COMMON MARINE FISHES 



99 



V 



Figure 70 



PRIESTFISH 

 Sebastodes mystinus 



Relationship: A member of the rockfish family, Scorpaenidae. Another species, 

 the black rockfish (opposite page), resembles it very closely. 



Distinguishing Characters: See page 94. The broad convex space between the 

 eyes ; the absence of spines on top of the head ; the spines of the dorsal fin lower than 

 the soft rays ; the anal fin with normally nine soft rays ; the maxillary which extends 

 lo the hind" border of the pupil ; the black peritoneum (the peritoneum is white in the 

 black rockfish). Length to about 20 inches. Color: Slaty or bluish black above, becom- 

 ing paler below and white on the belly ; back and sides often vaguely blotched with 

 lighter and darker shades ; fins all blackish. 



Distribution: Southern California to Alaska, usually in rather shallow water. 



Fishing Season : Throughout the year. 



Importance: Of minor commercial importance, but probably the most important 

 sport species. 



Fishing Gear: Hook and line, trawls. 



Unauthorized Names: Black rockfish. bluefish. black rock cod. blue perch, nervi, 

 lilack snapper, black bass, neri. 



