COMMON MARINE FISHES 



93 



Photo by Al Johns for 

 Vernon M. Haden, San Pedro 



SENORITA 



Oxyjulis calif ornica 



Relationship: Belongs to the wrasse family, Labridae, as does the sheepshead. 



Distinguishing Characters: The absence of teeth on the vomer; the anal fin 

 with three spines and normally 13 soft rays ; the single dorsal fin usually with nine 

 weak spines; the small, sharp, canine-like teeth which project forward; the slender 

 body. Length to about seven inches. Color: Brown above, the centers of the scales 

 orange-brown, cream color below ; streaks of brownish and bluish on the sides of the 

 head ; a large black spot at the base of the caudal fin. 



Distribution: Central California south into Lower California; common inshore 

 and around kelp. 



Fishing Season: Xot the object of a fishery. 



Importance: Caught fairly often by sport and commercial fishermen but not 

 sought by either. 



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



Unauthorized Name: Kelpfish. 



