276 



UNDERWATER GUIDE TO MARINE LIFE 



Similar S-pecies: There are several other members of the genus Hexagrammos 

 on the West Coast north of Monterey. 



The cultus cod (Hng cod), 0-phiodon elongatiis, is the largest of the greenlings, 

 commonly reaching 3 feet and 30 pounds, and even growing to 70 pounds. It has 

 a large mouth and strong teeth, indicating fish-eating habits. There is only one 

 lateral line. The color varies with the habitat from dark brown to green, and 

 there are green or yellow spots of small size over the body. The flesh is also green 

 but is wholesome. It ranges from San Diego to southeastern Alaska. 



The convict fish, Oxylehius f ictus, is a small, very active wrasselike or gobylike 

 greenling with a white to gray ground color crossed by six black bars. It is 

 common in rocks and seaweed, ranges from San Diego to Puget Sound, and 

 grows to 10 inches. 



Fig. 154. Convict fish. 



SCULPINS: Family Cottidae 



There are a great number of species of these principally arctic fishes. None 

 are found south of California or Virginia. They are bottom fishes which lie on 

 rock bottoms, usually among seaweed, waiting for prey to come within their 

 reach. The larger ones are fish-eaters mainly. The smaller ones are more 

 omnivorous. Some of them look very much like the scorpion fishes with their 

 large, fanlike pectoral fins and spiny heads. Sculpins are never completely scaled 

 and are frequently quite pretty, especially the smaller species. These are sluggish 

 fishes, which depend on concealment for protection as well as for getting food. 

 As might be expected, the coloration varies to match the environment. If 

 approached by a swimmer, they usually remain still until the last moment when 

 they dart away with a sudden burst of energy and speed, but they never go very 

 far. Frequently, the preoperculum with its spines will be erected in a threatening 

 gesture. Most sculpins live in shallow water near shore or even in tidepools, 

 but some get into very deep water. They range in size from a few inches to 2^2 

 feet. A few species are found in fresh water and are very common there, for 

 example, the miller's thumb, Cottns. 



CABEZONE (marbled sculpin) : ScoT'paenichthys marmoratus 



Size: The largest sculpin, reaching 2^2 feet. 



Weight: Reaching 25 pounds. 



Distribution: British Columbia to San Dieoo. 



