The sailfin sculpin is a popular subject of public aquaria. Although having no commercial value it is certainly a valued aquarium fish. In just the right conditions its brightly orange coloured eggs can be reared in captivity. This reduces the pressure on having to catch them for exhibits. Dr. Jeff Marliave of the Vancouver Aquarium used to collect the eggs and rear sailfins. I believe these sailfins were used in local exhibits and shipped to aquarium all around the world. These fish are finding the right conditions to spawn in Reed Point Marina.

Sailfins are rarely seen for they are usually nocturnally active. They are negatively buoyant and are seen sitting and feeding on the bottom. One would immediately recognize this fish as it seems to flutter all its fins rather than swim with large body movements. They have been observed near the ramp in front of the office. This could be taken as a testament to the clean water conditions adjacent to the boat haulout and fuel dock.

Take a look at the photo of the sailfin and one can immediately understand why it was originally called the "eye banded sailor fish". 

Keep watching the Newsletter for more interesting sealife of the harbour right here in the marina...