COMMON MARINE FISHES 



105 



BLACK-AND-YELLOW ROCKFISH 

 Sebastodes chrysomelas 



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

 species, 8. carnatus, resembles this fish very closely. 



Distinguishing Characters: See page 94. The concave space between the eyes; 

 the five pairs of strong spines above the eyes ; the lower jaw not projecting ; the broad 

 pectoral fin with thick rays. Length to about 15 inches. Color: Dark, olive-brown to 

 black above, tinged with yellow, shading to yellow below. Back and sides with a number 

 of yellow, irregular areas. Four of these clear areas occur as follows : Below third 

 and fourth dorsal spines and extending up onto the membrane between the spines, 

 Iielow the membrane between the seventh and eighth spines, below the notch between 

 the spinous and soft portions of the dorsal fin and below the end of the soft dorsal. 

 PMns colored like neighboring parts. Obscure dark stripes radiate from eye. (The general 

 color of 8. carnatus is yellowish brown and the blotches, which are similarly placed, 

 are pinkish.) 



Distribution: The coast of California in water of moderate depth. (8. carnatus 

 is found in shallower water from Central California south.) 



Fishing Season: Throughout the year. 



Importance: One of the most highly esteemed rockfish of Central California, 

 but not taken in any quantity. 



Fishing Gear: Lines, trawls. 



Unauthorized Names: Gopher, gopher rock cod. 



