114 



DIVISION OF FISH AND GAME 



Photo by Al Johns for 



Haden & Carpenter, San Pedro 



CABEZONE 

 Scorpaenichfhys marmoratus 



Relationship: The only commercially important member of the sculpin family, 

 Cottidae, found in California. A number of species of small fish belong to this family, 

 among them the staj;horn sculpin (opposite page). 



Distinguishing Characters: The broad, bony support which extends from the 

 lower part of the eye across the cheek just under the skin ; the dorsal fin with normally 

 11 spines ; the scaleless body, the skin having a wrinkled appearance ; the anal fin com- 

 posed of thick, soft rays but no spines ; the presence of a fleshy flap on the middle of 

 the snout and a pair of longer ones just back of the eyes; the stout spine just before 

 the eye ; the broad mouth with many small, sharp teeth. Reaches a length of 30 inches 

 and a weight of 20 to 2.j pounds. Color: Extremely variable; dark brown, reddish, or 

 green above, becoming paler below and turquoise green or whitish on the belly ; vaguely 

 mottled and blotched with darker and paler shades, often everywhere sparsely spotted 

 with yellowish or reddish ; lining of mouth and flesh a translucent turquoise green. 



Distribution: Northern British Columbia to Southern California. 



Fishing Season: Caught irregularly throughout the year. 



Importance: Of negligible commercial significance, with maximum landings in 

 Central California. An important Central California game fish. The 1946 sport catch 

 was appreciably greater than the commercial. 



Fishing Gear: Hook and line, with cut bait or jigs. 



Unauthorized Names: Bullhead, blue cod, sculpin, blue garnet, marbled sculpin, 

 bull cod. 



