COMMON MARINE FISHES 125 



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Figure 95 



PACIFIC HALIBUT 



Hippoglossus stenolepis 



Relationship: A member of family Pleurouectidae. {See page 122.) 



Distinguishing Characters: See -page 122. The high arch in the lateral line 

 over the pectoral fin : the lack of a dorsal branch to the lateral line ; the jaws about 

 equally developed on the blind and eyed sides ; the strong teeth ; the maxillary not 

 reaching past the middle of the lower eye ; the pectoral fin on the eyed side being 

 about one-half the length of the head; 150 or more scales in the lateral line. Eyes 

 normally on the right side though specimens are sometimes found with eyes on the 

 left. Reaches a length of nearly nine feet and a weight of about 500 pounds. Color: 

 Nearly uniform dark brown, often with vague paler blotches. 



Distribution: Central California north to the Bering Sea; to northern Japan 

 on the Asiatic side. Reported once from Santa Rosa Island. 



Fishing Season : Subject to the rules of the International Fisheries Commission. 



Importance: Of minor importance in California in terms of total poundage 

 and value but one of the more desirable market fish. Landed chiefly at Eureka, in 

 smaller quantity at San Francisco. 



Fishing Gear: Long lines ; illegally in otter trawls. Rarely caught by sportsmen. 



Unauthorized Names: Halibut, right halibut, genuine halibut, real halibut, 

 iHabato, northern halibut. 



