COMMON MARINE PISHES 



95 



Figure 66 



BOCACCIO 

 Sebastodes paucispinis 



Relationship: A member of the rockfish family, Scorpaenidae. 



Distinguishing Characters: .See page 04. The broad, convex space between 

 the eyes ; the absence of spines on the top of the head ; the greatly projecting lower 

 jaw ; the white or silvery peritoneum ; the anal fin which has normally nine soft rays. 

 Reaches a length of 35 inches and a weight of 18 pounds. Color: Olivaceous to dusky 

 brown above, shading into dull orange reddish on the sides and to pale pink to white 

 below ; everywhere flushed with red ; sometimes with black blotches on the body. 



Distribution: Southern California to British Columbia, less common in the 

 northern poi-tion of the range. 



Fishing Season: Throughout the year. 



Importance: One of the most important rockfish in the State, particularly in 

 Central and Southern California. Minor in Northern California. 



Fishing Gear: Trawls, lines. 



Unauthorized Names: Rock cod, grouper, salmon grouper. 



