Species Gallery - Pacific Coast
SIZE: 6-12 in. max. 14 1/2 in.
C-O Sole
Pleuronichthys coenosusDISTINCTIVE FEATURES: 1. Dark crescent-shaped marking on tail near base followed by large spot form "C-O". 2. Usually dark prominent midbody spot with pale patch behind. 3. Large, protruding bulbous eyes near tip of snout.
DESCRIPTION:
Mottled, spotted and blotched in rich shades of brown with occasional white spots. Occasional S. California to SE Alaska.
SIZE: 1-2 ft. max. 3 ft. (terminal phase male), 6-12 in. (initial phase)
California Sheephead
Semicossyphus pulcherDISTINCTIVE FEATURES: 1. White chin in both phases. TP: Red to orange or pink midbody; dark head and rear body. IP: Pink to reddish brown.
DESCRIPTION:
Two distinct color phases, terminal and initial. Older TPs develop a bulbous limp on nape. Occasional to uncommon central California; formally common but numbers greatly reduced by overfishing, especially spearfishing of large TP.
SIZE: 3-8 in. max 10 in.
Senorita
Oxyjulis californicaDISTINCTIVE FEATURES: Yellow to orange to orange-brown. 1. Large black spot on tail base.
DESCRIPTION:
White belly. Cigar shaped. Abundant to common S. California; occasional to N. California.
SIZE: 12-14 in. max. 15 in. (terminal phase), 5-12 in. (initial phase)
Rock Wrasse
Halichoeres semicinctusDISTINCTIVE FEATURES: TP: 1. Dark bar behind pectoral fin. IP: 2. Dark areas on scales form spotted stripe on upper side.
DESCRIPTION:
TP generally >12inches, green to lue-green and occasionally orange. IP typically between 5 and 12 inches, yellow to orange or orangish brown. Occasional S. California.
SIZE: 4-8 in. max. 1 ft.
Blacksmith
Chromis punctipinnisDISTINCTIVE FEATURES: Blue-gray. 1. Black spots on scales primarily scattered from mid-body to tail.
DESCRIPTION:
Usually blue border on dorsal, anal, and tail fins. Typically swim in open water in large aggregations. Abundant to common S. California, occasional central California.
SIZE: 2-10 in. max. 14 in.
Garibaldi
Hypsypops rubicundusDISTINCTIVE FEATURES: Brilliant orange. 1. Display numerous iridescent blue spots until about 6 inches long.
DESCRIPTION:
Thin, oval shaped body; tail deeply notched between large rounded lobes. Aggressively territorial. Protected from any type of harvest as the California state marine fish. Abundant S. California; occasional to rare central California.
SIZE: 5 - 12 1/2 in. max. 15 1/2 in.
Black Perch
Embiotoca jacksoniDISTINCTIVE FEATURES: 1. About nine dusky bars on body 2. Narrow blue stripe along base of anal fin. 3. Patch of large scales between pectoral fin and ventral fin.
DESCRIPTION:
Thin-bodied; football shaped profile. Silvery, tinted with shades of orange to reddish brown. Large dark lips. Occasional central to S. California; uncommon to rare N. California.
SIZE: 3 1/2 - 7 in. max. 8 1/2 in.
Kelp Surfperch
Brachyistius frenatusDISTINCTIVE FEATURES: 1. Snout pointed with upward jutting lower jaw. 2. Darkish areas on scales align to form several dusky stripes above midlateral line. 3. Head concave above eyes.
DESCRIPTION:
Thin-bodied.. Silvery with coppery sheen, often with bluish spots. Abundant to common N. California to B.C.; uncommon central and S. California.
SIZE: 6-14 in. max. 17 1/4 in.
Pile Perch
Rhacochilus vaccaDISTINCTIVE FEATURES: 1. Dusky to dark bar below front portion of soft dorsal fin. 2. Black spot behind corner of mouth.
DESCRIPTION:
Thin-bodied; football-shaped profile. Silvery gray, occasionally brownish. Deeply forked tail. Common central California to B.C.
SIZE: 6-20 in. max 26 in.
Opaleye
Girella nigricansDISTINCTIVE FEATURES: 1. One to three white spots on back. 2. Bright blue to blue-green eyes.
DESCRIPTION:
Rounded, football shaped profile. Olive-green, often shaded with blue. Common S. California; occasional to uncommon north to Oregon.