110 



DIVISION OF FISH AND GAME 





Photo by Al Johns for 



Haden & Carpenter, San Pedro 



SCULPIN 

 Scorpoeno guttata 



Relationship: Not a true sculpin, but a inernher of the rockfish family as are the 

 channel rockfish and the rockfish of genus Sehasfofles. True sculpins are shown on 

 pages 114 and 115. 



Distinguishing Characters: The bony support extending from below the eye back 

 across the cheek just under the skin ; the absence of a slit behind the fourth gill ; the 

 fully-scaled body ; the 12 sharp spines on the dorsal fin ; the three spines at the front 

 of the anal fin ; the many spines on top of the head and on the opercle. Length to about 

 17 inches. Color: Generally reddish above, mottled with reddish brown, olive, gray or 

 purple and becoming bright pink below ; upper parts with many small round brownish 

 or olive spots ; ventral fins plain pinkish or reddish, otTier fins marked with dark brown. 



Distribution: Central California south into the Gulf of California. Common in 

 bays, and along the shore. 



Fishing Season: Throughout the year, usually reaching a peak in late spring 

 and summer. 



Importance: Of minor commercial significance with heaviest landings in the 

 Los Angeles region. Sold entirely in the fresh fish markets. Considered a desirable 

 species by sportsmen, it ranked seventh in number caught in the ocean during 1946. 



Fishing Gear: Hook and line, set lines. Taken by sportsmen chiefly off break- 

 waters, piers and barges. These fish should be handled with care, as the .spines can 

 inflict extremely painful wounds. 



Unauthorized Names: Scorpion, bullhead. 



