COMMON MARINE FISHES 



43 



GRUNION 

 Leuresthes tenuis 



Relationship: A member of the silverside family, Atherinidae, as are the jack 

 and top smelts. 



Distinguishing Characters: The lack of the lateral line; the silvery stripe 

 along the side ; the two separate dorsal fins, the first composed of weak spines, the 

 second of soft rays ; the single spine at the front of the anal fin ; the absence of teeth 

 in the mouth (separating it from the jack and top smelts) ; the capability of the front 

 of the upper jaw (premaxillary) of being drawn out for a considerable distance to form 

 a tube ; the front of the first dorsal fin being back of the vent. Length to about 7 

 inches. Color: Green or grayish green above, silvery below; a bright silvery band 

 tinged with blue and bordered above with violet extends the length of the body. 



Distribution: Central California to central Lower California ; uncommon north 

 of Pt. Conception. Comes on the beaches to spawn during the high tides at the full and 

 dark of the moon from March through August. 



Fishing Season: Taken irregularly by commercial fishermen. Currently (1948) 

 may not be taken during April and May. Consult fish and game laws. 



Importance: Of minor commercial significance, it forms perhaps 2 percent of 

 the statewide "smelt" catch. Because of its remarkable spawning habits, it is of great 

 interest to amateur fishermen, who catch large numbers on the beaches during the 

 open portion of the spawning season. 



Fishing Gear: Round haul nets. Illegal to catch in the surf or on the beach 

 except with the hands. 



Unauthorized Names: Smelt, little smelt, least smelt. 



