This DVD on the kelpfish and their former relatives the fringeheads and pikeblennies of southern California includes two 22-minute episodes covering the relatively few species in this extremely interesting group of temperate to tropical fish. The narration talks about each fish's natural history, geographic distribution, habitat preferences, feeding preferences and other interesting information. These are also episodes in Dr. Bill's proposed cable TV series "Munching and Mating in the Macrocystis."

The first episode focuses on kelpfish in the family Clinidae, including the giant kelpfish (15 min) and the smaller species in the genus Gibbonsia (5 min). Highlights include footage of the giant kelpfish indulging in previously unreported mating menage a trois, as well as their feeding behavior and defensive adaptations including both their ability to camouflage and behavior mechanisms to avoid getting "munched!"

The second episode looks at the island kelpfish (Labrisomidae), the fringeheads and the pikeblennies (both in the Chaenopsidae). Although referred to as a kelpfish, the island kelpfish (5 min) differs significantly from those remaining in the family Clinidae. Thanks to several excellent underwater photographers I can present information about the fringeheads (3 1/2 min), the most interesting fish I've never seen. Footage of pikeblennies (10 min) includes feeding and their hilarious mating antics that remind me of young boys in junior high school.

This DVD is $25. Postage via first class mail is $2.50. Other options include USPS Priority Mail. State sales tax of $2.56 (10.25%) is required if shipped to a California address. My DVDs may be ordered on-line using PAYPAL with payments made to my account, bushing@post.harvard.edu. Be sure to include shipping and California state sales tax (if applicable), your mailing address and the name of the specific DVD or DVDs you are ordering. Payments made via credit or debit card on Paypal are subject to an additional charge of $2.00 due to Paypal fees. You may also send a personal check to Dr. Bill Bushing, P. O. Box 849, Avalon, CA 90704.

Note: these videos are produced on DVD-R media which is playable on most home DVD players. Verify that your player can play this format before purchase.

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This web page last updated September 29, 2010

This document maintained by Dr. Bill Bushing.
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