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The California sheephead is a monandric protogynous hermaphrodite and is a commercially and recreationally valuable labrid. [12] It is a prominent species occupying the southern California rocky reef and kelp bed fish assemblage.
California sheephead (Semicossyphus pulcher) are found in the Eastern Pacific Ocean along the California coast, from Monterey Bay to the Gulf of California (Cabo San Lucas). They are sometimes seen in the Gulf of California, Mexico, but are most abundant south of Point Conception, California.
The California sheephead has dog-like teeth, white chin, and bright pink, red, or peach coloration. The males have a distinctive bold vertical stripe pattern, with a knobby head that makes them easy to distinguish in California’s waters.
The California sheephead is a monandric protogynous hermaphrodite and is a commercially and recreationally valuable labrid. It is a prominent species occupying the southern California rocky reef and kelp bed fish assemblage. Both the ecology and life history patterns of California sheephead have been shown to vary with local environmental ...
5 kwi 2024 · Sheephead use their powerful jaws and strong teeth to crack through hard shells and their pharyngeal jaws (modified throat bones) to further crush shells into smaller pieces (Braje, et al., 2017).
The California sheephead's unique teeth provide clues about their diet and age. As they consume hard-shelled prey, their teeth wear down over time. By examining the teeth, scientists can estimate the fish's age and dietary habits. Key Characteristics of the California Sheephead. Length: Up to 3 feet (91 cm) Weight: Up to 36 pounds (16.3 kg)
California sheephead (sheephead) (Bodianus pulcher, previously Semicossyphus pulcher (Love and Passarelli 2020)) are one of the most common temperate wrasse species in the Labridae family in southern California.
