California Sheephead

SPECIES INFORMATION

Semicossyphus Pulcher, Ayres, 1854
One can find California Sheephead in various locations in Baja, California. A good catch is always reported from Ensenada where there are hundreds of other species in huge numbers. It is located 70 miles from US San Diego.

The next best choice would be San Felipe which is 130 miles far away from Calexico. The place is surrounded by the Bay of San Felipe and is a significant tourist attraction for those interested in fishing.

Anglers regularly find the good catch of California Sheephead at San Quintin which is a quiet and sleepy town in Baja California. One can reach this place in a four-hour drive from San Diego.

Types of fish that can be found
In Baja California fishing locations one can find Yellowtail, Black Sea Bass, spotted Bass, White Sea Bass, Rock Cod, Marlin, Halibut, Mahi-mahi, Barracuda and Triggerfish.

Type of fishing that can be done at the location
Usually, boat fishing is the best option to get massive yield as the area is coastal and the waters are not still.

SIZE

They can reach a maximum length of 91cm upon full growth weighing 16kg. It can live up to 53 years and are rapidly growing type, which can also multiply in numbers easily.

RANGE

Their range is confined to the Eastern pacific ocean along the coasts of California- from Monterey Bay to the Gulf of California and found in abundance in point of Conception, California. This range provides fishing opportunity from the pacific ocean as well as from the waters of the Sea of Cortez.

HABITAT

These are mostly found in rocky reef areas and high relief areas during the daytime. Its habitat is related to seasons and has a great attachment to the habitat site. These are small in size and as a protective measure seek rocky areas most times and sand habitats on rare occasions. They also settle on kelp beds in temperate saline water bodies. They hunt actively during day time, and at nights they are less active. During the spawning period, the male fish creates a spawning territory, and the fish has the ability to change its gender. The younger ones do not like mini-versions of adults, unlike in most fish types. The female fish is capable of laying numerous eggs ranging from 37000- 295000. As these live in coastal areas the eggs are frequently disturbed by turbulent waters and sea predators, this is the reason for laying more eggs.

DIET

They feed largely on sea urchins, lobsters, and mollusks. These are also fond of eggs, crab and planktonic larva. Baits such as shrimps, aquatic invertebrates, and squids are used along with lures such as live crawdads, clams, and crushed mussels. The teeth of the species resemble cannon and help in prying the food from rocks. A special plate-like structure in their throat helps in crushing the prey into small pieces. Even food as hard as a Californian Sheephead can easily crush the shell and that is why this type prefers hard-shelled animals as food.

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