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INTRODUCING THE WORLD TO THE BEST OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA, ONE DIVER AT A TIME
Last updated:
8/05/2004
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FAMILY SCORPAENIDAE / ROCKFISH
Common
Name: Grass Rockfish
Genus
and Species: Sebastes rastrelliger
Distinctive
Features: This fish has many dark spots, typically dark brown or dark
grey. Typically colors may vary widely depending upon its surroundings
but often times the pectoral and dorsal fin may be brilliantly colored with
shades of bright green and dark blue. The pectoral fins are squared off
while the tail fin is more triangular.
Distribution:
These fish can be found throughout southern and central California.
Behavior:
These fish can be found in low laying grass or at the feet of a large hold fast
and are not scared of divers unless you get too close.
Habitat:
These fish can be found in 4 to 20 feet of water along break walls or large
rock foundations. As the common name suggests you are most likely to find
these fish in grass like algae although they can also be found swimming beneath
the kelp canopy or resting in a crevice or by a large holdfast.
Fun
Facts: None yet...
Permits
and Regulations: None required, however I do not recommend eating
these fish.
Common
Name: California Scorpionfish
Genus
and Species: Scorpaena guttata
Distinctive
Features:
Distribution:
Behavior:
These fish remain stationary when approached by divers. Unless touched
these fish rely on their camouflage for protection.
Habitat:
California Scorpionfish dwell within the general vicinity of kelp forests, most
notably perched on rocks or along the bottom.
Fun
Facts: working on it!
Permits
and Regulations:
Common
Name: Treefish
Genus
and Species: Sebastes serriceps
Distinctive
Features: Juveniles, such as the specimen to the left, have the
characteristic yellow body with at least 6 black stripes. These black
stripes are often interspersed with yellow stripes which may lead one to
believe the specimen has many more stripes than it technically does.
Other features include the rounded tail, anal, and pectoral fins. Adult
dorsal fins taper off towards the tip of the tail fin instead of the more round
dorsal fin as juveniles. Adult coloration varies dramatically from that
of the juvenile Treefish in which adults change from yellow to dark olive
colored bodies. These fish grow as large as 16 inches / 40.5 cm.
Distribution:
These fish can be found from as far down south as San Diego to as far north as
Ventura County.
Behavior:
Treefish tend to be solitary and generally wary of approaching divers. At
night we have had more luck seeing these fish swimming around and perched on
top of rocks. These fish tend to be shy around divers, so when
approaching take your time and don't be too surprised if they retreat back to
their crevices.
Habitat:
Treefish prefer very rocky terrain with many large holes and crevices. On
beach dives they are more common on very large rocky reefs which in general
lack large amounts of kelp. When visiting the islands tree fish prefer
the man made rock quarries and break walls. In natural habitats you will
find them in the lush kelp in crevices.
Fun
Facts: None yet...
Permits
and Regulations: None required, however I do not recommend eating
these fish.
Copyrighted by Ryan Jaeger & Matthew J. Wahlrab 2002 - 2004