COMMON MARINE PISHES 



75 



SARGO 

 Anisotremus davidsonii 



Relationship: Belongs to the grunter family, Haemulidae. One other member 

 of this family has been reported from California. 



Distinguishing Characters: The absence of teeth on the vomer ; the fine, single- 

 pointed, unmoveable teeth on the jaws ; the anal fin with three spines and 10 or 11 

 soft rays ; the dorsal fin with 11 or 12 spines ; the dark vertical Iiand which runs across 

 the l)ody ; the dark spot on and above the base of the pectoral fin. Length to a foot 

 or more. Color: Entirely metallic silvery ; iridescent with a grayish tinge above, plain 

 silvery below ; back, head and sides sometimes with vague dark blotches ; band and 

 spot as described above ; caudal, soft dorsal and anal fins with a yellowish tinge. 



Distribution: Point Conception south into central Lower California. 



Fishing Season: Irregular, but caught particularly in the sunmior and fall. 

 Taken incidentally with other species. 



Importance: Forms a minor proportion of the Southern California "perch" 

 catch. Caught occasionally by sportsmen. 



Fishing Gear: Accidentally in round haul nets or on hook and line. 



Unauthorized Names: Perch, black croaker, china croaker, blue bass. 



