108 DIVISION OF FISH AND GAME 





Figure 70 Phntn by J. B. Phillips 



WIDOW ROCKFISH 

 Sebasfodes ovaWs 



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

 aS'. entomelus, closely resembles it and is called by the same name. 



Distinguishing Characters: See page 94. The rather wide, somewhat convex 

 space between the eyes ; the five pairs of low spines on top of the head, one near the 

 nostrils, three above the eyes, and one on top of the head behind the eyes (all except 

 those near the nostrils low, weak and difficult to see) ; the rather small mouth, the lower 

 jaw projecting beyond the upper ; the second anal spine being notably longer than the 

 third (in S. entomelus it is about equal to or shorter than the third) ; the black peri- 

 toneum. Length to about 14 inches. Color: Dusky, olive-tan above becoming creamy 

 or whitish below, everywhere tinged with reddish or pink ; back, sides, and membrane 

 of the dorsal fin covered with many small round, black spots. {8. entomelas lacks these 

 spots.) 



Distribution: Central and Southern California, normally in rather deep water. 



Fishing Season: Throughout the year. 



Importance: Taken in less quantity than S. entomelas, from which it is not 

 separated in the markets. The total catch of widow rockfish is of minor importance. 



Fishing Gear: Lines, trawls. 



Unauthorized Names: Widow rock cod, widow, zipola, viuva. 



