DIVISION OF PISH AND GAME 



QUEENFISH 

 Seriphus poliius 



Relationship: A member of the croal\er family, Sciaenidae, in which are also 

 classed our yellowfin, spotfin and black croakers, California corbina, kingfish and white 

 sea bass. 



Distinguisliing Characters: The large lower jaw which projects slightly beyond 

 the tip of the upper; the two widely separated dorsal fins (separating it from all our 

 other croakers) ; the lack of a barbel on the lower jaw; the base of the anal fin being 

 almost equal in length to the base of the second dorsal ; the two weak spines at the front 

 of the anal fin ; the lack of vomerine teeth. Length to about a foot. Color: Bluish above 

 shading into silvery on the sides and underparts ; fins yellowish ; base of pectorals 

 dusky. 



Distribution: Central California south to central Lower California. Less com- 

 mon north of Pt. Conception. Occurs in schools, often with kingfish and other species. 

 Prefers shallow water and sandy bottoms ; found also in bays and sloughs. 



Fishing Season: Throughout the year, probably with larger landings in the 

 winter and spring. 



Importance: Of minor significance as a market fish. Included with the kingfish 

 in catch records, it forms a small percentage of the "kingfish" catch. Appreci.il)Ie quanti- 

 ties are used as live bait. It is generally thought far less desirable than sardines or 

 anchovies, though it is considered excellent for some species. Not a desirable sport fish. 

 Landed chiefly at Los Angeles. 



Fishing Gear: Taken commercially chiefly with bait nets. Taken by sportsmen 

 mostly from piers or from boats in shallow water with hook and line, jigging with 

 multiple hooks and a shiner, or with live or dead bait. 



Unauthorized Names: Kingfish, herring, tomcod, shiner, sea trout. 



