Author: Valenciennes, 1832
Comments: This species is most abundant littoral species on the coast of central Chile, found in close association with the brown kelp <i>Lessonia trabeculata</i>.  Juveniles found in tidepools to a maximum size of 15.7 cm TL and an estimated 3 years of age, adults occur subtidally.  It is mainly herbivorous, feeding almost exclusively on brown, red and green algae, with a strong preference for green and red algae (digestion by acid hydrolysis).  Its meat reported as an excellent pan-fish, with rich, white, sweet, and flaky meat (Ref. 86913).