The Wrasse-Fishes 



apparently it is only the large individuals that are under the ban. 

 The genus Pimelometopon is close to Harpe, from which it 

 differs chiefly in the naked dorsal and smaller scales. It contains 

 2 species, robust fishes of large size and bright colours. P. pulcher 

 is (male) purplish-black on head, dorsal, anal and caudal fins, and 

 posterior part of body forward to vent; lower jaw white; rest of 

 body varying in tint from -clear crimson to blackish, with coppery 



or purplish lustre; female dusky rose-colour, with black areas ill- 

 defined or obsolete. This curious fish, known as the California 

 redfish, or fathead, is very common on the California coast from 

 Point Conception to Lower California. It reaches 12 to 15 pounds 

 in weight, and 3 feet in length, and is taken in large numbers 

 in the kelp off the shore, with hook and line, chiefly by Chinese, 

 who salt and dry them. 



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