce sexually by broadcast spawning, wherein males disperse sperm packets while females release eggs into the ocean’s water column.

Sunflower Sea Star

The sunflower sea star, Pycnopodia helianthoides, holds the title of the largest sea star in the ocean, boasting an arm span of up to 3 feet. Scuba divers along the west coast of North America will often notice these vibrant sea stars in hues of orange, yellow, red, and purple. Although sea stars are usually not known for speed, sunflower sea stars can surprisingly move at a rate of 3 feet per minute to hunt for clams, sea urchins, and other delicacies. Prey that would typically be stationary may find themselves fleeing from an approaching sunflower sea star.

This sea star reproduces primarily through sexual means, broadcasting its eggs and sperm into the water. However, it showcases an additional ability called fission; when a sunflower sea star loses one of its 16-24 arms, it can regenerate a whole new sea star from the severed limb.

Painted Greenling

Often referred to as the “convict fish” due to its striking reddish-brown striped patterns, the painted greenling (Oxylebius pictus) inhabits a range from Northern Alaska to Baja California. Like many bottom-dwelling species, these fish have honed the art of camouflage, adjusting their skin tone to blend into their environment and evade predators. During nighttime dives, experienced divers can locate these fish by watching the base of large anemones, as painted greenlings frequently seek refuge nearby for safety.

Divers may also witness interesting breeding behaviors among painted greenlings. In mating season, males undergo a color transformation, becoming nearly black with iridescent spots. After a female lays her eggs, the male vigilantly guards the bright orange brood until they hatch. He will aggressively protect his offspring from any creature, including divers, approaching too closely.

Kelp Greenling

The kelp greenling, scientifically named Hexagrammos decagrammus, is an eye-catching species often seen in coastal regions stretching from Alaska to Southern California. As its common name suggests, these fish frequently inhabit kelp forests, though occasional sightings occur on sandy ocean floors and other environments.

Males and females exhibit notable differences in appearance, which is an uncommon trait among fish. Both genders reach lengths of approximately 16 inches and can be gray or red-brown. Males are characterized by iridescent blue patterns and red spots, while females display gold or red markings and yellow or orange fins. Both are favorites among underwater photographers due to their striking appearance!

Black Rockfish

When scuba divers encounter a black rockfish, Sebastes melanops, it’s essential to note its coloration. Known for their extended lifespan (up to 50 years), black rockfish gradually transition from dark shades to gray or white with age. They can be spotted along the coasts from Alaska’s Aleutian Islands to Southern California. Unlike some rockfish species that dwell on the ocean floor, black rockfish are pelagic, often seen hovering in schools or individually over rocky structures.

This species is referred to by multiple names, including black bass, black rock cod, sea bass, black snapper, pacific ocean perch, and red snapper. However, as clarified by the Monterey Bay Aquarium, there are no true snapper along North America’s west coast. Therefore, any pacific snapper featured on a menu is likely black rockfish! Fortunately, black rockfish is classified as a stable species, allowing divers to appreciate them both underwater and on their plates without any guilt.

Copper Rockfish

Many west coast divers are already familiar with the common copper rockfish, Sebastes caurinus, which can often be seen resting atop rocks or on the ocean floor. Like the black rockfish, copper rockfish can also live for up to 40 years. This species is particularly resilient, earning the nickname “never die” for their remarkable ability to survive when out of water for extended periods. Despite this resilience, copper rockfish are highly sought after by fishermen, making them popular as both sport and table fish.

Typically medium-sized, these fish usually reach lengths of around 22 inches and can weigh approximately 11 lbs. Identification may be difficult due to their diverse color patterns. Copper rockfish are most commonly pinkish to reddish-brown with iridescent white mottling, but they may also appear in red (California) or black (Alaska) variations. Nevertheless, copper rockfish can be easily recognized by their pale bellies, spiny dorsal fins, and the distinctive pale stripe running beneath their dorsal fins to the tail’s base. Additionally, they are also known by the names chuckleheads and whitebellies.

Quillback Rockfish

Quillback rockfish, Sebastes maliger, stand out due to their prominent dorsal fin spines, which lend them their name. The fish’s body exhibits a mottled pattern in shades of orange and brown, with a light yellow tone apparent in the first few quills. While these spines are capable of delivering painful punctures, they are not deadly to divers. Quillback rockfish are among the smallest rockfish species, reaching a length of approximately 2 feet and weighing 2-7 lbs, typically living to an age of 32 years.

Scuba divers can typically find quillback rockfish near the ocean floor, often hiding among rocky outcrops, kelp, or crevices, relying on their coloration for protection against predators. In Puget Sound, these fish usually maintain a territory of about 30 square meters, making them somewhat predictable and easy to find once spotted.

Grunt Sculpin

The grunt sculpin, Rhamphocottus richardsonii, is a master of concealment, often taking refuge within the shells of giant acorn barnacles. When positioned within the shell facing inwards, its snout closely resembles the cover the barnacle utilizes to seal itself. Conversely, when entering head-first, its tail mimics the barnacle’s feeding tentacles. This ingenious blend of camouflage and hiding is crucial for survival, as these small (2-3 inch) fish lack alternatives to evade predators, resorting instead to walking or hopping along the ocean floor on their pectoral fins.

Visually, the grunt sculpin boasts a peculiar appearance characterized by its long snout and large head, accounting for roughly 60% of its entire length. Its body is adorned with an array of striking patterns, reminiscent of various wild animals on a base of cream, yellow, or tan. Grunt sculpins produce the grumpy grunting sound for which they are named upon removal from the water.

Scalyhead Sculpin

Scalyhead sculpin (Artedius harringtoni) exhibit remarkable abilities in disguise, allowing them to blend seamlessly with their surroundings, including algae, sand, rocks, and coral. When resting on the bottom, these fish can alter their colors to mimic the environment, ranging from pale to dark hues, and even modifying their patterns for enhanced camouflage. Occasionally, bright blue squiggles or metallic red spots adorn their bodies.

Regardless of their exhibited colors, the scalyhead sculpin’s bright orange gills stand out as a distinguishing feature. Numerous orange lines can be observed running through their eyes, with cirri (small branching appendages) visible on their foreheads. On close inspection, divers may also notice tiny, fleshy protrusions lining their bodies, while their bellies feature round, pale spots.

Longfin Sculpin

Longfin sculpin, Jordania zonope, capture the attention of underwater photographers with their vivid coloration, featuring bright crimson hues. As members of the sculpin family, these fish predominantly inhabit the ocean floor. Divers often see them resting atop rocks, sponges, and coral formations. Their agile movements set them apart from other types of sculpin, making it easier for divers to spot them despite their small size (max 6 inches) and stealthy coloration.

Longfin sculpin can be identified by the distinctive orange and green rays radiating from their eyes, creating a sunburst effect.

Showy Snailfish

With a fitting name, showy snailfish (Liparis puchellus) exhibit soft, scaleless bodies and tapering tails that make them resemble a snail without a shell. Their streamlined form features smooth lines that extend from their blunt snouts to their tails, occasionally interrupted by clusters of spots. Moving with an eel-like grace, showy snailfish possess small pectoral fins and continuous dorsal and ventral fins stretching along their bodies.

Commonly found resting on sandy bottoms, snoozing showy snailfish often curl their tails like dogs. They exhibit colorations ranging from golden yellow to rich chocolate brown, inhabiting coastal waters from the Aleutian Islands in Alaska to central California.

Pacific Spiny Lumpsucker

Pacific spiny lumpsuckers (Eumicrotremus orbis) carry an unusual charm that balances on the cusp of cuteness and absurdity. These petite fish, barely 1-3 inches in length, often display unexpected colors, including shades of pink and yellow, while usually perching motionless on rocks or other surfaces. The effort to discover a pacific lumpsucker is surely worth the reward as their amusing, slightly bewildered expressions and dramatic eye movements are delightful.

A standout feature is their pelvic fins, which have fused to form a suction cup function. This adaptation allows the fish to cling to solid surfaces, remaining still to evade predators. Their dermal skin is covered with scaly plates endowed with spiny protrusions, which combine to create their characteristic lumpy appearance. These delightful fish can be found all along the western coastline of North America.

Ling Cod

Ling cod (Ophiodon ozymandias) are specifically endemic to the northwest coast of North America. Despite their name, ling cod are not true cod; they belong to the bottom-dwelling greenling category. These formidable fish can grow to lengths of up to 5 feet and reach weights of 100 lbs, displaying a mottled array of greens, yellows, grays, and browns for camouflage.

With long, eel-like bodies and large heads, ling cod are sometimes referred to as “bucketheads.” The most prominent aspect of ling cod is their extensive mouths filled with sharp, dangerous teeth. Although these fish are typically not a threat to divers, males will aggressively guard their nests when eggs are present. Therefore, it’s vital to give nesting ling cod a wide berth to avoid nips or bites!

Cabezon

The cabezon (Scorpaenichthys marmoratus) ranks as the largest variant of bottom-dwelling sculpins along the Pacific coast, reaching weights of 25 lbs and measuring up to 30 inches. Resembling scorpionfish, cabezon display a variety of dappled patterns in shades of brown, green, red, and yellow. As adept camouflagers, these fish rely on their extraordinary ability to hide in plain sight, ambushing unsuspecting prey drawn in by their wide jaws.

Cabezon can easily be recognized by their large heads (with cabezon meaning “big head” in Spanish), robust bodies, and fleshy appendages atop their eyes. Though devoid of scales, cabezon possess a dorsal fin with sharp spines. Thanks to effective camouflage, size, and defensive spines, cabezon have few natural predators. However, males guarding nests may remain stationary, thus becoming easy targets for spear and sport fishermen.

Alabaster Nudibranch

Alabaster nudibranchs, Dirona albolineata, utilize cerata for underwater respiration, allowing them to absorb oxygen through the appendages’ thin layers. These nudibranchs can be found in various colors, ranging from white to salmon-pink, and are also known as white-lined dirona, chalk-lined dirona, and frosted nudibranch.

Clown Nudibranch

The clown nudibranch (Triopha catalinae) inhabits waters extending across the west coast of North America. It is easily identifiable by its white body, which is adorned with orange or yellow cerata. The two orange-tipped rhinophores serve as chemical sensors, appearing similar to short tentacles, and exhibit layered flesh that resembles gills but are not intended for breathing.