Species Type:
Fishes
Common Name(s):
California sheephead
Size:
They can grow to more than 31 inches long (80 cm).
Diet:
Younger fish may eat small worms, bryozoans and brittle stars, while more mature fish can feed on bigger invertebrate animals like sea urchins.
Range & Habitat:
These fish live along rocky reefs, especially with kelp beds, in the eastern Pacific. Their range stretches from Point Conception, California, south to central Baja California and in Mexico's Gulf of California.
Details:
Female California sheephead look different from males. Scientists call this asexual dimorphism. Males tend to be more territorial, while females are usually found in groups, especially during the breeding season. Their large, robust jaws help them easily crack open hard-shelled prey.