COMMON MARINE FISHES 



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FiGURK 22 Photo by Al Johns for 



Haden & Carpenter, San Pedro 



SAND BASS 

 Paralabrax nebulifer 



Relationship: A member of the sea bass family, Serranidae, as are the black 

 sea bass, striped bass, kelp bass and spotted sand bass. 



Distinguishing Characters: The broadly connected spiny and soft portions of 

 the dorsal fin, the third dorsal spine which is conspicuously longer than the rest 

 (separating it from the kelp bass) ; the three spines at the front of the anal fin; the 

 presence of teeth on the vomer ; about 70 scales in a row along the lateral line. Length 

 to about 20 inches. Color: Greenish gray, with traces of irregular vertical dusky bands 

 on the side of the body ; under parts white or pale gray ; cheek and region below the 

 eye with small round golden or yellowish brown spots, which fade as the fish grows 

 older. 



Distribution: Central California to Magdalena Bay, Lower California; not 

 common north of Pt. Conception. Found mostly over a sandy bottom or in bays. 



Fishing Season : Throughout the year, reaching a peak in the summer. 



Importance: Of slight significance commercially, it makes up a small proportion 

 of the "rock bass" catch. A desirable sport species but of less importance than is the 

 kelp bass. 



Fishing Gear: Chiefly hook and line ; 



entangling nets, round haul nets. 



Unauthorized Names: Rock bass, kelp bass, Johnny verde. 



4—90941 



