COMMON MARINE FISHES 



73 



-/^T- 



OCEAN WHITEFISH 

 Caulolatilus princeps 



Relationship: The only California member of the blanqnillo family, Branchio- 

 stegidae. Not a close relative of the freshwater whitefish, which is related to the salmons. 



Distinguishing Characters: The long, rather even dorsal fin without a notch 

 between the spines and rays; the long anal fin with two spines in front; the absence 

 of teeth on the roof of the month. Length to al)0ut 40 inches. Color: Warm brown 

 above and on the sides, shading into paler below ; fins tinged with yellow or green ; 

 pectoral fins bluish with a yellowish streak in the center ; the dorsal and anal fins with 

 a blue streak near the edge. Occasional specimens are almost entirely yellow. 



Distribution: Central California south into Lower California; also recorded 

 from the Galapagos Islands and Peru ; generally along rocky coasts. Not common north 

 of Point Conception. 



Fishing Season: Throughout the year, with landings usually greatest in the 

 winter and least in the summer and fall. A varying proportion of the catch is made off 

 Lower California. 



Importance: A minor market species in Southern California. Considered a good 

 sport fish and taken in some quantity along the Santa Barbara and Ventura County 

 coasts as well as at the Channel Islands. 



Fishing Gear: Hook and line with cut or live bait ; set lines. 



