116 DIVISION OF FISH AND GAME 



Figure 87 Photo by Al Johns for 



Haden & Carpenter, San Pedro 



MUDSUCKER 

 Gillichthys mirabilis 



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

 Gobiidae, in California. 



Distinguishing Characters: The united ventral fins; the huge mouth with the 

 maxillary greatly developed, extending back to the base ofthe pectorals in the adult. 

 (The young have small mouths and large eyes.) Length to at least eight inches. Color: 

 Olive above, speckled, mottled or barred with darker shades, becoming lighter below. 



Distribution: Central California to central Lower California. Common in 

 Southern California bays and sloughs. 



Fishing Season: Taken throughout the year. 



Importance: Large quantities are used as bait, particularly by inland sport 

 fishermen. It is extremely hardy, and can live for several days in fresh water. 



Fishing Gear: Traps. 



Unauthorized Name: Long-jawed goby. 



