112 



DIVISION OF FISH AND GAME 



GREENLING SEATROUT 

 Hexagrammos decagrammus 



Relationship: Not a trout, but a member of the greenling family, Hexagram- 

 midae. Long called "seatrout" in California though it is usually referred to as "green- 

 ling" in the Pacific Northwest. 



Distinguishing Characters: The bony support which extends back from the 

 lower fore part of tbe eye across the cheek just under the skin ; the long dorsal fin with 

 about 21 spines ; the absence of canine teeth in the mouth ; the five lateral lines ; the 

 two pairs of fleshy flaps on the top of the head. Another species, Hexagrammos super- 

 ciliosus, which is often caught in Northern California, is distinguished by the single 

 pair of large fringed flaps on the head over the eye. Length to about 20 inches. Color: 

 Brownish or gi-ayish of various shades, the males sometimes tinged with bluish or 

 coppery, the females sometimes with a slate-blue ground color ; head and fore parts of 

 the males with rather large sky-blue spots, each surrounded by a ring of small rusty 

 spots; back, sides and head of the females rather closely and uniformly covered with 

 round, reddish brown spots. 



Distribution: Kodiak Island to Ft. Conception. 



Fishing Season: Taken irregularly all year. 



Importance: Very rarely enters the commercial catch. A desirable sport fish. 



Fishing Gear: Hook and line, set and long lines, accidentally in trawls. 



Unauthorized Nannes: Rock trout, rockfish, bluefish. 



