THE ROSE- FISH, AND ITS ALLIES. 265 



The Yellow-backed Rockfish, Sebastichthys maliger, seems to have no 

 distinct name in common use. It ranges from Monterey to Puget Sound, 

 in rather deep water. It is not very common about San Francisco, but 

 many are caught in the Straits of Fuca. It is one of the largest of the 

 species, reaching a weight of six or eight pounds. As a food-fish it is not 

 so good as some of the others. 



The Red Garrupa, SebasticJitliys caurinus and sub-species vexillaris, is 

 known as "Garrupa," "Rockfish" and "Rock-cod." It reaches a 

 length of twenty inches and a weight of six pounds. It ranges from San 

 Nicolas to Puget Sound, being generally common in water of moderate 

 depth. It is subject to greater variations than any other species in the 

 different parts of its range. It forms about seven per cent, of the total 

 rock-cod catch. Its flesh ranks as about average. 



The Grass Rockfish, Sebastichthys rastrelliger, like all those of dusky 

 color, is known as "Garrupa." At San Francisco it is often called 

 " Grass Rockfish," perhaps from its color. It reaches a weight of two to 

 four pounds. It lives in water of moderate depth, and is rather common 

 everywhere from San Nicolas to Humboldt Bay. Its abundance is greatest 

 south of Point Conception. It is said to be the best of all the Rockfish 

 for the table, and to be an especial favorite with the Jews. 



The Brown Rockfish, Sebastichthys auriculatus, seldom receives a dis- 

 tinctive name from the fishermen. It reaches a weight of three or four 

 pounds, although, as usually seen in the markets, it is smaller than any 

 other of the species. This is owing to the fact that its young are caught 

 in seines in the bay, while those of other species are less frequently taken, 

 and then only in the open ocean. It ranges from San Martin Island to 

 Puget Sound, living in shallow water and entering all the bays, and being 

 taken with a hook from all the wharves. It is thus apparently more 

 abundant than any other species, although in actual numbers probably 

 many of the deep-water forms (S. flavidus, pinniger, rosaceus) far exceed 

 it. As a food-fish it is held in lower esteem than most of the others. 



The Pesce-Vermiglia, Sebasticlitliys ch/orostictus, is called " Pesce- 

 Vermiglia," or "Vermilion-fish," by the Portuguese fishermen at Monte- 

 rey. It is known only from Monterey Bay and the Farallones, occurring 

 about the rocks in considerable depths of water and being taken only with 

 the hook. In its native haunts it is not a rare species. It reaches a weight 

 •of three or four pounds, and is excellent food. 



