checklist (pdf) - The Love Lab - University of California, Santa Barbara

Resource Inventory of Marine and Estuarine Fishes of the West Coast and Alaska: 

A Checklist of North Pacific and Arctic Ocean Species from Baja California to the Alaska–Yukon Border 

OCS Study MMS 2005-030 and USGS/NBII 2005-001 

Milton S. Love 

Marine Science Institute 

University of California 

Santa Barbara, CA 93106 

love@lifesci.ucsb.edu 

www.id.ucsb.edu/lovelab 

Catherine W. Mecklenburg 

T. Anthony Mecklenburg 

Pt. Stephens Research 

P. O. Box 210307 

Auke Bay, AK 99821 

ptstephens@alaska.com 

Lyman K. Thorsteinson 

Western Fisheries Research Center 

U. S. Geological Survey 

6505 NE 65th St. 

Seattle, WA 98115 

lyman_thorsteinson@usgs.gov 

June 2005 

Much of the research was performed under a cooperative 

agreement between the USGS’s Western Fisheries 

Research Center and the University of California, Santa 

Barbara (CA 03WRAG007). 

Front Cover: (from upper right): Rock Sole, Lepidopsetta 

bilineata, Janna Nichols; Crescent Gunnel, Pholis laeta, 

Janna Nichols; Bocaccio, Sebastes paucispinis, Milton 

Love; Whale Shark, Rhincodon typus, Phillip Cola; Grunt 

Sculpin, Rhamphocottus richardsonii, Ken Blauvelt; 

Pacific Spiny Lumpsucker, Eumicrotremus orbis, Ken 

Blauvelt; Guineafowl Puffer, Arothron meleagris, Phillip 

Cola; Ocean Sunfish, Mola mola, Phillip Cola 

Back Cover: Sargo, Anisotremus davidsonii, Phillip Cola 

Page iv: Ocean Sunfish, Mola mola, Phillip Cola 

Page x: Bigeye Trevally, Caranx sexfasciatus, Phillip Cola 

Project Cooperation 

This research addressed an information need identified 

by the USGS Western Fisheries Research Center and the 

University of California, Santa Barbara to the Department 

of the Interior’s Minerals Management Service, Pacific 

OCS Region, Camarillo, California. The resource inventory 

information was further supported by the USGS’s National 

Biological Information Infrastructure as part of its ongoing 

aquatic GAP project in Puget Sound, Washington. 

Report Availability 

Available for viewing and in PDF at: 

http://wfrc.usgs.gov 

http://far.nbii.gov 

http://www.id.ucsb.edu/lovelab 

Printed copies available from: 

Milton Love 

Marine Science Institute 

University of California, Santa Barbara 

Santa Barbara, CA 93106 

(805) 893-2935 

Lyman Thorsteinson 

Western Fisheries Research Center 

U. S. Geological Survey 

6505 NE 65th St. 

Seattle, WA 98115 

(206) 526-6569 

Minerals Management Service 

Pacific OCS Region 

770 Paseo Camarillo 

Camarillo, CA 99010 

(805) 389-7800 

Suggested Citation 

Love, M. S., C. W. Mecklenburg, T. A. Mecklenburg, and 

L. K. Thorsteinson. 2005. Resource Inventory of Marine 

and Estuarine Fishes of the West Coast and Alaska: 

A Checklist of North Pacific and Arctic Ocean Species 

from Baja California to the Alaska–Yukon Border. 

U. S. Department of the Interior, U. S. Geological Survey, 

Biological Resources Division, Seattle, Washington, 98104, 

OCS Study MMS 2005-030 and USGS/NBII 2005-001.

TABLE OF CONTENTS 

Acknowledgments 

v 

Introduction 

vi 

Species List 1 

References Cited 182 

Personal Communications 222 

Index 224

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS 

This West Coast inventory would not have been possible without the technical support and assistance of many, 

many individuals and organizations. We cannot express our appreciation enough to all involved for their efforts 

and contributions to this scientific endeavor. The inventory provides relevant benchmarks to our understanding 

of the biological diversity of fishes in some of the Nation’s most important marine and estuarine ecosystems. 

We were graciously provided with a substantial amount of unpublished fish data and helpful commentary, 

advice, and peer review by Alisa Abookire, Larry Allen, M. Eric Anderson, Yumi Arimitsu, Joe Bizarro, Morgan S. 

Busby, Greg Cailliet, Jay Carroll, Howard Chang, Sharon Charter, Natalia V. Chernova, Dave Clausen, Brian Coad, 

Matthew Craig, Allen Cramer, David J. Csepp, John Cusick, David A. Ebert, William N. Eschmeyer, V. V. Fedorov, 

Jared Figurski, John E. Fitch, Nora Foster, Robin Gartman, Graham E. Gillespie, Ami Groce, Dana Haggarty, Jeff 

Harding, Karsten Hartel, Tim Herrlinger, Eric Hessell, Jerry Hoff, Brenda A. Holladay, Lee B. Hulbert, Dan Jehl, 

Scott Johnson, Jackie King, Gene Kira, Paul Krause, David Kushner, Tom Laidig, Robert N. Lea, Charles Lean, Scott 

Matern, John E. McCosker, Laird McDonald, Ann C. Matarese, Melissa Meeker, H. Geoffrey Moser, Joseph S. Nelson, 

Mary Nishimoto, Steve Norton, Victoria M. O’Connell, James W. Orr, John O’Sullivan, Michelle Paddock, Wayne A. 

Palsson, Don Pearson, Alex E. Peden, William J. Poly, Dan Pondella, Rebecca Reuter, Dan Richards, Tyson Roberts, 

Ross Robertson, Jorge Rosales Casian, David Roseneau, Mike Schaadt, Donna Schroeder, Mark Schroeder, Mike 

Shane, Boris A. Sheiko, Jeff Siegel, David G. Smith, Wade Smith, David L. Stein, John Stephens, Duane E. Stevenson, 

Adam P. Summers,Tierney Thys, Vanessa Tuttle, Chuck Valle, William van Orden, Neville Venables, Eric Vetter, 

Kenneth D. Vogt, Diana Watters, Mark Wilkins, Nick Wilsman, Carrie Worton, Tina Wyllie Echeverria, and Mary 

Yoklavich. Some of our colleagues were consistently helpful throughout a number of years and we are extremely 

grateful for their patience and willingness to donate their time and expertise. We are also no less appreciative of 

those who provided occasional but valuable data and information about this important fauna. 

We gratefully acknowledge the tireless museum personnel and specialists who worked with us in making 

specimens available and assisting in their examination. We thank Richard Feeney, Los Angeles County Museum of 

Natural History (LACM collection); Phil Hastings, Cynthia Klepadio, Richard Rosenblatt, and H. J. Walker, Scripps 

Institution of Oceanography (SIO); and Boris A. Sheiko, Russian Academy of Sciences, St. Petersburg (ZIN). Also 

we thank the museum personnel who graciously hosted us during our research visits and for their ready and onthe-spot 

assistance to us during the course of this project. In addition to those individuals identified above, we 

acknowledge the technical assistance and support of Bruce L. Wing, NOAA Fisheries, Auke Bay Biological Laboratory 

(AB); William N. Eschmeyer, Jon Fong, Tomio Iwamoto, and William J. Poly at the California Academy of Sciences 

(CAS); Gordon Haas at the University of Alaska Fairbanks Museum (UAM); Bruce B. Collette, Susan Jewett, David 

G. Smith, and Jeffrey T. Williams at the Smithsonian Institution, National Museum of Natural History, Division 

of Fishes (USNM); and Katherine Pearson Maslenikov and Theodore W. Pietsch at the University of Washington 

School of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences (UW). Alex E. Peden and Kelly Sendall confirmed collection information 

and diagnostic characters on specimens held at the Royal British Columbia Museum, Victoria, B.C. (RBCM). Karsten 

Hartel provided specimen records from the Museum of Comparative Zoology, Harvard University (MCZ); and 

Brian Coad from the National Museums of Canada in Ottawa (NMC). Finally, we thank Tim Thomas, Maritime 

Museum of Monterey for giving us permission and access to the unpublished records of Julius Phillips. 

Projects of the geographic size and taxonomic scale of this inventory require tremendous library support. 

Our work would not have been successful without the cheerful assistance of Interlibrary Loan personnel at the 

University of California, Santa Barbara and University of Alaska Southeast, Juneau. Many hard-to-find documents 

were made available to us through their efforts for which we are especially grateful. Similarly, we thank Joan 

Parker, Moss Landing Marine Laboratory, for her work in finding many obscure but relevant publications. 

Sponsorship 

The U.S. Geological Survey and the Minerals Management Service provided funding for the inventory. Much of 

the research was performed under a cooperative agreement between the USGS’s Western Fisheries Research Center 

and the University of California at Santa Barbara (CA 03WRAG007). We thank William Walker (Biological Resources 

Division) and Fred Piltz (Minerals Management Service) for their interest and support. Additional USGS funding 

was provided to the Western Fisheries Research Center by the USGS National Biological Information Infrastructure 

v

in support of the Estuarine GAP Analysis for Puget Sound. We thank Doug Beard, John Mosseso, and Gladys Cotter 

of the NBII for their scientific interest and support of regional checklists and work toward synthesis and improved 

understanding of animal habitat relationships. 

Additional funding for fieldwork in Alaska was provided by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and National 

Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Catherine W. Mecklenburg extends her special thanks to Vernon Byrd 

and Don Dragoo, USF&WS, Homer, Alaska, for their assistance in allowing her to participate in resource surveys 

of the Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge units in Norton Sound, the Aleutian Islands, and Semidi Islands. 

Also, our appreciation to John Calder and Kathy Crane of NOAA for their support of Catherine’s participation 

in long-term research of Arctic climate change in the Chukchi Sea through the Russian-American (RUSALCA) 

expedition in 2004. 

Design 

We thank Roberta Bloom, University of California, Santa Barbara, for the design and layout. 

INTRODUCTION 

This is a comprehensive inventory of the fish species recorded in marine and estuarine waters between the 

Alaska–Yukon Territory border in the Beaufort Sea and Cabo San Lucas at the southern end of Baja California 

and out about 300 miles from shore. Our westernmost range includes the eastern Bering Sea and Aleutian 

Islands. In addition, we have also included our best impressions of the species that might reasonably be expected 

to be members of the West Coast ichthyofauna but have not yet been captured or reported within our study 

area. These species are marked with an asterisk (*) and have been reported (1) in the western Bering Sea; (2) off 

Canada’s Yukon Territory and adjacent portions of the Northwest Territories; (3) along the southern-eastern tip 

(non-Pacific side) of Baja California; and (4) in waters somewhat beyond 300 miles from shore. Although the 

term West Coast usually refers to the coast of the continuous western states, our usage herein means the entire 

study area. The West Coast inventory within this range encompasses fish fauna from 44 orders, 232 families, and 

a minimum of 1,450 species. 

Please note that introduced and invasive fish species are marked by double asterisks (**) and that their 

scientific names are highlighted in gray. 

We have compiled this document because the most geographically inclusive previous inventories (Jordan 

and Evermann 1896a, Jordan et al. 1930) are largely of historical interest and are out of date. More recent lists 

and compilations have either focused on relatively narrow taxonomic groups (e. g., Kramer et al. 1995, Love 

et al. 2002), are regional in scope (e. g., Hart 1973, Hubbs et al. 1979, Mecklenburg et al. 2002), or focus on 

commonly observed species (e. g., Miller and Lea 1972, Eschmeyer and Herald 1983). With the explosion of 

coastal research and environmental assessments, beginning in the 1970s, and more recently, renewed scientific 

interest in biodiversity (e.g., effects of global climate change), our own studies on related subjects regarding 

fish populations, assemblages, and biological habitats, suggested this was the appropriate time to update and 

summarize our knowledge. 

Data Sources 

We used a wide range of data and information sources for this inventory. Generally, these sources can be 

described in six categories: 

1) Peer-reviewed journals and monographs. We have generally accepted information in peer-reviewed 

literature to be accurate where the purpose of the article was to record new data on species. Exceptions include 

regional faunal lists with reports of species occurrences far outside their known ranges and without commentary 

on the unusual observations. An example might include an author presenting diagnostic characters observed, but 

only listing them without comment or recognition of their significance to the species description for that area. For 

species that are listed and commentary was provided, indicating the authors were aware of the unusual nature of 

their find, but no vouchers or photographs or notes on morphology were provided, we cite the range as previously 

known from well-documented records and add the new “record” preceded by the words “reported to.” 

vi

2) Regional guides. In most instances, we have accepted the data found in older, but not ancient, guides such as 

Miller and Lea (1972), Hart (1973), and Eschmeyer and Herald (1983), because we know those were based on solid 

review of the literature and examination of permanent vouchers. Where we or other authors have uncovered errors 

in those works, and we feel the corrections may have been or are likely to be overlooked otherwise, we have made 

and annotated the corrections. However, numerous such mistakes have already been pointed out in recent works 

such as for species occurring in Alaska (Mecklenburg et al. 2002) and we generally do not repeat the information. 

In the interests of time, we did not attempt to track down or cite the original sources of all the data found in earlier 

compendia. For example, data sources are cited for each species in Mecklenburg et al. (2002), and the information 

can be tracked from that work when we do not repeat the original source citations here. 

3) Museum specimens. To find potential new extensions of known size or geographic range as represented 

by voucher specimens in museums we reviewed the fish collections of the National Marine Fisheries Service, 

Auke Bay Biological Laboratory (fish catalog prefix AB); California Academy of Sciences (CAS); Los Angeles 

County Museum of Natural History (LACM); Scripps Institution of Oceanography (SIO); University of Alaska 

Fairbanks (UAM); National Museum of Natural History (USNM [collection abbreviation is from the older 

name, U.S. National Museum]); and University of Washington (UW). Before including any of these records 

in this inventory, the identity of that specimen was verified by examination. Specimens in U.S. museums were 

examined by Catherine W. Mecklenburg (Auke Bay Biological Laboratory, California Academy of Sciences, 

National Museum of Natural History, University of Alaska Fairbanks, and University of Washington); Milton 

Love and Richard Feeney (Los Angeles County Museum of Natural History); and H. J. Walker, Cynthia Klepadio, 

Phil Hastings, and Richard Rosenblatt (Scripps Institution of Oceanography). Boris A. Sheiko looked up records 

and examined specimens in the Russian Academy of Sciences ichthyological collection at St. Petersburg (ZIN). 

Museum records previously published and those supporting personal communications are included by reference 

to the publications and personal communications. Some apparent extensions of known range and size dissolved 

when errors, such as in catch localities, were discovered in the museum databases. 

4) Gray literature and survey databases. In recent years, there have been a number of fishery resource 

assessments, primarily trawl surveys, along the Pacific Coast. Examples of these are the shelf and slope trawl 

surveys conducted by NOAA Fisheries and those conducted by the Southern California Coastal Water Research 

Program. The use of data from these surveys, usually available in annual and final reports, was challenging. As 

noted by Matarese et al. (2003), some of the data, especially from older surveys (pre-1995), are of uneven quality. 

In light of this information, we were cautious in accepting data about more unusual occurrences where voucher 

specimens or photographs were unavailable. From these early studies, we tended to accept reports of easily 

identifiable fish species and to reject clearly disjunct occurrences of coastal species and reports involving poorly 

understood fish groups. In some instances where we had access to the survey databases for these earlier studies, 

we sometimes accepted depth and range extensions when there was at least a second collection made near that 

new record. Unquestionably, the accuracy of species identifications has increased in more recent surveys with 

improved guides and keys to fishes, greater ichthyological expertise and interest in biodiversity relationships. 

Even so, in a number of instances we requested that the original datasheets be rechecked to assure that the species 

were properly coded in the database. In cases where the data cited represent a considerably greater extension of 

known range or depth, we include the current published record and add the new data preceded by “reported to” 

or other phrase to alert readers to the need for saving voucher specimens. 

5) Personal communications. Over the years, fishers and biologists have reported many unusual sightings 

or records of fish captures to us. We have included those with the best documentation. We give only the most 

general information for the records from personal communications because in most cases the contributors 

themselves intend to publish papers giving the details. Most of the records, such as those from Alex E. Peden 

and Graham E. Gillespie of British Columbia fishes and Boris A. Sheiko of Russian fishes, are backed by voucher 

specimens in permanent museum collections. Many personal communication records are backed by photographs 

and discussion of diagnostic characters. A special case we need to mention for clarification is a work in progress 

on the Commander Islands ichthyofauna by V. V. Fedorov and B. A. Sheiko. This work was cited in Mecklenburg 

et al. (2002) as “Fedorov and Sheiko 2002” because it was represented as being in press. However, it has not yet 

been published and to avoid further confusion we cite the manuscript as it was provided to the Mecklenburgs 

vii

y Sheiko as “B. A. Sheiko, pers. comm. to C.W.M.” (We cite several more recent communications from Sheiko 

as well.) Some of the factoids previously cited have since been verified by Sheiko. For personal communications 

we indicate to which of us the communication was sent, to enable us to more readily access the records when 

readers request additional information. 

6) Our own unpublished data from field excursions. These records are supported by voucher specimens, 

photographs, or videos. The Mecklenburgs have collected vouchers from resource surveys around Alaska 

from the Chukchi Sea to the Gulf of Alaska and from intertidal collecting and angling around their home and 

laboratory at Point Stephens, north of Juneau, Alaska; some of these are archived at the California Academy of 

Sciences and others will eventually be shipped there or to other permanent collections. Sometimes our records 

are documented with photographs and locality and morphology notes only. Many of Love’s unpublished data 

relate to observations of California and Baja California fishes from scuba diving and submersible surveys and 

most specimens were videotaped. 

Order of Presentation 

In this inventory, we follow the higher taxon sequence of Nelson’s (1994) Fishes of the World and the American 

Fisheries Society–American Society of Ichthyologists and Herpetologists’ (AFS–ASIH) list of continental shelf 

fishes of North America (Nelson et al. 2004), which are based on presumed phylogenetic relationships. Within 

each family, the genera and species are arranged alphabetically. 

Common names of families are given as plural, even though there may be only one extant species in the 

family. Several of these families have fossil representatives and some have several nominal species, albeit currently 

classified as junior synonyms of one, extant species. Moreover, families are erected to include groups of similar 

animals, regardless of number of species known at the time of naming of the family. This usage (plural) follows 

Eschmeyer (1998) and Mecklenburg et al. (2002). 

Species Accounts 

For each species, we give the scientific name followed by the name of the describer(s) and publication date 

of the description; one or more common names; maximum size, in total length (TL) if available or in standard 

length (SL) or fork length (FL); geographic range; and depth range. For size, geographic, and depth ranges each 

datum is followed by its source. Synonym(s) are then mentioned if they have been in recent use in the literature 

or are apt to be found in databases such as the online museum catalogs. At the end of an account, comments on 

common names, taxonomy, or other considerations may be included. 

Scientific name — This includes the currently accepted Latin binomial of genus and species as given in 

the most recent classifications adopted by the appropriate specialists; the original namer and describer of the 

species; and the date of publication of the name and description. We use the conventions of connecting dual 

authors with an ampersand (&) rather than the word “and,” and separating authors from the date of publication 

by a comma. These conventions help the reader discriminate between the formal names of species and literature 

citations in the text. 

When a species’ author name is enclosed in parentheses it means the species was originally classified in a 

different genus. 

Accuracy of the names and dates was checked in Eschmeyer ‘s (1998) catalog of fish species, the online 

editions of Eschmeyer’s database (http://www.calacademy.org/research/ichthyology/catalog/fishcatsearch. 

html), and nomenclatural checklists in the recently launched series, California Academy of Sciences Annotated 

Checklists of Fishes (http://www.calacademy.org/research/ichthyology/annotated/index.html). At this time 

(May 2005), the CAS checklists take precedence over Eschmeyer (1998) and the online database, as entry of data 

from the checklists into the database is incomplete. 

Common names — If more than one common name is in use, the names are listed in alphabetical order 

with the recommended name in bold type. For fishes of the North American continental shelf the bolded name 

is usually the name given by Nelson et al. (2004); other sources, such as Hubbs et al. (1979) for California fishes 

and Mecklenburg et al. (2002) for Alaska, were used for names of deepsea fishes. A few names were coined and 

contributed by interested persons for this list. 

viii

Some readers may question the capitalization of common names herein. We recognize that there is debate 

over this issue (Kendall 2002, Nelson et al. 2002), and have capitalized them only to make them stand out and be 

more easily read. We take no stand on this debate. 

Size and depth conversions — We give size and depth in both metric and standard units. For publications 

giving both metric and standard (e.g., Hart 1973, Eschmeyer and Herald 1983) we did not recalculate the 

conversions or round whole numbers or fractions but present them as given in the original publications. 

To convert centimeters to inches, we divided centimeters by 2.54; meters to feet, by multiplying meters 

by 3.2808; and fathoms to meters, by multiplying fathoms by 1.829. Rather than round any of the resulting 

converted numbers, say to 3,500 m from 3,481 m, as some authors have done (e.g., Quéro et al. 1990, Fischer 

et al. 1995), we have chosen to give the numbers as calculated so that subsequent authors do not reconvert and 

inadvertently make the lengths or depths decrease or increase. 

In a few instances, we found sharp divergences in maximum lengths or depths reported by recent authorities. 

In these cases, we have listed more than one maximum length or depth. Such differences can occur due to 

taxonomic revisions, and one of the lengths or depths may no longer relate to the species for which it is given. 

We spotted and corrected several of these cases, but resolution of a few remained elusive. 

Geographic range — Geographic ranges are stated from broadest to finest scale. If the species is found 

outside the eastern North Pacific, we first give the broader range. For example, we may first note that a species is 

circumglobal, without giving specific locations throughout the world. By circumglobal we do not mean in all the 

seas of the world, but usually in the three major oceans or circumglobal in the Arctic. We then provide a more 

specific range in the Pacific Ocean, beginning with the westernmost record (e.g., “Japan”) and then the eastern 

Pacific range. Records from eastern Asia (Japan, Korea, eastern Russia) are usually given in less precise terms (e. 

g., “northern Japan”) than those within our geographic boundaries (e.g., “La Jolla, southern California”). 

We have separated California and Baja California each into northern, central, and southern areas. Northern 

California runs from the Oregon border to about San Francisco, central from just south of San Francisco to Point 

Conception, and southern California to the Mexican border. Northern Baja California extends from the Mexican 

border to about Punta Baja, central Baja California extends to Punta Eugenia, and southern Baja California runs 

to Cabo San Lucas. While we generally give only the extremes of geographic range, in some instances, such as 

along the southern California and Baja California coast, we have often included both northern- or southernmost 

island and mainland occurrences. Geographic coordinates (latitude and longitude) are included in instances 

where fishes were captured well offshore or in areas where we felt there are no well-known landmarks. 

Depth range — Depths given are minimum and maximum. Because the very young life stages of many 

fishes live at or near the surface or in shallow waters, we tried to exclude records of pelagic or newly settled 

juveniles. In some cases, where a depth of “0” meters or feet was given, it was not possible to differentiate between 

intertidal and surface water collections. 

Synonyms — In the text at the end of each account we have included alternative names when we judge these 

are still in use or we wish to make it clear that the species in our area has recently gone by another name and 

our account includes records published under that name. We generally have not included the original scientific 

names when these have been changed, such as by moving from one genus to another, as these are readily found 

by searching for the species names in Eschmeyer (1998 and online editions). Where generic shifts have occurred, 

the fact is evident from the convention of enclosing the species’ author name in parentheses. 

References Cited — Please note that we do not assign letters to differentiate between works of an author 

published in the same year unless it is not clear from the title which work is being cited. 

Comments on the Inventory 

We look forward to comments, corrections, and additions to this inventory. Please send these to Milton 

Love (love@lifesci.ucsb.edu) or Catherine Mecklenburg (ptstephens@alaska.com). 

ix

SPECIES LIST 

Order Myxiniformes 

Family Myxinidae — Hagfishes 

Eptatretus deani (Evermann & Goldsborough, 1907). Black Hagfish. To 63.5 cm (25 in) TL (Hart 1973). 

Southeastern Alaska to Isla Guadalupe, central Baja California (Wisner and McMillan 1990). Bottom at 

107–2,743 m (353–9,052 ft; Wisner and McMillan 1990). 

Eptatretus fritzi Wisner & McMillan, 1990. Guadalupe Hagfish. To 58.5 cm (23.0 in) TL. Isla Guadalupe, 

central Baja California. Bottom at depths of 182–2,743 m (600–8,997 ft). All in Wisner and McMillan 

(1990). 

Eptatretus mcconnaugheyi Wisner & McMillan, 1990. Shorthead Hagfish. To 48.2 cm (19 in) TL. Two 

populations: one from Santa Monica Bay, southern California to Islas Cedros and San Benito, central 

Baja California; and one in the lower portion of the Gulf of California. Bottom at 42–415 m (138– 

1,362 ft). All in Wisner and McMillan (1990). 

Eptatretus stoutii (Lockington, 1878). Pacific Hagfish. To 63.5 cm (25 in) TL (Hart 1973). Nootka Bay, 

Vancouver Island, British Columbia (Wisner and McMillan 1990) to Punta San Pablo, central Baja 

California (Knaggs et al. 1975). Reported but not confirmed from southeastern Alaska (Mecklenburg 

et al. 2002). Bottom at 16–966 m (53–3,168 ft) (min.: Wisner and McMillan 1990; max.: Gotshall and 

Dyer 1987). 

Myxine circifrons Garman, 1899. Whiteface Hagfish. To 47.0 cm (18.5 in) TL (Miller and Lea 1972). San 

Francisco, northern California to northcentral Chile (Wisner and McMillan 1990). The Islas Galápagos 

record listed in Miller and Lea (1972) appears to be in error (Grove and Lavenberg 1997). Bottom at 

about 700–1,860 m (2,297–6,102 ft; Wisner and McMillan 1995). 

Myxine hubbsi Wisner & McMillan, 1995. To 51.5 cm (20.3 in) TL. Southern California to Chile. Bottom at 

about 1,100–2,440 m (3,609–8,005 ft). All in Wisner and McMillan (1995). 

Order Petromyzontiformes 

Family Petromyzontidae — Lampreys 

Lampetra ayresii (Günther, 1870). River Lamprey. To 31.1 cm (12.2 in) TL (Scott and Crossman 1973). 

Tee Harbor, southeastern Alaska (Scott and Crossman 1973) to San Francisco Bay, northern California 

(Vladykov and Follett 1958). Anadromous, found in estuaries and coastal marine waters for a few 

months in summer. 

Lampetra camtschatica (Tilesius, 1811). Arctic Lamprey. To 62.5 cm (24.6 in) TL (McPhail and Lindsey 

1970). Almost circumpolar; Japan to Barents Sea, Arctic Ocean to Kenai Peninsula, Alaska (Mecklenburg 

et al. 2002). Anadromous, at sea to a depth of 50 m (164 ft; Mecklenburg et al. 2002). 

Lampetra tridentata (Richardson, 1836). Pacific Lamprey. To 76 cm (30 in) TL (McPhail and Lindsey 1970). 

Hokkaido, Japan (Nakabo in Nakabo 2002); eastern Chukchi Sea (Mecklenburg et al. 2002); Bering Sea to 

Punta Canoas, northern Baja California (Miller and Lea 1972). At sea, near surface to 1,508 m (4,949 ft) 

(min.: Eschmeyer and Herald 1983; max.: Hoff and Britt 2003). Anadromous, may be found at sea, 

often far offshore, any time of the year. Classification in Entosphenus is preferred by some taxonomists. 

The author of the species description is sometimes given as Gairdner, or Gairdner in Richardson, but 

authorship evidently is correct as Richardson, or Richardson (ex Gairdner) (Eschmeyer 1998 and online 

edition 8 Nov. 2004); see discussion by Nelson et al. (2004:188). 

1

Order Chimaeriformes 

Family Chimaeridae — Ratfishes or Shortnose Chimaeras 

Hydrolagus colliei (Lay & Bennett, 1839). Spotted Ratfish or Whitespotted Ratfish. To 100 cm (39.3 in) TL 

(Krupp and Bussing in Fischer et al. 1995). Western Gulf of Alaska (Mecklenburg et al. 2002) to near 

Punta Prieta (26°59'N, 114°02'W), southern Baja California (González-Acosta et al. 1999) and northern 

Gulf of California (Hart 1973). Two isolated populations in the Gulf of California: one at Isla Tiburon, 

the other in the Bahiá de La Paz–Cabo San Lucas region (González-Acosta et al. 1999). Surface (Clemens 

and Wilby 1961) to 971 m (3,185 ft; Ebert 2003), usually near bottom (Mecklenburg et al. 2002); also 

intertidal (Cross 1981). 

Hydrolagus sp. Black Chimaera. To at least 110 cm (43.3 in) TL. Known from a few specimens off southern 

California in 925–1,400 m (3,034–4,459 ft), and in deep water in the Gulf of California (Ebert 2003). 

Hydrolagus sp. An undescribed species has been videotaped on the Davidson Seamount, central California, 

at a depth of over 2,000 m (6,560 ft; Ebert 2003). 

Family Rhinochimaeridae — Longnose Chimaeras 

Harriotta raleighana Goode & Bean, 1895. Longnose Chimaera, Pacific Longnose Chimaera, or Widenose 

Chimaera. To 120 cm (47.2 in) TL (Ebert 2003). Circumglobal; Japan (Nakabo in Nakabo 2002); 

southern California, Baja California, Gulf of California (Eschmeyer and Herald 1983), and Peru (3°47'S, 

81°28'W; Chirichigno and Vélez 1998). At depths of 400–2,603 m (1,312–8,538 ft) (min.: Nakabo in 

Nakabo 2002; max.: Ebert 2003). 

Order Hexanchiformes 

Family Chlamydoselachidae — Frill Sharks 

Chlamydoselachus anguineus Garman, 1884. Frill Shark. To at least 1.96 m (6.4 ft) TL (Ebert 2003). 

Circumglobal; Point Arguello, central California (Miller and Lea 1972) to Chile (Pequeño 1989). Surface 

to 1,500 m (4,920 ft; Ebert 2003). 

Family Hexanchidae — Cow Sharks 

Hexanchus griseus (Bonnaterre, 1788). Bluntnose Sixgill Shark, Mud Shark, or Sixgill Shark. To about 4.82 m 

(15.8 ft) TL (Castro 1983). Circumglobal in temperate and tropical waters; southern Japan (Nakaya and 

Shirai in Masuda et al. 1984); eastern North Pacific south of Aleutian Islands (Larkins 1964) to southern 

tip of Baja California (Compagno et al. in Fischer et al. 1995) to Chile (Chirichigno and Vélez 1998). 

Surface to at least 2,500 m (8,200 ft), adults usually below 91 m (298 ft) (min.: Compagno 1984; max.: 

Ebert 2003). The modifier bluntnose was added to the common name by Compagno (1999); there are 

two species of sixgill shark, although only one occurs in our area. 

Notorynchus cepedianus (Péron, 1807). Broadnose Sevengill Shark or Sevengill Shark. To 2.96 m (9.7 ft) 

TL (Ebert 1989); there are no authenticated records larger than this (D. A. Ebert, pers. comm. to M. L.). 

Circumglobal in temperate waters; China and Japan, Australia and New Zealand, to northern British 

Columbia (Clemens and Wilby 1946) to southern Baja California, Gulf of California, and Peru to Chile 

(Compagno 1984). At less than 1 m to 570 m (1,870 ft) (min.: Compagno 1984; max.: Robertson and 

Allen 2002). The modifier broadnose was added to the common name by Compagno (1999). 

2

Order Squaliformes 

Family Echinorhinidae — Bramble Sharks 

Echinorhinus cookei Pietschmann, 1928. Prickly Shark. To 4 m (13.1 ft) TL (Miller and Lea 1972). Moolach 

Beach, Oregon (Pearcy et al. 1985) to Michoacán, Mexico (Aguirre et al. 2002), and Gulf of California 

(Eschmeyer and Herald 1983) and Costa Rica (Robertson and Allen 2002) to Chile (Kong and Meléndez 

1991). At depths of 4–1,100 m (13–3,608 ft) (min.: Ebert 2003; max. : Robertson and Allen 2002). 

Family Squalidae — Dogfish Sharks 

Squalus acanthias Linnaeus, 1758. Piked Dogfish or Spiny Dogfish. To about 200 cm (78.7 in) TL (Compagno 

in Carpenter 2003). Pacific and Atlantic, except not in tropical waters; in North Pacific from Yellow Sea 

off China to Bering Sea and southeastern Chukchi Sea, Alaska to Gulf of California (Mecklenburg et al. 

2002). Coastal, inshore and offshore, intertidal zone to 1,244 m (4,105 ft) (min.: Compagno 1984; max.: 

Mecklenburg et al. 2002) and perhaps to 1,446 m (4,744 ft) (Compagno in Carpenter 2003). 

Family Etmopteridae — Lantern Sharks 

Centroscyllium nigrum Garman, 1899. Combtooth Dogfish or Pacific Black Dogfish. To about 51 cm (20 in) 

TL (Eschmeyer and Herald 1983). Southern California (Eschmeyer and Herald 1983) and northern 

Baja California (LACM 38584.001) to Chile (Eschmeyer and Herald 1983) (central Chile; Sielfeld and 

Vargas 1996), Cocos Island, Islas Galápagos, and Hawaii (Eschmeyer and Herald 1983). At depths of 

269–1,170 m (883–3,838 ft) (min.: Long 1994; max.: Eschmeyer and Herald 1983). 

Family Somniosidae — Sleeper Sharks 

Somniosus pacificus Bigelow & Schroeder, 1944. Mud Shark or Pacific Sleeper Shark. Reported to reach 7.6 m 

(25 ft) TL (Clemens and Wilby 1946), but largest adequately documented individual is 4.4 m (14.5 ft; 

Ebert 2003). The length of 6 m (19.8 ft) reported by de Astarloa et al. (1999) is based on Somniosus 

antarcticus (D. A. Ebert, pers. comm. to M. L.). Japan to Bering Sea to Pacific Ocean off southern Baja 

California (Compagno 1984); also reported to Chukchi Sea and possibly to East Siberian and Beaufort 

seas by Compagno (1984). Following Compagno (1984), Mecklenburg et al. (2002) also reported range 

to the Arctic Ocean. Evidently, however, this part of the range has no solid documentation. Benz et al. 

(2004) described a dead sleeper shark that washed up on the beach at Point Hope, eastern Chukchi Sea, 

but it is possible the shark drifted there from the Bering Sea (C.W.M.). Reports of S. pacificus as far south 

as Pisco, Peru (Chirichigno and Vélez 1998) are questionable and may represent Somniosus antarcticus 

(D. A. Ebert, pers. comm. to M. L.). On or near bottom, occasionally at surface or in intertidal zone, to 

about 2,008 m (6,626 ft) (min.: Bright 1959; max.: Anderson et al. 1979); at the greatest depths in the 

southern part of the range. 

Family Dalatiidae — Kitefin Sharks 

*Euprotomicrus bispinatus (Quoy & Gaimard, 1824). Pygmy Shark. To 30.5 cm (12 in) TL (Miller and Lea 

1972). Circumglobal; a few caught 500 miles off southern California (Ebert 2003) to at least Easter 

Island (Pequeño 1989). Surface at night to perhaps 1,800 m (5,904 ft) or more (Ebert 2003). 

Isistius brasiliensis (Quoy & Gaimard, 1824). Cookiecutter Shark. To 56 cm (22 in) TL (Ebert 2003). 

Circumglobal; North Pacific (Nakano and Tabuchi 1990); Isla Guadalupe, northern Baja California 

(Ebert 2003) to Peru (13°46'S; Chirichigno and Vélez 1998) and Islas Galápagos (Grove and Lavenberg 

1997). Surface to 3,500 m (11,480 ft) (min.: Ebert 2003; max.: Compagno et al. in Fischer et al. 1995). 

3

Order Squatiniformes 

Family Squatinidae — Angel Sharks 

Squatina californica Ayres, 1859. Pacific Angel Shark. To 152 cm (59.8 in) TL (Compagno 1984). Puget 

Sound, Washington (Mecklenburg et al. 2002) to Bahia Magdalena, southern Baja California (De La 

Cruz-Agüero et al. 1994), and Gulf of California (Compagno 1984) to southern Chile (Eschmeyer and 

Herald 1983). One old, unverifiable record from southeastern Alaska (Evermann and Goldsborough 

1907; see Mecklenburg et al. 2002:89). The South American fish may be a different species (Ebert 2003). 

Bottom at surf zone to 183 m (600 ft) (min.: Carlisle et al. 1960; max.: Eschmeyer and Herald 1983). 

Order Heterodontiformes 

Family Heterodontidae — Bullhead Sharks or Horn Sharks 

Heterodontus francisci (Girard, 1855). Horn Shark. To at least 96 cm (37.8 in) TL (Ebert 2003), reported to 

122 cm (48 in) TL (Miller and Lea 1972). San Francisco, northern California (Compagno 2001) to Gulf 

of California (Miller and Lea 1972); unconfirmed from Ecuador and Peru (Ebert 2003). Intertidal and 

to 200 m (656 ft; De La Cruz-Agüero et al. 1997). 

Heterodontus mexicanus Taylor & Castro-Aguirre, 1972. Mexican Horn Shark. To at least 96 cm (37.8 in) TL, 

unconfirmed to 120 cm (47.2 in) TL (Ebert 2003). De La Cruz-Agüero et al. (1997) list the maximum 

length as much larger, 1.7 m TL (5.6 ft). Bahia Magdalena, southern Baja California (De La Cruz- 

Agüero et al. 1994) into the Gulf of California (Compagno 1984) to northern Peru (Chirichigno and 

Vélez 1998). Inshore (Compagno 1984) to at least 38 m (125 ft; LACM 8825.003) and possibly to 50 m 

(Compagno 2001). 

Order Orectolobiformes 

Family Ginglymostomatidae — Nurse Sharks 

Ginglymostoma cirratum (Bonnaterre, 1788). Nurse Shark. To 4.3 m (14.1 ft) TL (Compagno 1984). Pacific 

and Atlantic; southern Baja California into Gulf of California (Compagno 1984) to Máncora, Peru 

(Chirichigno and Vélez 1998). Intertidal and to 130 m (426 ft) (min.: Gasparini and Floeter 2001; max.: 

Compagno 2001). 

Family Rhincodontidae — Whale Sharks 

Rhincodon typus Smith, 1828. Whale Shark. To at least 18 m (59.0 ft) TL (Ebert 2003), possibly 21.4 m 

(70.6 ft) TL (Compagno in Carpenter and Niem 1998). Circumtropical; Santa Cruz, central California 

to northern Chile and Islas Galápagos (Ebert 2003). Pelagic, descends as deep as 700 m (2,296 ft) or 

more (Compagno 2001). 

Order Lamniformes 

Family Mitsukurinidae — Goblin Sharks 

Mitsukurina owstoni Jordan, 1898. Goblin Shark. To 3.85 m (12.6 ft) TL (Ebert 2003). Circumglobal; San 

Clemente Island, southern California (Ugoretz and Seigel 1999). At 40–1,300 m (131–4,264 ft; Ugoretz 

and Seigel 1999). 

4

Family Pseudocarcharhinidae — Crocodile Sharks 

Pseudocarcharias kamoharai (Matsubara, 1936). Crocodile Shark. To at least 110 cm (43.3 in) TL. 

Circumtropical; off Baja California. Surface to 590 m (1,935 ft) or more. All in Compagno (2001). 

Family Odontaspididae — Sand Tigers 

Odontaspis ferox (Risso, 1810). Ragged-tooth Shark or Smalltooth Sandtiger Shark. To at least 410 cm (161 in) 

TL (Compagno 2001). Circumglobal in temperate waters; Newport Beach and Santa Barbara Island, 

southern California (Seigel and Compagno 1986) to Gulf of California (Eschmeyer and Herald 1983). 

At 13–530 m (42–1,739 ft) (min.: Eschmeyer and Herald 1983; max.: Robertson and Allen 2002). 

Family Megachasmidae — Megamouth Sharks 

Megachasma pelagios Taylor, Compagno, & Struhsaker, 1983. Megamouth Shark. To at least 5.5 m (18.0 ft) 

TL (Ebert 2003). North and South Pacific; Japan, Australia, Hawaii, southern California (Compagno et 

al. in Fischer et al. 1995). Surface to 166 m (544 ft; Ebert 2003). 

Family Alopiidae — Thresher Sharks 

Alopias pelagicus Nakamura, 1935. Pelagic Thresher. To 3.83 m (12.6 ft) TL (Ebert 2003). Circumtropical; 

southern California (Hanan et al. 1993) to Panama, including southern tip of Baja California (Compagno 

et al. in Fischer et al. 1995) and Islas Galápagos (Grove and Lavenberg 1997). Oceanic, surface to 700 m 

(2,296 ft) or more (Weng and Block 2004). 

Alopias superciliosus (Lowe, 1841). Bigeye Thresher. To 4.8 m (15.7 ft) TL (Thorpe 1997); unsubstantiated 

reports to 5.5 m (18.0 ft) TL (Compagno in Carpenter 2003). Circumglobal; San Clemente, southern 

California (Miller and Lea 1972) to Gulf of California (Eschmeyer and Herald 1983) and Islas Galápagos 

(Grove and Lavenberg 1997); possibly off Peru and northern Chile (Compagno 2001). Surface to 723 m 

(2,371 ft; Nakano et al. 2003). 

Alopias vulpinus (Bonnaterre, 1788). Common Thresher Shark or Thresher Shark. To 6.36 m (20.9 ft) TL 

(Ebert 2003). Circumglobal in warm waters; southeastern Alaska (Mecklenburg et al. 2002) and Goose 

Bay, British Columbia (Clemens and Wilby 1961) to Chile (Eschmeyer and Herald 1983) and perhaps 

not including Gulf of California (Robertson and Allen 2002). Coastal and oceanic epipelagic; surface to 

366 m (1,200 ft) or more (Compagno 1984). 

Family Cetorhinidae — Basking Sharks 

Cetorhinus maximus (Gunnerus, 1765). Basking Shark. Well documented to 9.8 m (32.1 ft) TL, reports 

to 15.2 m (50 ft) TL not verifiable but possibly not exaggerated (Bigelow and Schroeder 1953). Pauly 

(2002) estimated 10 m (32.8 ft) as the likely maximum length, but with average size of 7–9 m (22–29 ft; 

Castro 1983), sizes over 10 m (33 ft) seem probable. Circumglobal in cold waters; Yellow Sea, Japan Sea, 

Okhotsk Sea, and western North Pacific Ocean to eastern North Pacific south of Aleutian Islands and 

in Gulf of Alaska to Gulf of California (Mecklenburg et al. 2002); Chile (Eschmeyer and Herald 1983). 

Coastal pelagic; surface (Bigelow and Schroeder 1953) to 1,000 m (3,280 ft; Sims et al. 2003). 

Family Lamnidae — Mackerel Sharks 

Carcharodon carcharias (Linnaeus, 1758). White Shark. To about 6 m (19.5 ft) TL (Randall 1987), possibly 

to 6.4 m (21.1 ft) TL (Compagno 2001). Circumglobal, mostly amphitemperate; northern Gulf of Alaska 

to Gulf of California; Panama to Chile (Eschmeyer and Herald 1983) and Islas Galápagos (Grove and 

Lavenberg 1997). Pelagic, coastal and offshore over island and continental shelves; surf zone to 1,280 m 

(4,198 ft; Eschmeyer and Herald 1983). 

5

Isurus oxyrinchus Rafinesque, 1810. Shortfin Mako. To 3.96 m (13 ft) TL (Compagno 2001). Circumglobal 

in warm waters; British Columbia (Gillespie 1993) to Chile (Miller and Lea 1972) and Islas Galápagos 

(Grove and Lavenberg 1997). Coastal and oceanic pelagic; surface to 500 m (1,640 ft) or more (min.: 

Eschmeyer and Herald 1983; max.: Ebert 2003). 

Isurus paucus Guitart Manday, 1966. Longfin Mako. To 4.17 m (13.7 ft) TL (Ebert 2001). Circumglobal; 

two records from southern California (Ebert 2001). Pelagic, at depths of 30–760 m (98–2,493 ft) (min.: 

Ebert 2003; max.: Clark and Kristof 1990). 

Lamna ditropis Hubbs & Follett, 1947. Salmon Shark. To 3.05 m (10 ft) TL (Compagno 1984). Korea and 

Japan to Okhotsk and Bering seas and Gulf of Alaska (Mecklenburg et al. 2002) to central Baja California 

(Eschmeyer and Herald 1983). Coastal and oceanic pelagic; surface to 792 m (2,598 ft; L. B. Hulbert, 

pers. comm. to M. L.). 

Order Carcharhiniformes 

Family Scyliorhinidae — Cat Sharks 

Apristurus brunneus (Gilbert, 1892). Brown Cat Shark. To 69 cm (27.2 in) TL (Ebert 2003). Icy Point (58°N), 

southeastern Alaska (Wilson and Hughes 1978) to northern Baja California (Miller and Lea 1972), 

and Panama (Compagno 1984) to Chile (Kong and Meléndez 1991). On bottom to well off bottom at 

33–1,306 m (108–4,285 ft) (min.: Compagno 1984; max.: Mecklenburg et al. 2002). 

Apristurus kampae Taylor, 1972. Longnose Cat Shark. To 57 cm (22.4 in) TL (Ebert 2003). Cape Blanco, 

Oregon (Ebert 2003) to Gulf of California (Eschmeyer and Herald 1983), to central America and 

probably northern Peru (Chirichigno and Vélez 1998) and Islas Galápagos (Grove and Lavenberg 1997). 

The individuals captured from the Galápagos may be an undescribed species (Grove and Lavenberg 

1997). At 180–1,888 m (590–6,193 ft) (min.: Ebert 2003; max.: Compagno 1984). 

Apristurus sp. An undescribed species has been collected off central California (Ebert 2003). 

Cephaloscyllium ventriosum (Garman, 1880). Swell Shark. To 110 cm (43.3 in) TL (Ebert 2003). Monterey 

Bay, central California to Acapulco, Mexico, including Gulf of California and Chile (Eschmeyer and 

Herald 1983). At 5–457 m (15–1,500 ft; Eschmeyer and Herald 1983). 

Cephalurus cephalus (Gilbert, 1892). Lollipop Cat Shark. To 29.8 cm (11.7 in) TL (Balart et al. 2000). 

Southern Baja California, Gulf of California, and Panama (Compagno 1984) to Chile (Balart et al. 

2000). At 155–927 m (508–3,041 ft; Compagno 1984). Cephalurus from Panama, Peru, and Chile differ 

from the type specimens of C. cephalus in a number of characters and may represent one or more new 

species (Compagno 1984). 

Parmaturus xaniurus (Gilbert, 1892). Filetail Cat Shark. To 61 cm (24 in) TL (Eschmeyer and Herald 1983), 

also reported to 71 cm (28 in; RACE). Cape Foulweather, Oregon (44°07'N; RACE) to Baja California 

and Gulf of California (Eschmeyer and Herald 1983). At depths of 88–1,250 m (290–4,100 ft) (min.: 

Wilkins et al. 1998; max.: Eschmeyer and Herald 1983). 

Family Triakidae — Hound Sharks 

Galeorhinus galeus (Linnaeus, 1758). Soupfin Shark or Tope. To about 2 m (6.5 ft) TL (Miller and Lea 1972, 

Hart 1973). Temperate waters, nearly worldwide; northern British Columbia (Miller and Lea 1972) 

to Gulf of California (Compagno et al. in Fischer et al. 1995); Ecuador (Béarez 1996) to Chile (Miller 

and Lea 1972). Coastal pelagic; surf zone to depth of 1,100 m (3,608 ft) (min.: Compagno 1984; max.: 

Robertson and Allen 2002). The common name Soupfin Shark has consistently been used for this shark 

on the West Coast, but the official AFS–ASIH name (Nelson et al. 2004) is Tope. Galeorhinus zyopterus 

Jordan & Gilbert, 1883, is a junior synonym. 

6

Mustelus californicus Gill, 1864. Gray Smoothhound. To 1.25 m (49.2 in) TL (Ebert 2003), reported to 

1.63 m TL (64.25 in; Miller and Lea 1972). Cape Mendocino, northern California to Mazatlán, Mexico, 

including Gulf of California (Eschmeyer and Herald 1983). Surf zone to 95 m (312 ft) (min.: Carlisle et 

al. 1960: max.: Shaw et al. 2000). 

*Mustelus dorsalis Gill, 1864. Sharptooth Smoothhound. To 64 cm (25.2 in) TL (Compagno et al. in Fischer 

et al. 1995). Tip of Baja California and central Mexico to Peru (Robertson and Allen 2002). At depths of 

20–200 m (60–656 ft; Robertson and Allen 2002). 

Mustelus henlei (Gill, 1863). Brown Smoothhound. To 100 cm (39.4 in) TL (Ebert 2003). Northern 

Washington (collected by J. Bryant; J. Cusick, pers. comm. to M. L.) to Gulf of California and Ecuador 

and Peru (Eschmeyer and Herald 1983). Surf zone to 281 m (922 ft) (min.: Carlisle et al. 1960; max.: 

Shaw et al. 2000). 

Mustelus lunulatus Jordan & Gilbert, 1882. Sicklefin Smoothhound. To 175 cm (68.9 in) TL (Amezcua 

Linares 1996). San Diego, southern California (Eschmeyer and Herald 1983) to Talara, Peru (Chirichigno 

and Vélez 1998), including Gulf of California (Galván-Magaña et al. 1996). Inshore (Eschmeyer and 

Herald 1983) to 94 m (308 ft; Amezcua Linares 1996). 

Triakis semifasciata Girard, 1855. Leopard Shark. To 2.1 m (7 ft) TL (Eschmeyer and Herald 1983). Oregon 

to Mazatlán, Mexico (Miller and Lea 1972), including Gulf of California (Eschmeyer and Herald 1983). 

Surf zone to 156 m (515 ft) (min.: Carlisle et al. 1960; max.: M. Yoklavich, pers. comm. to M. L.). 

Family Carcharhinidae — Requiem Sharks 

Carcharhinus albimarginatus (Rüppell, 1837). Silvertip Shark. To 3 m (9.8 ft) TL (Compagno et al. in 

Fischer et al. 1995). Pacific and Indian oceans; Bahia Magdalena, southern Baja California (Galván- 

Magaña et al. 2000) to Ecuador (Béarez 1996), including Islas Galápagos (Grove and Lavenberg 1997). 

Surface to 800 m (2,624 ft) or more (Compagno et al. in Fischer et al. 1995). 

Carcharhinus altimus (Springer, 1950). Bignose Shark. To 3 m (9.8 ft) TL (Compagno et al. in Fischer et al. 

1995). Circumglobal; central Baja California (Compagno et al. in Fischer et al. 1995) to northern Peru 

(Chirichigno and Vélez 1998), including Gulf of California (Compagno et al. in Fischer et al. 1995) and 

Islas Galápagos (Grove and Lavenberg 1997). At depths of 25–500 m (82–1,640 ft) (min.: Crow et al. 

1996; max.: Robertson and Allen 2002). 

Carcharhinus brachyurus (Günther, 1870). Copper Shark or Narrowtooth Shark. To about 3 m (9.8 ft) 

TL (Ebert 2003). Circumglobal; southern California (Eschmeyer and Herald 1983) to central Peru 

(Chirichigno and Vélez 1998), including Gulf of California and Islas Galápagos (Grove and Lavenberg 

1997). Surf line to 360 m (1,181 ft; Compagno in Carpenter 2003). 

Carcharhinus falciformis (Müller & Henle, 1839). Silky Shark. To 3.5 m (11.6 ft) TL (Compagno et al. in 

Fischer et al. 1995). Circumglobal; Lagunas Ojo de Liebre-Guerrero Negro, central Baja California 

(Galván-Magaña et al. 2000) to northern Chile (Grove and Lavenberg 1997), including Gulf of California 

(Compagno et al. in Fischer et al. 1995) and Islas Galápagos (Grove and Lavenberg 1997). At 18–500 m 

(59–1,640 ft) or more (Compagno 1984). 

Carcharhinus galapagensis (Snodgrass & Heller, 1905). Galapagos Shark. To 3.7 m (12.1 ft) TL (Compagno 

et al. in Fischer et al. 1995). Circumglobal in tropical waters; central Baja California (Compagno et 

al. in Fischer et al. 1995) to Easter Island (Chirichigno and Vélez 1998), including Gulf of California 

(Compagno et al. in Fischer et al. 1995) and Islas Galápagos (Grove and Lavenberg 1997). At 2–180 m 

(7–590 ft) or more (Compagno 1984). Sharks tentatively identified as this species were seen as deep as 

250 m (820 ft; Ralston et al. 1986). 

7

Carcharhinus leucas (Müller & Henle, 1839). Bull Shark. To 3.5 m (11.5 ft) TL (Compagno et al. in Fischer et al. 

1995). Circumglobal in warm waters; possibly southern California; southern Baja California (Eschmeyer 

and Herald 1983) to Paita, Peru (Chirichigno 1974), including Gulf of California (Compagno et al. in 

Fischer et al. 1995). Also found in fresh water. At less than 1 m to 152 m (499 ft; Compagno 1984). 

Carcharhinus limbatus (Müller & Henle, 1839). Blackfin Shark or Blacktip Shark. To 2.5 m (8.2 ft) TL 

(Compagno et al. in Fischer et al. 1995). Circumglobal in tropical waters; Ensenada, northern Baja 

California (Ebert 2003) to northern Peru (Chirichigno and Vélez 1998), including Gulf of California 

(Compagno et al. in Fischer et al. 1995) and Islas Galápagos (Grove and Lavenberg 1997). Unconfirmed 

records from California (Ebert 2003). Inshore (Compagno 1984), surface (Grove and Lavenberg 1997) 

to 64 m (210 ft) (Crow et al. 1996). 

Carcharhinus longimanus (Poey, 1861). Oceanic Whitetip Shark. Maximum length variously listed as 

between 3.5 and 3.95 m (11.5 and 13 ft) TL (Compagno 1984). Circumtropical; unconfirmed reports 

from central California (Ebert 2003), perhaps Gaviota, southern California (T. Herrlinger and P. Krause, 

pers. comm. to M. L.) and Cortes Bank, southern California (Miller and Lea 1972), to Puerto Pizarro, 

Peru (Chirichigno 1974), including Gulf of California (Compagno et al. in Fischer et al. 1995) and Islas 

Galápagos (Grove and Lavenberg 1997). At or near surface to about 200 m (656 ft) (min.: Eschmeyer 

and Herald 1983; max.: Boggs 1992). 

Carcharhinus obscurus (Lesueur, 1818). Dusky Shark. To at least 3.7 m (12.1 ft) TL, possibly to 4.2 m (13.8 ft) 

TL (Ebert 2003). Circumglobal; Redondo Beach, southern California to Gulf of California (Eschmeyer 

and Herald 1983) and to Ecuador (Béarez 1996). Surf zone to 400 m (1,312 ft; Compagno 1984). 

Carcharhinus porosus (Ranzani, 1840). Smalltail Shark. To 3.4 m (11.4 ft) TL (Compagno in Carpenter 

2003). Western Atlantic and eastern Pacific; southern Baja California (Compagno et al. in Fischer et al. 

1995) to Callao, Peru (Compagno 1974), including Gulf of California (Compagno et al. in Fischer et al. 

1995). At 16–32 m (50–105 ft; Compagno et al. in Fischer et al. 1995). 

Galeocerdo cuvier (Péron & Lesueur, 1822). Tiger Shark. To 5.5 m (18 ft) TL, possibly to 7.4 m (24.4 ft) TL 

(Randall 1992). Circumglobal in tropical waters; sighting (unverifiable) at Prince William Sound, Gulf 

of Alaska (Karinen et al. 1985); southern California to Peru (Eschmeyer and Herald 1983), including 

Islas Galápagos (Grove and Lavenberg 1997) and Gulf of California (Galván-Magaña et al. 1996). Coastal 

pelagic; surface and intertidal area to at least 350 m (1,148 ft; Ebert 2003) and perhaps to 800 m (2,625 ft; 

Laboute and Grandperrin 2000); prefers waters turbid with freshwater runoff (Compago 1984). 

Nasolamia velox (Gilbert, 1898). Whitenose Shark. To 150 cm (59 in) TL (Compagno et al. in Fischer et al. 

1995). Central Baja California and Gulf of California (Compagno et al. in Fischer et al. 1995) to Puerto 

Pizarro, Peru (Chirichigno and Vélez 1998), including Gulf of California (Compagno et al. in Fischer et 

al. 1995) and Islas Galápagos (Grove and Lavenberg 1997). At 15–192 m (49–630 ft; Compagno et al. in 

Fischer et al. 1995). 

Negaprion brevirostris (Poey, 1868). Lemon Shark. To about 3.4 m (11.2 ft) TL (Compagno 1984). Pacific 

and Atlantic; Bahia Magdalena, southern Baja California (Galván-Magaña et al. 2000) and Gulf of 

California (Compagno 1984) to northern Peru (Chirichigno and Vélez 1998). Intertidal area and to 

92 m (304 ft) or more (Compagno in Carpenter 2003). 

Prionace glauca (Linnaeus, 1758). Blue Shark. To 383 cm (12.6 ft) TL, reported but not confirmed to 4.8– 

6.5 m (15.7–21.3 ft) TL (Compagno 1984). Circumglobal in temperate and tropical waters; in western 

Pacific as far north as southern Kuril Islands (Savinykh 1998); Kodiak Island, western Gulf of Alaska 

(Karinen et al. 1985) to Chile (Miller and Lea 1972), including Gulf of California (Compagno et al. in 

Fischer et al. 1995) and Islas Galápagos (Grove and Lavenberg 1997). Oceanic pelagic, typically over 

water depths greater than 183 m (600 ft) but often venturing near shore (Compagno 1984); surface to 

about 350 m (1,148 ft) (min.: Eschmeyer and Herald 1983; max.: Laboute and Grandperrin 2000). 

8

Rhizoprionodon longurio (Jordan & Gilbert, 1882). Pacific Sharpnose Shark. To at least 1.1 m (43 in) TL, 

may reach 1.5 m (59 in; Eschmeyer and Herald 1983). Southern California (Eschmeyer and Herald 1983) 

to Paita, Peru (Chirichigno and Vélez 1998), including Gulf of California (Compagno et al. in Fischer et 

al. 1995). Intertidal area (Compagno et al. in Fischer et al. 1995) and to 100 m (328 ft; Amezcua Linares 

1996). 

Triaenodon obesus (Rüppell, 1837). Whitetip Reef Shark. To 1.7 m (66.9 in) TL (Compagno in Carpenter 

and Niem 1998), but reported to 2.16 m (85 in; Lieske and Myers 2002). At least as far north as Islas 

Revillagigedo, southern Baja California (D. Schroeder, pers. comm. to M. L.) to Ecuador (Béarez 1996), 

including Islas Galápagos (Compagno 1984). Surface to 122 m (400 ft; Myers 1999). 

Family Sphyrnidae — Hammerhead Sharks 

*Sphyrna corona Springer, 1940. Scalloped Bonnethead. To 92 cm (36.2 in) TL (Compagno et al. in Fischer 

et al. 1995). Gulf of California (Compagno et al. in Fischer et al. 1995) to northern Peru (Chirichigno 

1974), including the southern tip of Baja California (Compagno et al. in Fischer et al. 1995). Inshore 

(Allen and Robertson 1994). 

Sphyrna lewini (Griffith & Smith, 1834). Scalloped Hammerhead. To about 4.2 m (13.8 ft) TL (Compagno 

in Carpenter 2003). Circumtropical; several southern California records as far north as Santa Barbara, 

southern California (Seigel 1985) and south to Puerto Pizarro, Peru (Chirichigno and Vélez 1998), 

including Islas Galápagos (Grove and Lavenberg 1997). Surface to at least 275 m (902 ft; Compagno 

1984), comes into shallow bays and estuaries (Grove and Lavenberg 1997). 

*Sphyrna media Springer, 1940. Scoophead or Scoophead Shark. To 150 cm (59.1 in) TL (Compagno et 

al. in Fischer et al. 1995). Gulf of California and tip of Baja California to Peru, also western Atlantic 

(Robertson and Allen 2002). Surface to perhaps 100 m (328 ft; Robertson and Allen 2002). 

Sphyrna mokarran (Rüppell, 1837). Great Hammerhead. To 6.1 m (20 ft) TL or more (Compagno 1984). 

Circumtropical; Bahia Magdalena, southern Baja California (Galván-Magaña et al. 2000) to northern 

Peru (Chirichigno and Vélez 1998), including Gulf of California (Compagno 1984) and Islas Galápagos 

(Grove and Lavenberg 1997). Surface (Yoshino and Aonuma in Nakabo 2002) to at least 300 m (984 ft; 

Myers 1999). 

Sphyrna tiburo (Linnaeus, 1758). Bonnethead or Bonnethead Shark. To about 1.5 m (46 in) TL (Compagno 

in Carpenter 2003), possibly to 1.8 m (6 ft) TL (Eschmeyer and Herald 1983). San Diego, southern 

California (Eschmeyer and Herald 1983) to Paita, Peru (Chirichigno and Vélez 1998), including Gulf 

of California (Compagno 1984); also western Atlantic (Compagno 1984). Intertidal area and to 80 m 

(262 ft; Compagno 1984). 

Sphyrna zygaena (Linnaeus, 1758). Smooth Hammerhead. To 5 m (16.4 ft) TL (Robertson and Allen 2002). 

Circumglobal; central California (Miller and Lea 1972) to Gulf of California (Eschmeyer and Herald 

1983) and to Chile (Chirichigno 1974), including Islas Galápagos (Compagno 1984). Surface to 200 m 

(656 ft), possibly deeper (min.: Compagno 1984; max.: Ebert 2003). 

Order Torpediniformes 

Family Narcinidae — Electric Rays or Numbfishes 

Diplobatis ommata (Jordan & Gilbert, 1890). Bullseye Electric Ray or Ocellated Electric Ray. To 25 cm 

(9.8 in) TL (McEachran in Fischer et al. 1995). Bahia San Juanico (26°13'N, 112°28'W; SIO 64-65), 

southern Baja California (De La Cruz-Agüero et al. 1994) to Ecuador (Béarez 1996), including Gulf 

of California (McEachran in Fischer et al. 1995). At least 3–94 m (10–308 ft) (min.: LACM 49744.002; 

max.: Amezcua Linares 1996). 

9

Narcine entemedor Jordan & Starks, 1895. Giant Electric Ray. To 107 cm (42.1 in) TL (J. Bizarro, pers. comm. 

to M. L.). Lagunas Ojo de Liebre-Guerrero Negro, central Baja California (De La Cruz-Agüero et al. 

1996) to Caleta La Cruz, Peru (Chirichigno and Vélez 1998), including Gulf of California (McEachran 

in Fischer et al. 1995). At depths of 1–100 m (3–328 ft) (min.: LACM 4997; max.: Amezcua Linares 

1996). Considered by some authors to be a junior synonym of Narcine brasiliensis (Olfers, 1831). 

Family Torpedinidae — Torpedo Electric Rays 

Torpedo californica Ayres, 1855. Pacific Electric Ray or Pacific Torpedo Ray. To more than 137 cm (4.5 ft) 

TL (Eschmeyer and Herald 1983). Sanriku, Japan (Hatooka in Nakabo 2002); Wiah Point, Graham 

Island, northern British Columbia (Clemens and Wilby 1961) to Bahia de Sebastian Vizcaino, central 

Baja California (Miller and Lea 1972). Sandy bottom at surf zone to 906 m (2,972 ft) (min.: Carlisle et 

al. 1960; max.: Lauth 2000), usually shallower than 300 m. 

Order Rajiformes 

Family Rhinobatidae — Guitarfishes 

Rhinobatos glaucostigma Jordan & Gilbert, 1883. Speckled Guitarfish. To 85 cm (33.5 in) TL (Amezcua 

Linares 1996). Bahia Magdalena, southern Baja California (Galván-Magaña et al. 2000) to Ecuador 

(Amezcua Linares 1996), including Gulf of California (McEachran in Fischer et al. 1995). Shallow water 

to 112 m (367 ft; Amezcua Linares 1996). 

Rhinobatos leucorhynchus Günther, 1867. Whitesnout Guitarfish. To 70.2 cm (27.6 in) TL (Arellano- 

Martinez et al. 1997). Lagunas Ojo de Liebre-Guerrero Negro, central Baja California (Arellano-Martinez 

et al. 1997) to Ecuador (McEachran in Fischer et al. 1995), including Gulf of California (Castro-Aguirre 

and Espinosa Peréz 1996). At depths of 2–8 m (7–26 ft) (min.: LACM 33557.001; max.: Arellano- 

Martinez et al. 1997), perhaps to 50 m (164 ft; Robertson and Allen 2002). 

Rhinobatos productus Ayres, 1854. Shovelnose Guitarfish. To 1.56 m (61.5 in) TL (Baxter 1966). The 1.7 m 

given in Eschmeyer and Herald (1983) is based on a misprint (D. A. Ebert, pers. comm. to M. L.). San 

Francisco, northern California (Miller and Lea 1972) to southern Mexico, including Gulf of California 

(McEachran in Fischer et al. 1995). At depths of 1–91 m (3–298 ft; Ebert 2003). 

Zapteryx exasperata (Jordan & Gilbert, 1880). Banded Guitarfish. To 97 cm (38.2 in) TL (Ebert 2003). 

Jalama Beach, central California (M. L., unpubl. data) to Gulf of California; also reported as far south as 

Caleta La Cruz, Peru (Chirichigno and Vélez 1998). Ebert (2003) questions captures south of Mazatlán, 

Mexico, noting possible confusion with Zapteryx xyster, a more southerly species. Tidepools and to 

200 m (656 ft) (min.: Eschmeyer and Herald 1983; max.: De La Cruz-Agüero et al. 1997). 

Family Platyrhynidae — Thornbacks 

Platyrhinoidis triseriata (Jordan & Gilbert, 1880). Thornback. To 76 cm (30 in) TL (Miller and Lea 1972). 

Tomales Bay, northern California (Plant 1989) to Gulf of California (McEachran in Fischer et al. 1995); also 

reported from Ecuador (Béarez 1996). Gulf of California population probably isolated (Castro-Aguirre and 

Espinosa Peréz 1996). Surf zone to 137 m (449 ft) (min.: Carlisle et al. 1960; max.: Ebert 2003). 

Family Rajidae — Skates 

Amblyraja badia (Garman, 1899). Broad Skate or Roughshoulder Skate. To 98.5 cm (38.8 in) TL (Zorzi and 

Anderson 1988). Southern Sea of Okhotsk and Pacific coast of northern Japan (Hatooka et al. in Nakabo 

2002) to Navarin Canyon, northern Bering Sea (Ebert 2003, Stevenson 2004) and Aleutian Islands (UW 

47007) to northern British Columbia (G. E. Gillespie, pers. comm. to C. W. M.), to central Panama, 

10

including Gulf of California (Zorzi and Anderson 1988). Bottom at 846–2,322 m (2,775–7,616 ft) (min.: 

Ebert 2003; max.: Zorzi and Anderson 1988). Also recently as Raja badia. 

Bathyraja abyssicola (Gilbert, 1896). Deepsea Skate. To 157 cm (63 in) TL (Sheiko and Tranbenkova 1998). 

Southern Japan (Nakaya in Amaoka et al. 1983); western Bering Sea (Mecklenburg et al. 2002), Aleutian 

Islands south of Tanaga Island (Zorzi and Anderson 1990) and north of Unalaska Island (UW 45833, 

UW 46058), eastern Gulf of Alaska (Mecklenburg et al. 2002), and northern British Columbia (Gilbert 

1896) to Islas Coronados, northern Baja California (Zorzi and Anderson 1988). Bottom at 362–2,904 m 

(1,195–9,528 ft) (min.: Zorzi and Anderson 1988 [CAS 38013]; max.: Gilbert 1896 [USNM 48623; 

1,588 fm]). 

Bathyraja aleutica (Gilbert, 1896). Aleutian Skate. To about 161 cm (63.4 in) TL (Zenger 2004). Northern 

Japan to Bering Sea to southeastern Alaska (Mecklenburg et al. 2002) and northern British Columbia 

(G. E. Gillespie, pers. comm. to C. W. M.) to Cape Mendocino, northern California (Hoff 2002). Bottom 

at 15–1,602 m (49–5,256 ft; Sheiko and Fedorov 2000). 

Bathyraja interrupta (Gill & Townsend, 1897). Black Skate or Sandpaper Skate. To 86 cm (34 in) TL (Ishihara 

and Ishiyama 1985). Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands to Cortes Bank, southern California (Eschmeyer 

and Herald 1983). Bottom at 37–1,372 m (121–4,500 ft) (min.: Stevenson 2004; max.: Miller and Lea 

1972). Recently as Rhinoraja interrupta. The status of Bathyraja kincaidii (Garman, 1908), treated by 

some authors as a junior synonym of B. interrupta and by others as a species distinct from B. interrupta, 

needs further study. For B. kincaidii treated as a separate species: To 56 cm (22 in) TL (Ebert 2003), also 

reported to 63 cm (24.8 in; C. Perez, 2004 Western Groundfish Conference) and 66 cm (26 in; W. A. 

Palsson, pers. comm. to M. L.). Northern Baja California to British Columbia and possibly the Gulf of 

Alaska (Ebert 2003). At depths of about 200–500 m (656–1,640 ft; Ebert 2003), reported as shallow as 

18 m (60 ft; W. A. Palsson, pers. comm. to M. L.). 

Bathyraja lindbergi Ishiyama & Ishihara, 1977. Commander Skate. To 102 cm (40.2 in) TL (Zenger 2004). 

Okhotsk Sea off Hokkaido (Nakaya in Amaoka et al. 1983) to Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands, with 

unconfirmed report of range to western Gulf of Alaska (Mecklenburg et al. 2002). Bottom at 120– 

1,200 m (394–3,937 ft) (min.: Mecklenburg et al. 2002; max.: Hoff and Britt 2003) and possibly to 

2,000 m (6,562 ft). Classified by some authors as a junior synonym of Bathyraja matsubarai Ishiyama, 

1952; in this case, maximum recorded size would be 98 cm (38.6 in) TL, and maximum depth, 2,000 m 

(6,562 ft) (Mecklenburg et al. 2002). 

Bathyraja maculata Ishiyama & Ishihara, 1977. Whiteblotched Skate. To 146 cm (57.5 in) TL (Zenger 

2004). Sea of Okhotsk and northern Sea of Japan to Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands (Mecklenburg et 

al. 2002). Bottom at 73–1,193 m (241–3,914 ft) (min.: Sheiko and Fedorov 2000; max.: Stevenson 2004 

[UW 47016]). 

Bathyraja mariposa Stevenson, Orr, Hoff, & McEachran, 2004. Butterfly Skate. To 76.0 cm (29.9 in) TL. 

Aleutian Islands, Alaska from Petrel Bank to the Islands of Four Mountains. At depths of 90–448 m 

(1,470 ft). All in Stevenson et al. (2004). 

Bathyraja microtrachys (Osburn & Nichols, 1916). Fine-spined Skate. To at least 70 cm (28 in) TL. 

Washington to about central Baja California (300 miles southeast of San Diego, southern California). At 

depths of 1,995–2,938 m (6,544–9,637 ft). All in Ebert (2003). 

Bathyraja minispinosa Ishiyama & Ishihara, 1977. Whitebrow Skate. To 82.5 cm (32.5 in) TL (Nakaya in 

Amaoka et al. 1983). Sea of Okhotsk off Hokkaido (Nayaka in Amaoka et al. 1983) and Pacific Ocean 

off Kuril Islands (Dudnik and Dolganov 1992) to Commander Islands and Bering Sea to Aleutian 

Islands; northern British Columbia (Peden 2003) close to Alaska border (G. E. Gillespie, pers. comm. to 

C. W. M.). Bottom at 160–1,420 m (525–4,686 ft; Nakaya in Amaoka et al. 1983). Additional citations in 

Mecklenburg et al. (2002). 

11

Bathyraja parmifera (Bean, 1881). Alaska Skate. To 130 cm (51.2 in) TL (Zenger 2004). Sea of Okhotsk, 

northern Sea of Japan, and Pacific Ocean off Hokkaido to Bering Sea to eastern Gulf of Alaska 

(Mecklenburg et al. 2002). Bottom at 20–1,425 m (66–4,703 ft; Sheiko and Fedorov 2000). 

Bathyraja spinosissima (Beebe & Tee-Van, 1941). Pacific White Skate or White Skate. To 150 cm (58.5 in) TL 

(McEachran in Fischer et al. 1995). Waldport, Oregon (Ebert 2003) to Isla Cocos, Costa Rica, including 

Mexican mainland at Sinaloa (Castro-Aguirre and Espinosa Peréz 1996), and Islas Galápagos (Ebert 

2003). Bottom at 800–2,938 m (2,640–9,695 ft) (min.: Ebert 2003; max.: Pearcy et al. 1982). 

Bathyraja taranetzi (Dolganov, 1983). Mud Skate. To 77 cm (30.3 in) TL (Ebert 2005). Pacific coast of Kuril 

Islands and Kamchatka to Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands; unconfirmed report from western Gulf of 

Alaska (Mecklenburg et al. 2002). Bottom at 58–1,054 m (190–3,458 ft; Stevenson 2004). Rhinoraja longi 

Raschi & McEachran, 1991, is included as a junior synonym. 

Bathyraja trachura (Gilbert, 1892). Black Skate or Roughtail Skate. To 89 cm (35 in) TL (Eschmeyer 

and Herald 1983). Sea of Okhotsk and northern Kuril Islands to Cape Navarin, western Bering Sea, 

Commander–Aleutian chain, and eastern Bering Sea and Gulf of Alaska (Mecklenburg et al. 2002) to 

north of Isla Guadalupe, central Baja California (Castro-Aguirre and Espinosa Peréz 1996). Bottom at 

267–2,550 m (876–8,366 ft) (min.: UW 41746; max.: Ebert 2003), reported as shallow as 213 m (699 ft; 

Stevenson 2004). 

Bathyraja violacea (Suvorov, 1935). Okhotsk Skate. To 73 cm (29.2 in) TL (Orlov 1998), reported but not 

documented to 100 cm (39 in) TL (Lindberg and Legeza 1959). Sea of Okhotsk and Sea of Japan and 

Pacific Ocean off Hokkaido to northwestern Bering Sea off Cape Navarin, Russia (Dolganov 1999) and 

northeastern Bering Sea, Alaska (Mecklenburg et al. 2002). Bottom at 20–1,110 m (66–3,642 ft) (min.: 

Mecklenburg et al. 2002; max.: Sheiko and Fedorov 2000). 

Raja binoculata Girard, 1855. Big Skate. To 244 cm (96 in) TL (Eschmeyer and Herald 1983). Bering Sea 

and Aleutian Islands, at least as far west as Unalaska Island, to eastern Gulf of Alaska (Mecklenburg 

et al. 2002) to Cabo Falsa (22°54'N, 110°02'W), southern Baja California (Castro-Aguirre et al. 1993) 

and Gulf of California (Castro-Aguirre and Espinosa Pérez 1996). Bottom at 2 m or less to 800 m (7– 

2,624 ft) (min.: Miller et al. 1980; max.: Allen and Smith 1988). 

Raja equatorialis Jordan & Bollman, 1890. Equatorial Skate. To 50 cm (19.7 in) TL (McEachran in Fischer 

et al. 1995). Laguna de San Ignacio, southern Baja California (De La Cruz-Agüero and Cota-Gómez 

1998) to Peru (4°43'S, 81°23'W; Chirichigno and Vélez 1998). Bottom at depths of 20–200 m (66–660 ft; 

Robertson and Allen 2002). 

Raja inornata Jordan & Gilbert, 1881. California Skate. To 75 cm (30 in) TL (Miller and Lea 1972). Strait 

of Juan de Fuca (Eschmeyer and Herald 1983) to southern Baja California and Gulf of California 

(McEachran in Fischer et al. 1995). Bottom at 13–1,600 m (43–5,248 ft) (min.: Allen et al. 2002; max.: 

Pearcy et al. 1982). 

Raja rhina Jordan & Gilbert, 1880. Longnose Skate. To 180 cm (70.9 in) TL (Stevenson 2004). Southeastern 

Bering Sea (Mecklenburg et al. 2002) to just below Punta San Juanico (25°59'N, 113°17'W), southern 

Baja California (Snytko 1987), and Gulf of California (Eschmeyer and Herald 1983). Bottom at 9– 

1,069 m (30–3,506 ft) or more (min.: W. A. Palsson, pers. comm. to M. L.; max.: Lauth 1999). 

Raja stellulata Jordan & Gilbert, 1880. Starry Skate. To 76.2 cm (30 in) TL (Miller and Lea 1972). Oregon 

(44°04'N, 124°49'W; J. W. Orr, pers. comm. to C. W. M.) to Isla Cedros and Bahia de Sebastian Vizcaino, 

central Baja California (Castro-Aguirre and Espinosa Pérez 1996). Bering Sea and Gulf of Alaska records 

of this species are incorrect (Mecklenburg et al. 2002) and perhaps reflect catches of Bathyraja parmifera 

(Ebert 2003). Bottom at 2 m or less to 732 m (7–2,400 ft) (min.: Miller et al. 1980; max.: Miller and Lea 

1972). 

12

Raja velezi Chirichigno, 1973. Rasptail Skate. To 83 cm (32.7 in) TL (Robertson and Allen 2002). Bahia 

Almejas, southern Baja California (J. Bizarro, pers. comm. to M. L.) to west and southwest Gulf of 

California to Peru, Islas Galápagos, and Malpelo (Robertson and Allen 2002). Minimum depth no 

deeper than 20 m (66 ft) and most probably 10 m (33 ft) or less (J. Bizarro, pers. comm. to M. L.) to 300 

m (984 ft; Robertson and Allen 2002). 

Order Myliobatiformes 

Family Dasyatidae — Whiptail Stingrays 

Dasyatis dipterura (Jordan & Gilbert, 1880). Bullseye Stingray, Diamond Stingray, Shorttail Stingray, or 

Whiptail Stingray. To 200 cm (78.7 in) TL (Grove and Lavenberg 1997) and at least 88 cm (34.6 in) 

disc width, possibly to 120 cm (47.2 in) disc width (Ebert 2003). Central California to northern Chile 

and Islas Galápagos (Grove and Lavenberg 1997), including Gulf of California (McEachran in Fischer 

et al. 1995). Surf zone to 70 m (230 ft) (min.: Carlisle et al. 1960; max.: De La Cruz-Agüero et al. 1997). 

Dasyatis dipterura was treated as a junior synonym of Dasyatis brevis (Garman, 1880) by Nishida and 

Nakaya (1990). However, dipterurus (published about 18 May 1880) has priority over brevis (Oct. 1880) 

and thus D. dipterura is the correct name (Eschmeyer 1998). 

Dasyatis longa (Garman, 1880). Longtail Stingray. To 257 cm (101 in) TL, 180 cm (72 in) disc width 

(W. Smith, pers. comm. to M. L.). Bahia San Juanico, southern Baja California (Fitch 1953) to Ecuador 

and probably to northern Peru (Chirichigno and Vélez 1998) and Islas Galápagos (Grove and Lavenberg 

1997), including lowermost Gulf of California (McEachran in Fischer et al. 1995). Shallow waters to 

100 m (328 ft; Amezcua Linares 1996). 

Pteroplatytrygon violacea (Bonaparte, 1832). Pelagic Stingray. To 163 cm (64.2 in) TL (Eschmeyer and 

Herald 1983), 80 cm (32 in) disc width (Collette and Klein-MacPhee 2002) and possibly to 96 cm 

(37.8 in) disc width (Ebert 2003). Circumglobal; in the western Pacific as far north as the southern Kuril 

Islands (Savinykh 1998); British Columbia (Peden and Jamieson 1988) to Baja California and to central 

Chile (Ebert 2003) and Islas Galápagos (Eschmeyer and Herald 1983). Surface to 238 m (780 ft) over 

deep water (min.: J. O’Sullivan, pers. comm. to M. L.; max.: Eschmeyer and Herald 1983). Until recently, 

in genus Dasyatis; moved to Pteroplatytrygon by McEachran and Fechhelm (1998). 

Family Urolophidae — Round Stingrays 

Urobatis concentricus Osburn & Nichols, 1916. Bullseye Stingray, Reef Stingray, Reticulated Round Ray, or 

Spot-on-Spot Round Ray. To 47.5 cm (18.7 in) TL (McEachran in Fischer et al. 1995), 28.3 cm (11.3 in) 

disc width (Robertson and Allen 2002). Isla Cedros (M. L., unpubl. data) and, off mainland, Rocas 

Chester (27°53'N, 115°04'W), central Baja California (M. L., unpubl. data) to Bahia Huatulco, Oaxaca, 

southern Mexico (Amezcua Linares 1996). At 1–109 m (4–358 ft) (min.: SIO 68-177; max.: SIO 84-78). 

Perhaps a synonym of Urobatis halleri (Thomson et al. 2000). Recently as Urolophus concentricus. 

Urobatis halleri (Cooper, 1863). Round Ray or Round Stingray. To 56 cm (22 in) TL (Eschmeyer and Herald 

1983), 31 cm (12.1 in) disc width (McEachran in Fischer et al. 1995). Humboldt Bay, northern California 

(Miller and Lea 1972) to Ecuador (Béarez 1996), including Gulf of California (McEachran in Fischer et 

al. 1995). Shallow, at depths of 0.9–21 m (3–70 ft; Eschmeyer and Herald 1983), but reported to at least 

91 m (298 ft; Ebert 2003). Recently as Urolophus halleri. 

Urobatis maculatus Garman, 1913. Cortez Stingray or Spotted Round Ray. To 42 cm (16.5 in) TL, 26 cm 

(10.2 in) disc width (McEachran in Fischer et al. 1995). Lagunas Ojo de Liebre-Guerrero Negro, central 

Baja California (De La Cruz-Agüero et al. 1996) and Gulf of California (McEachran in Fischer et al. 

1995). At depths of 1–30 m (3–98 ft; Robertson and Allen 2002). Recently as Urolophus maculatus. 

Perhaps a synonym of Urobatis halleri (Thomson et al. 2000). 

13

Urotrygon aspidura (Jordan & Gilbert, 1882). Panamic Stingray or Spinytail Round Ray. To 50 cm (19.7 in) 

TL (Amezcua Linares 1986), 23 cm (9.2 in) disc width (Robertson and Allen 2002). Bahia Magdalena, 

southern Baja California (De La Cruz-Agüero et al. 1994) to Paita, Peru (Chirichigno and Vélez 1998); 

not yet collected in Gulf of California (Robertson and Allen 2002). At depths of 5–100 m (16–328 ft) 

(min.: Allen and Robertson 1994; max.: Amezcua Linares 1996). 

Urotrygon chilensis (Günther, 1872). Blotched Stingray or Chilean Round Ray. To 41.9 cm (16.5 in) TL 

(McEachran in Fischer et al. 1995), 26 cm (10.4 in) disc width (Robertson and Allen 2002). Bahia 

Magdalena, southern Baja California (De La Cruz-Agüero et al. 1994) to Chile (Chirichigno and Vélez 

1998), including Gulf of California (McEachran in Fischer et al. 1995). At depths of 1–60 m (3–197 ft) 

(min.: SIO 71-224; max.: Robertson and Allen 2002)). 

Urotrygon munda Gill, 1863. Spiny Round Ray or Spiny Stingray. To 28.8 cm (11.3 in) TL (McEachran 

in Fischer et al. 1995). Bahia Magdalena, southern Baja California (De La Cruz-Agüero et al. 1994) 

and Gulf of California (Miyake and McEachran 1986) to Callao, Peru (Chirichigno and Vélez 1998). 

At depths of 4–51 m (13–167 ft) (min.: LACM 50817; max.: Amezcua Linares 1996). Recently also as 

Urotrygon asterias. 

Urotrygon rogersi (Jordan & Starks, 1895). Thorny Stingray. To 46.2 cm (18.2 in) TL (Robertson and Allen 

2002), disc width 28 cm (11.2 in; Robertson and Allen 2002). Bahia San Juanico, southern Baja California 

(Fitch 1953) to Ecuador (De La Cruz-Agüero et al. 1997), including Gulf of California (McEachran in 

Fischer et al. 1995). At depths of 2–30 m (7–98 ft) (min.: Castro-Aguirre et al. 1999; max.: SIO 65-163). 

Family Gymnuridae — Butterfly Rays 

Gymnura marmorata (Cooper, 1864). California Butterfly Ray. To 122 cm (48.8 in) disc width (Ebert 2003), 

possibly to 150 cm (60 in) disc width (Eschmeyer and Herald 1983). Point Conception, California (Miller 

and Lea 1972) to Paita, Peru (Chirichigno and Vélez 1998), including Gulf of California (McEachran in 

Fischer et al. 1995). Surf zone to 94 m (308 ft) (min.: Carlisle et al. 1960; max.: Amezcua Linares 1996). 

Family Myliobatidae — Eagle Rays 

Aetobatus narinari (Euphrasen, 1790). Spotted Eagle Ray. To 3.6 m (11.8 ft) disc width (Amezcua Linares 

1996), reportedly to 4 m (13.2 ft; Compagno 1986). Circumglobal; Bahia Almejas, southern Baja 

California (D. A. Ebert, pers. comm. to M. L.) to Los Organos, Peru (Chirichigno and Vélez 1998), 

including Islas Galápagos (Grove and Lavenberg 1997) and Gulf of California (Galván-Magaña et al. 

1996). Shallow bays and estuaries (Amezcua Linares 1996) to 80 m (262 ft) or more (Myers 1999). The 

northern California reference (Grove and Lavenberg 1997) appears to be an error. 

Myliobatis californica Gill, 1865. Bat Ray. To 1.8 m (6 ft) disc width (Eschmeyer and Herald 1983). Yaquina 

Bay, Oregon (Ebert 2003) to Gulf of California (Eschmeyer and Herald 1983), including Islas Galápagos 

(Grove and Lavenberg 1997). Intertidal and to 108 m (354 ft) (min.: Eschmeyer and Herald 1983; max.: 

Morris et al. 1996). 

Myliobatis longirostris Applegate & Fitch, 1964. Longnose Eagle Ray or Snouted Eagle Ray. To 95 cm (37.4 in) 

disc width (McEachran and Notarbartolo-di-Sciara in Fischer et al. 1995). Bahia de Sebastian Vizcaino, 

central Baja California (Castro-Aguirre and Espinosa Peréz 1996) to Gulf of California (McEachran 

and Notarbartolo-di-Sciara in Fischer et al. 1995) and to Sechura, Peru (Chirichigno and Vélez 1998). 

Inshore and to depth of 50 m (164 ft; Robertson and Allen 2002). 

Pteromylaeus asperrimus (Gilbert, 1898). Rough Eagle Ray or Striped Eagle Ray. To at least 79 cm (31.1 in) disc 

width (Grove and Lavenberg 1997). Captured at widely separated sites including Bahia Almejas, southern 

Baja California (Fitch 1953), Gulf of Panama (Grove and Lavenberg 1997), and Islas Galápagos (Grove and 

Lavenberg 1997). Near shore to a maximum depth of 50 m (164 ft; Robertson and Allen 2002). 

14

Family Rhinopteridae — Cownose Rays 

Rhinoptera steindachneri Evermann & Jenkins, 1891. Gabilan, Golden Cownose Ray, Golden Ray, or Pacific 

Cownose Ray. To 104 cm (40.9 in) disc width (J. Bizarro, pers. comm. to M. L.). Bahia de Sebastian 

Vizcaino, central Baja California (Castro-Aguirre and Espinosa Peréz 1996), to Gulf of California 

(McEachran and Notarbartolo-di-Sciara in Fischer et al. 1995), Peru (Chirichigno 1974), and Islas 

Galápagos (Grove and Lavenberg 1997). Surface and near-surface waters (Grove and Lavenberg 1997) 

to about 30 m (99 ft; Robertson and Allen 2002). A List and Index of the Publications of the United States 

National Museum (1947) gives the date of publication as July 16, 1891; sometimes given as 1892. 

Family Mobulidae — Devil Rays or Mantas 

Manta birostris (Walbaum, 1792). Giant Manta or Manta. To at least 8 m (26.4 ft) disc width (Robertson and 

Allen 2002). Circumglobal in warm waters; Santa Barbara, southern California to Peru (Ebert 2003), 

including Gulf of California (McEachran and Notarbartolo-di-Sciara in Fischer et al. 1995) and Islas 

Galápagos (Grove and Lavenberg 1997); sighting (unverifiable) reported from Prince Willam Sound, 

Alaska (Karinen et al. 1985). Pelagic, to depth of about 30 m (98 ft; Robertson and Allen 2002). 

Mobula japanica (Müller & Henle, 1841). Spinetail Mobula. To at least 3.1 m (10.2 ft) disc width (McEachran 

and Notarbartolo-di-Sciara in Fischer et al. 1995). Circumglobal; central California (Ebert 2003) to 

Peru (Ebert 2003), including Gulf of California (Galván-Magaña et al. 1996). Surface waters (Ebert 

2003), perhaps to depth of 30 m (98 ft; Robertson and Allen 2002). (The Mobula thurstoni reported 

by MacGinitie [1947] from Laguna Beach, southern California is likely M. japanica [Notarbartolo-di- 

Sciara 1987]). 

Mobula tarapacana (Philippi, 1893). Chilean Devil Ray or Sicklefin Devil Ray. To 3.7 m (12.1 ft) disc width 

(Compagno and Last in Carpenter and Niem 1999). Circumglobal in tropical waters; southern Baja 

California (McEachran and Notarbartolo-di-Sciara in Fischer et al. 1995) to Chile (Pequeño 1989), 

including Gulf of California (McEachran and Notarbartolo-di-Sciara in Fischer et al. 1995). Surface to 

perhaps 30 m (98 ft; Robertson and Allen 2002). 

Mobula thurstoni (Lloyd, 1908). Smoothtail Mobula. To 1.8 m (5.9 ft) disc width (McEachran and 

Notarbartolo-di-Sciara in Fischer et al. 1995). Probably circumglobal; southern Baja California and 

Gulf of California (McEachran and Notarbartolo-di-Sciara in Fischer et al. 1995) to Ecuador (Béarez 

1996). Surface to 100 m (328 ft) or more (Notarbartolo-di-Sciara 1988). 

Order Acipenseriformes 

Family Acipenseridae — Sturgeons 

Acipenser medirostris Ayres, 1854. Green Sturgeon. To 270 cm (108 in) TL (Moyle 2002). Peter the Great 

Bay, Sea of Japan (Antonenko et al. 2003) and Tohoku, Japan (Hosoya in Nakabo 2002) to Pacific 

coast of Kamchatka, Bering Sea, and Gulf of Alaska (Mecklenburg et al. 2002) to Ensenada, northern 

Baja California (Miller and Lea 1972). Bering Sea records have been rare and not well documented 

(Mecklenburg et al. 2002). On 4 June 2005 a Green Sturgeon was caught in Kuskokwim Bay off 

Kwigillingok (59°51'N, 162°08'W; Scott Meyer and Doug Molyneaux, pers. comms. with photographs 

to C. W. M.). Anadromous; to 78 m (258 ft) at sea (Fisheries Research Board of Canada 1954). 

Acipenser transmontanus Richardson, 1836. White Sturgeon. Perhaps to 6 m (20 ft) FL (Moyle 2002). 

Moyle notes that the largest length records for this species were made before 1900 and “were subject 

to inaccurate measurements and exaggerated reporting.” Moyle notes the largest recent record, from 

Oregon, was 3.2 m (10.5 ft) long. Northern Gulf of Alaska (Mecklenburg et al. 2002) to Ensenada, 

northern Baja California (Hubbs 1967, Fitch and Lavenberg 1971). Anadromous; to depth of 122 m 

(400 ft) at sea (Miller and Lea 1972). 

15

Order Elopiformes 

Family Elopidae —Tenpounders 

Elops affinis Regan, 1909. Machete or Pacific Ladyfish. To 91.4 cm (3 ft) TL (Miller and Lea 1972). Mandalay 

Beach, southern California (Eschmeyer and Herald 1983) to Talara, Peru (Chirichigno and Vélez 1998), 

including Gulf of California (Whitehead and Rodriguez-Sanchez in Fischer et al. 1995). Shallow marine 

waters, frequently enters fresh water (Allen and Robertson 1994) to 10 m (33 ft; Robertson and Allen 2002). 

Order Albuliformes 

Family Albulidae — Bonefishes 

Albula sp. Cortez Bonefish. To about 36 cm (14.4 in) SL. San Francisco, northern California, along west coast 

of Baja California, and into the Gulf of California. Southern range limit is unknown. Nearshore waters. 

Previously referred to as Albula vulpes. Work by Pfeiler (1996) and Pfeiler et al. (2002) suggests there are 

a number of undescribed bonefish species in the eastern Pacific. A species referred to as “Albula sp. A” by 

Pfeiler and coworkers is found along the Pacific coast of North America and in the Gulf of California. 

See Nelson et al. (2004) for discussion of molecular studies and nomenclature. 

Dixonina sp. Shafted Bonefish. A poorly described member of this genus appears to live along the southern 

west coast of Baja California and in the southern Gulf of California (Pfeiler 1996). 

Family Halosauridae — Halosaurs 

Unidentified Aldrovandia. Two halosaurs, as yet unidentified to species, were caught in 2004 off the west 

coast of the Queen Charlotte Islands, British Columbia, including one very near the Alaska border (G. E. 

Gillespie, pers. comm. to C.W.M.). Halosaurs pursue a benthopelagic lifestyle in deep waters, usually 

over continental slopes. Perhaps the most likely species is: Aldrovandia affinis (Günther, 1977). Gilbert’s 

Halosaur. To about 55 cm (21.7 in) TL (Sulak in Quéro et al. 1990). Circumglobal, including cold waters 

off New England in the western North Atlantic (Moore et al. 2003); in North Pacific, off the Korean 

Peninsula (Youn 2002) and Japan (Shinohara et al. 1996, 2001; Nakabo 2002). Benthopelagic, about 

730–2,200 m (2,395–7,218 ft; Sulak in Quéro et al. 1990). Another possiblity is Aldrovandia phalacra 

(Vaillant, 1888), also probably circumglobal including cold waters, such as off Greenland (Okamura and 

Takahashi in Okamura et al. 1995), and including the North Pacific Ocean off Hawaii (Sulak in Quéro 

et al. 1990). 

Family Notacanthidae —Spiny Eels 

Notacanthus chemnitzii Bloch, 1788. Snubnosed Spiny Eel. To more than 135 cm (54 in) TL (Mecklenburg 

et al. 2002). Probably circumglobal; Greenland (Okamura and Takahashi in Okamura et al. 1995); Japan 

(Yabe in Amaoka et al. 1983); Sea of Okhotsk (Orlov 1998); near Alaska off Dixon Entrance, northern 

British Columbia (G. E. Gillespie, pers. comm. to C W. M.); Oregon (Peden 1976); Point Sur and edge 

of Monterey Submarine Canyon, central California (Lea and Rosenblatt 1987) to Chile (Pequeño 1989). 

Benthopelagic, at depths of 128–3,285 m (413–10,775 ft) (min.: McDowell 1973; max.: Yabe in Amaoka 

et al. 1983); usually taken at the greater depths (Mecklenburg et al. 2002). 

Polyacanthonotus challengeri (Vaillant, 1888). Longnose Tapirfish. To about 60 cm (23.6 in) TL (Gon in Gon 

and Heemstra 1990). Circumglobal, predominantly antitropical, on the continental rise; northern Japan 

Sea off Hokkaido (Yabe in Amaoka et al. 1983) and western North Pacific off southern Honshu (Crabtree 

et al. 1985) to southern Bering Sea (Mecklenburg et al. 2002) to Cape Falcon, Oregon (Stein and Butler 

1971). Benthopelagic, at 830–3,753 m (2,723–12,313 ft) (min.: ZIN 45805; max.: Sulak et al. 1984). 

16

Order Anguilliformes 

Family Placement Uncertain 

Thalassenchelys coheni Castle & Raju, 1975. Leaflike Eel. To 30.4 cm (12 in) TL (Castle and Raju 1975). 

Western North Pacific to southern British Columbia (west of northern Vancouver Island at 49°59'N, 

130°32'W; Mecklenburg et al. 2002) and to Isla Guadalupe, central Baja California (Shimokawa et al. 

1995). Epipelagic. Known only from the leptocephalus (larva). Some specimens contain developing 

eggs, so transformation to “adult” features may not occur or the adult stage is short-lived (Eschmeyer 

and Herald 1983). Molecular data indicate a close affinity of T. coheni with the Serrivomeridae, but more 

eels need to be analyzed before making a definite family placement (Obermiller and Pfeiler 2003). 

Family Chlopsidae — False Morays 

*Chlopsis apterus (Beebe & Tee-Van, 1938). Stripesnout False Moray. To 25 cm (9.8 in) TL (Robertson 

and Allen 2002). Tip of Baja California (23°03'N, 109°28'W; Lavenberg 1988) and mouth of Gulf of 

California to Colombia (Robertson and Allen 2002). At depths of 80–130 m (262–426 ft; Robertson 

and Allen 2002). 

*Chlopsis kazunoko Lavenberg, 1988. Kazunoko’s False Moray. To 12 cm (4.7 in) TL. Tip of Baja California and 

Jalisco, Mexico to Costa Rica. At depths of 50–100 m (164–328 ft). All in Robertson and Allen (2002). 

Family Muraenidae — Morays 

*Anarchias galapagensis (Seale, 1940). Hardtail Moray or Minute Moray. To 17 cm (6.7 in) TL (Robertson 

and Allen 2002). Lower Gulf of California (McCosker and Rosenblatt in Fischer et al. 1995) to Colombia 

(Robertson and Allen 2002), including tip of southern Baja California (Charter and Moser in Moser 

1996) and Islas Galápagos (Grove and Lavenberg 1997). At depths of 0–24 m (78 ft) (min.: Robertson 

and Allen 2002; max.: SIO 71-87). 

*Echidna nebulosa (Ahl, 1789). Snowflake Moray or Starry Moray. To 75 cm (29.5 in) TL (Myers 1999). Indo- 

Pacific; Kochi, Japan (Hatooka in Nakabo 2002); Cabo San Lucas, southern Baja California (McCosker 

and Rosenblatt in Fischer et al. 1995) to Colombia (Robertson and Allen 2002), including lower Gulf of 

California (McCosker and Rosenblatt in Fischer et al. 1995). Surface (SIO 71-84) and intertidal to 30 m 

(98 ft) (min.: SIO 78-9; max.: Laboute and Grandperrin 2000). 

*Echidna nocturna (Cope, 1872). Freckled Moray or Palenose Moray. To 75 cm (29.5 in) TL (Allen and 

Robertson 1994). Gulf of California (McCosker and Rosenblatt in Fischer et al. 1995) to Peru (Allen and 

Robertson 1994), including southern tip of Baja California (McCosker and Rosenblatt in Fischer et al. 

1995) and Islas Galápagos (Grove and Lavenberg 1997). At depths of 1–30 m (3–98 ft) (min.: SIO 62-9; 

max.: McCosker and Rosenblatt in Fischer et al. 1995). 

*Enchelycore octaviana (Myers & Wade, 1941). Slenderjaw Moray. To 93 cm (36.6 in) TL (Grove and 

Lavenberg 1997). Gulf of California (McCosker and Rosenblatt in Fischer et al. 1995) to Peru (Robertson 

and Allen 2002), including southern tip of Baja California (McCosker and Rosenblatt in Fischer et al. 

1995) and Islas Galápagos (Grove and Lavenberg 1997). At depths of 2–40 m (7–131 ft) (min.: SIO 

65-300; max.: Robertson and Allen 2002). 

*Gymnomuraena zebra (Shaw, 1797). Zebra Moray. To 150 cm (59 in) TL (Allen and Robertson 1994). Pacific 

and Indian oceans; Gulf of California (McCosker and Rosenblatt in Fischer et al. 1995) to southern tip 

of Baja California (McCosker and Rosenblatt in Fischer et al. 1995) and central America to Peru (Grove 

and Lavenberg 1997), including Islas Galápagos (Grove and Lavenberg 1997). At depths of 2–40 m (8– 

131 ft) (min.: SIO 59-216; max.: Laboute and Grandperrin 2000). Also recently as Echidna zebra. 

17

Gymnothorax castaneus (Jordan & Gilbert, 1883). Chestnut Moray or Panama Green Moray. To 150 cm 

(59 in) TL (McCosker and Rosenblatt in Fischer et al. 1995). Bahia Magdalena, southern Baja California 

(SIO 62-131) to Ecuador (Béarez 1996), including Gulf of California (McCosker and Rosenblatt in 

Fischer et al. 1995) and Islas Galápagos (Grove and Lavenberg 1997). At depths of 1–35 m (3–115 ft; 


*Gymnothorax equatorialis (Hildebrand, 1946). Equatorial Moray or Spottail Moray. To about 73 cm 

(28.7 in) TL (Robertson and Allen 2002). Gulf of California (McCosker and Rosenblatt in Fischer et al. 

1995) to Paita, Peru (Chirichigno and Vélez 1998), including southern tip of Baja California (McCosker 

and Rosenblatt in Fischer et al. 1995). Surface (SIO 60-94) and 5–125 m (16–410 ft) (min.: Robertson 

and Allen 2002; max.: McCosker and Rosenblatt in Fischer et al. 1995). 

Gymnothorax mordax (Ayres, 1859). California Moray. To 152 cm (5 ft) TL (Miller and Lea 1972). Point 

Conception, California to Bahia Magdalena, southern Baja California (Miller and Lea 1972). Beltrán- 

León and Rios Herrera (2000) tentatively identified larvae captured off Colombia as this species. At 

depths of 2–40 m (7–131 ft) (min.: Limbaugh 1955; max.: Eschmeyer and Herald 1983). 

Gymnothorax panamensis (Steindachner, 1876). Masked Moray or Panamic Moray. To 75 cm (29.5 in) TL 

(Robertson and Allen 2002). Isla Guadalupe (SIO 60-14) and Bahia Magdalena (SIO 62-96), southern 

Baja California to Chile (Pequeño 1989), including Gulf of California (McCosker and Rosenblatt in 

Fischer et al. 1995), Islas Galápagos (Grove and Lavenberg 1997), and other offshore islands (Robertson 

and Allen 2002). At depths of 1–107 m (3–351 ft) (min.: Robertson and Allen 2002; max.: Amezcua 

Linares 1996). 

*Gymnothorax phalarus Bussing, 1988. Small-spotted Moray. To 93 cm (36.6 in) TL. Tip of Baja California 

and southeastern Gulf of California to Peru. At depths of 25–295 m (82–968 ft). All in Robertson and 

Allen (2002). 

Gymnothorax verrilli (Jordan & Gilbert, 1883). White-edged Moray. To 43 cm (16.9 in) TL (McCosker and 

Rosenblatt in Fischer et al. 1995). Bahia Magdalena, southern Baja California (Charter and Moser in Moser 

1996) to Panama (McCosker and Rosenblatt in Fischer et al. 1995), including Gulf of California (Charter 

and Moser in Moser 1996). At depths to 10 m (33 ft; McCosker and Rosenblatt in Fischer et al. 1995). 

Muraena argus (Steindachner, 1870). Argus Moray or White-spotted Moray. To 110 cm (43.3 in) TL 

(Robertson and Allen 2002). Santa Catalina Island, southern California (McCosker and Smith 2004) and 

Bahia Magdalena (SIO 62-131), southern Baja California to Islas Lobos de Afuera, Peru (Chirichigno 

and Vélez 1998), including Islas Galápagos (Grove and Lavenberg 1997), Gulf of California, and other 

offshore islands (Robertson and Allen 2002). At 5–60 m (17–197 ft; Robertson and Allen 2002). 

*Muraena clepsydra Gilbert, 1898. Hourglass Moray. To about 97 cm (38.2 in) TL (Robertson and Allen 

2002). Cabo San Lucas, southern Baja California (McCosker and Rosenblatt in Fischer et al. 1995) 

to northern Peru (Chirichigno and Vélez 1998), including lower Gulf of California (McCosker and 

Rosenblatt in Fischer et al. 1995) and Islas Galápagos (Grove and Lavenberg 1997). Intertidal and to 

25 m (83 ft) (min.: Thomson et al. 1979; max.: Robertson and Allen 2002). 

Muraena lentiginosa Jenyns, 1842. Jewel Moray. To 61 cm (24 in) TL (Robertson and Allen 2002). Bahia 

Magdalena, southern Baja California (Charter and Moser in Moser 1996) to Islas Lobos de Afuera, Peru 

(Chirichigno and Vélez 1998), including Gulf of California (McCosker and Rosenblatt in Fischer et al. 

1995), Islas Galápagos (Grove and Lavenberg 1997), and other offshore islands (Robertson and Allen 

2002). At 3–25 m (10–83 ft) (min.: SIO 61-250; max.: McCosker and Rosenblatt in Fischer et al. 1995). 

*Scuticaria tigrina (Lesson, 1828). Tiger Moray or Tiger Reef Eel. To 140 cm (55.1 in) TL (Robertson and Allen 

2002). Gulf of California to Colombia (Robertson and Allen 2002), including southern tip of Baja California 

(McCosker and Rosenblatt in Fischer et al. 1995). At depths of 3–25 m (10–83 ft; Robertson and Allen 2002). 

18

Uropterygius macrocephalus (Bleeker, 1865). Largehead Moray, Longhead Moray, or Needle-tooth Moray. 

To 47 cm (18.5 in) TL (McCosker and Rosenblatt in Fischer et al. 1995). Pacific and Indian oceans; 

southern Baja California (McCosker and Rosenblatt in Fischer et al. 1995) to Peru (Robertson and Allen 

2002), including Gulf of California (McCosker and Rosenblatt in Fischer et al. 1995), Islas Galápagos 

(Grove and Lavenberg 1997), and other offshore islands (Robertson and Allen 2002). At 1 m (3 ft; 

Robertson and Allen 2002) to at least 14 m (46 ft; Myers 1999). 

*Uropterygius polystictus Myers & Wade, 1941. Many-spotted Moray, Peppered Moray, or Peppered Snake 

Moray. To 72 cm (28.3 in) TL (Robertson and Allen 2002). Gulf of California (McCosker and Rosenblatt 

in Fischer et al. 1995) to southern tip of Baja California (McCosker and Rosenblatt in Fischer et al. 1995) 

and to Colombia (Grove and Lavenberg 1997), including Islas Galápagos (Grove and Lavenberg 1997). 

Shallow water to 35 m (115 ft; McCosker and Rosenblatt in Fischer et al. 1995). 

*Uropterygius versutus Bussing, 1991. Blackeye Snake Moray, Crafty Moray, or Two-holes Moray. To 56 cm 

(22 in) TL (McCosker and Rosenblatt in Fischer et al. 1995). Southern tip of Baja California (McCosker 

and Rosenblatt in Fischer et al. 1995) to Colombia (Grove and Lavenberg 1997), including Islas Galápagos 

(Grove and Lavenberg 1997) and other offshore islands (Robertson and Allen 2002). Tidepools to 40 m 

(131 ft; Allen and Robertson 1994). 

Family Synaphobranchidae — Cutthroat Eels 

Histiobranchus bathybius (Günther, 1877). Deepwater Cutthroat Eel. To 137 cm (54 in) TL (Saldanha and 

Bauchot in Whitehead et al. 1986). Circumglobal; Japan; unknown in eastern North Pacific except for one 

record from southeastern Bering Sea, Alaska (Mecklenburg et al. 2002) and one off Cabo San Lucas, southern 

Baja California (Sulak and Shcherbachev 1997). At depths of 644–4,855 m (2,113–15,928 ft) (min.: Gon in 

Gon and Heemstra 1990; max.: Saldanha and Bauchot in Whitehead et al. 1986). We classify this species in 

Histiobranchus following Sulak and Shcherbachev (1997). Originally named Synaphobranchus bathybius. 

Synaphobranchus affinis Günther, 1877. Slope Cutthroat Eel. To 160 cm (63 in) TL (Sulak and Shcherbachev 

1997). Circumglobal; North and South Pacific, including vicinity of Hawaii; unknown in eastern North 

Pacific except for one Bering Sea, Alaska record (Mecklenburg et al. 2002). At depths of 290–2,334 m 

(951–7,874 ft; Sulak and Shcherbachev 1997). 

Family Ophichthidae — Snake Eels or Worm Eels 

Bascanichthys bascanoides Osburn & Nichols, 1916. Sooty Sand Eel. To 77 cm (30.3 in) TL (Robertson and 

Allen 2002). Bahia Almejas, southern Baja California (SIO 60-374) and central Gulf of California to 

Panama and Isla Cocos, Costa Rica (Robertson and Allen 2002). Surface (SIO 60-374) to 20 m (66 ft). 

All in Robertson and Allen (2002). 

*Callechelys cliffi Böhlke & Briggs, 1954. Sandy Ridgefin Eel. To 46 cm (18.1 in) TL (Robertson and Allen 

2002). Gulf of California to Panama (Allen and Robertson 1994), including southern tip of Baja 

California (McCosker and Rosenblatt in Fischer et al. 1995). Surface to 30 m (0–98 ft; McCosker and 

Rosenblatt in Fischer et al. 1995). 

*Callechelys eristigma McCosker & Rosenblatt, 1972. Spotted Ridgefin Eel. To 113 cm (44.5 in) TL (McCosker 

and Rosenblatt in Fischer et al. 1995). Gulf of California to Costa Rica (Robertson and Allen 2002), 

including southern tip of Baja California (McCosker and Rosenblatt in Fischer et al. 1995). At depths of 

3–25 m (10–82 ft) (min.: SIO 61-279; max.: McCosker and Rosenblatt in Fischer et al. 1995). 

Ethadophis merenda Rosenblatt & McCosker, 1970. Snack Eel. To 53 cm (20.9 in) TL. Bahia Thurloe (27°38'N, 

114°50'W), southern Baja California. The depth range of this species is unknown. However, because the 

type specimen was taken from the stomach of a white seabass (Atractoscion nobilis) it is likely to inhabit 

relatively shallow waters. All in Rosenblatt and McCosker (1970). 

19

*Herpetoichthys fossatus (Myers & Wade, 1941). Mustachioed Snake Eel. To 55 cm (21.6 in) TL (McCosker 

and Rosenblatt in Fischer et al. 1995). Gulf of California, including Cabo San Lucas, southern Baja 

California (McCosker and Rosenblatt in Fischer et al. 1995) to Peru, including Islas Galápagos (Grove 

and Lavenberg 1997). At depths of 5–40 m (17–131 ft) (min.: Robertson and Allen 2002; max.: McCosker 

and Rosenblatt in Fischer et al. 1995). 

*Ichthyapus selachops (Jordan & Gilbert, 1882). Smiling Sand Eel. To 54 cm (21.3 in) TL (Robertson and 

Allen 2002). Gulf of California to southern tip of Baja California (McCosker and Rosenblatt in Fischer et 

al. 1995) and to Ecuador (Allen and Robertson 1994), including Islas Galápagos (Grove and Lavenberg 

1997) and other offshore islands (Robertson and Allen 2002). Intertidal and to 30 m (98 ft) (min.: SIO 

71-213; max.: McCosker and Rosenblatt in Fischer et al. 1995). 

*Letharchus rosenblatti McCosker, 1974. Black Sailfin Eel or Sailfin Snake Eel. To 35 cm (13.8 in) TL (Allen 

and Robertson 1994). Gulf of California to Ecuador (Béarez 1996), including southern tip of Baja 

California (McCosker and Rosenblatt in Fischer et al. 1995). Intertidal and to 17 m (56 ft) (min.: SIO 

71-213; max.: McCosker and Rosenblatt in Fischer et al. 1995). 

Myrichthys tiginus Girard, 1859. Spotted Snake Eel or Tiger Snake Eel. To 73 cm (28.7 in) TL (McCosker 

and Rosenblatt in Fischer et al. 1995). Tropical Pacific; Bahia Magdalena, southern Baja California 

(Charter in Moser 1996) to Callao, Peru (Chirichigno and Vélez 1998), including Gulf of California 

(McCosker and Rosenblatt in Fischer et al. 1995), Islas Galápagos (Grove and Lavenberg 1997), and Isla 

Cocos (Robertson and Allen 2002). Surface (SIO 60-372) and barely subtidal (0.5 m at low tide) to 60 m 

(197 ft) (min.: SIO 61-184; max.: Robertson and Allen 2002). 

Myrophis vafer Jordan & Gilbert, 1883. Pacific Worm Eel. To 47 cm (18.5 in) TL (Robertson and Allen 2002). 

San Pedro, southern California (Miller and Lea 1972) to Punta Aguja, Peru (Chirichigno and Vélez 

1998), including Gulf of California (McCosker and Rosenblatt in Fischer et al. 1995). Intertidal and to 

15 m (49 ft; Robertson and Allen 2002). 

Ophichthus triserialis (Kaup, 1856). Pacific Snake Eel. To 121.5 cm (47.8 in) TL (SIO 48-16). Off Klamath 

River, northern California to Peru, including Gulf of California (Eschmeyer and Herald 1983) and Islas 

Galápagos (Grove and Lavenberg 1997). Surface (SIO 54-245) and intertidal to 155 m (0–508 ft) (min.: 

SIO 72-379; max.: McCosker and Rosenblatt 1998). The O. triserialis mentioned as living around the 

Islas Galápagos in Eschmeyer and Herald (1983) is another, island endemic, species (J. E. McCosker, 


Ophichthus zophochir (Jordan & Gilbert, 1882). Yellow Snake Eel. To 98 cm (38.6 in) TL (Amezcua 

Linares 1996). Humboldt Bay, northern California (Miller and Lea 1972) to Huacho, Peru (McCosker 

and Rosenblatt 1998), including Gulf of California (McCosker and Rosenblatt in Fischer et al. 1995). 

Intertidal and to 110 m (361 ft) (min.: Miller and Lea 1972; max.: McCosker and Rosenblatt 1998). 

*Paraletharchus pacificus (Osburn & Nichols, 1916). Pacific Sailfin Eel or Sailfin Eel. To 81 cm (31.9 in) TL 

(McCosker and Rosenblatt in Fischer et al. 1995). Gulf of California (McCosker and Rosenblatt in Fischer 

et al. 1995) to Panama (Allen and Robertson 1994), including southern tip of Baja California (McCosker 

and Rosenblatt in Fischer et al. 1995) and Isla Cocos (Robertson and Allen 2002). Intertidal and to 35 m 

(115 ft) (min.: Robertson and Allen 2002; max.: McCosker and Rosenblatt in Fischer et al. 1995). 

*Phaenomonas pinnata Myers & Wade, 1941. Elastic Eel. To 53.5 cm (21 in) TL (McCosker and Rosenblatt 

in Fischer et al. 1995). Gulf of California to Colombia, including southern tip of Baja California and 

Islas Galápagos (McCosker and Rosenblatt in Fischer et al. 1995). At depths of 1–50 m (3–164 ft) (min.: 

McCosker and Rosenblatt in Fischer et al. 1995; max.: Robertson and Allen 2002). 

*Quassiremus nothochir (Gilbert, 1890). Elastic Snake Eel, Red-banded Snake Eel, Redsaddled Snake Eel, 

or Short-fin Snake Eel. To 70 cm (27.6 in) TL (McCosker and Rosenblatt in Fischer et al. 1995). Gulf of 

20

California to Panama (Robertson and Allen 2002), including southern tip of Baja California (McCosker 

and Rosenblatt in Fischer et al. 1995). To depth of 20 m (66 ft; McCosker and Rosenblatt in Fischer et 

al. 1995). 

Scytalichthys miurus (Jordan & Gilbert, 1882). Shorttail Viper Eel. To 97 cm (38.8 in) SL (SIO 64-940). 

Isla Guadalupe, central Baja California and southern tip of Baja California (McCosker and Rosenblatt 

in Fischer et al. 1995) to Panama (Robertson and Allen 2002), including Islas Galápagos (Grove and 

Lavenberg 1997) and Isla Cocos (Robertson and Allen 2002). At depths of 10–85 m (33–279 ft) (min.: 

Robertson and Allen 2002; max.: McCosker and Rosenblatt in Fischer et al. 1995). 

Family Derichthyidae — Longneck Eels 

Derichthys serpentinus Gill, 1884. Neck Eel. To 40 cm (15.7 in) TL (Castle in Smith and Heemstra 1986). 

Circumglobal; southern California to Chile (33°S; Fitch and Lavenberg 1968). At depths of 500–2,000 m 

(1,640–6,560 ft; Charter in Moser 1996). 

Family Muraenesocidae — Pike Congers 

Cynoponticus coniceps (Jordan & Gilbert, 1882). Conehead Eel, Conger-head Pike Conger, or Red Pike Conger. 

To 202 cm (79.5 in) TL (Robertson and Allen 2002). Lower Baja California to Ecuador (Robertson and 

Allen 2002), including Gulf of California (Ruiz-Campos et al. 1998). At 6–100 m (20–328 ft) (min.: SIO 

71-259; max.: Smith in Fischer et al. 1995). 

Family Nemichthyidae — Threadtail Snipe Eels 

Avocettina bowersii Garman, 1899. Smalleye Snipe Eel. To 52 cm (20.5 in) SL (Nielsen and Smith 1978). 

Eastern and central Pacific; San Francisco, northern California (Charter in Moser 1996) to northern 

Chile (19°44'S; Kong and Melendez 1991). Pelagic, at 92–641 m (302–2,102 ft; Charter in Moser 1996). 

Avocettina infans (Günther, 1878). Close-spine Snipe Eel or Blackline Snipe Eel. To 80 cm (31.5 in) TL (Smith 

and Nielsen 1989). Circumglobal, but almost exclusively in Northern Hemisphere; Japan (Hatooka in 

Nakabo 2002); Commander and Aleutian islands and Gulf of Alaska (Mecklenburg et al. 2002) to central 

Mexico, including Gulf of California (Charter in Moser 1996). Pelagic, far from shore, rarely over continental 

shelf, surface to 4,571 m (14,993 ft) (min.: Charter in Moser 1996; max.: Mecklenburg et al. 2002). 

Nemichthys larseni Nielsen & Smith, 1978. Pale Snipe Eel. To about 97 cm (38.2 in) TL (Mecklenburg et al. 

2002). Eastern North Pacific from Washington (Mecklenburg et al. 2002) to central Mexico, including 

Gulf of California, to Hawaii (Nielsen and Smith 1978). Mostly mesopelagic, far from shore, at depths 

of 170–1,280 m (558–4,199 ft; Nielsen and Smith 1978). 

Nemichthys scolopaceus Richardson, 1848. Slender Snipe Eel. To 145 cm (57 in) TL (Fitch and Lavenberg 

1968). Circumglobal in temperate and tropical waters; Japan (Hatooka in Nakabo 2002); Gulf of Alaska 

(Mecklenburg et al. 2002) to southern Chile (52°S; Sielfeld and Vargas 1996), including Gulf of California 

(Charter in Moser 1996). Primarily mesopelagic and bathypelagic, sometimes over continental shelf, 

surface (Mecklenburg et al. 2002) to 4,337 m (14,225 ft; Charter in Moser 1996). 

Family Congridae — Conger Eels or Garden Eels 

Ariosoma gilberti (Ogilby, 1898). Gilbert’s Conger or Sharpnose Conger. To at least 27 cm (10.6 in) TL (Allen 

and Robertson 1994). Bahia Asuncion (27°06'N, 114°11'W), southern Baja California (SIO 51-96) to 

Peru (Grove and Lavenberg 1997), including Gulf of California (Smith in Fischer et al. 1995) and Islas 

Galápagos (Grove and Lavenberg 1997). At depths of 1–53 m (3–174 ft) (min.: Robertson and Allen 

2002; max.: SIO 91-98). 

21

Chiloconger dentatus (Garman, 1899). Shortsnout Conger. To 27 cm (10.6 in) TL (Smith and Karmovskaya 

2003). Punta Tosca (24°11'N, 111°29'W), southern Baja California (Charter in Moser 1996), Sinaloa 

(25°18'N, 49°W), 2 miles south of entrance of Bahia Topolobampo (Smith and Karmovskaya 2003), to 

Colombia (Charter in Moser 1996). At depths of 27–247 m (89–810 ft; Smith and Karmovskaya 2003). 

Previously known as Chiloconger obtusus, among other names; the valid name was determined by Grove 

and Lavenberg (1997) to be C. dentatus. 

Chiloconger labiatus Myers & Wade, 1946. Thicklip Conger. To 30 cm (11.8 in) TL (Smith in Fischer et al. 

1995). Southeast of Punta Tosca (24°11'N, 111°27'W), southern Baja California (SIO 65-227) to at least 

7°08'N, 80°41'W (SIO 70-362). At depths of 25–102 m (82–335 ft) (min.: Smith in Fischer et al. 1995; 

max.: SIO 65-227). 

Gnathophis cinctus (Garman, 1899). Catalina Conger or Hardtail Conger. To 41.9 cm (16.5 in) TL (Fitch and 

Lavenberg 1968). Santa Rosa Island, southern California (Fitch and Lavenberg 1968) to Peru (Robertson 

and Allen 2002), including Gulf of California and Islas Galápagos (Grove and Lavenberg 1997). At depths 

of 9–366 m (30–1,200 ft) (min.: Fitch and Lavenberg 1968; max.: Miller and Lea 1972). 

Gorgasia punctata Meek & Hildebrand, 1923. Dotted Garden Eel or Peppered Garden Eel. To at least 50 cm 

(19.7 in) TL (Allen and Robertson 1994). Bahia Magdalena, southern Baja California (Thomson et al. 

1979) to Los Frailes, Cabo San Lucas (Thomson et al. 1979) to Panama (Smith in Fischer et al. 1995). 

At less than 0.3 to 9 m (less than 1 to 30 ft) (min.: SIO 71-213; max.: SIO 62-720), and perhaps to 30 m 

(99 ft; Robertson and Allen 2002). 

*Heteroconger canabus (Cowan & Rosenblatt, 1974). Cape Garden Eel or White-ring Garden Eel. To about 

80 cm (31.5 in) TL (Smith in Fischer et al. 1995). Southern tip of Baja California (Smith in Fischer et 

al. 1995) to Costa Rica, including Gulf of California (Galván-Magaña et al. 1996). At 3–20 m (10–66 ft) 

(min.: Robertson and Allen 2002; max.: Smith in Fischer et al. 1995). 

*Heteroconger digueti (Pellegrin, 1923). Cortez Garden Eel, Pale Garden Eel, or Pale Green Garden Eel. To at 

least 63 cm (24.8 in) TL (Robertson and Allen 2002). Southern tip of Baja California (Smith in Fischer 

et al. 1995) to central Mexico (Robertson and Allen 2002). Depth range 2–25 m (7–82 ft; Robertson and 

Allen 2002); the 230–275 m (754–902 ft) depth range given by Smith (in Fischer et al. 1995) appears to 

be an error. 

*Heteroconger pellegrini Castle, 1999. Mime Garden Eel or Speckled Garden Eel. To 63 cm (24.8 in) TL. Tip 

of Baja California to Costa Rica. At depths of 5–30 m (17–98 ft). All in Robertson and Allen (2002). 

*Paraconger californiensis Kanazawa, 1961. California Conger or Ringeye Conger. To 60 cm (23.6 in) TL 

(Smith in Fischer et al. 1995). Cabo San Lucas, southern Baja California to Talara, Peru (Grove and 

Lavenberg 1997), including southern Gulf of California (Smith in Fischer et al. 1995), Islas Galápagos 

(Grove and Lavenberg 1997), and Isla Cocos (Robertson and Allen 2002). At 15–50 m (50–164 ft) (min.: 

Robertson and Allen 2002; max.: Charter in Moser 1996). 

*Paraconger similis (Wade, 1946). Shorttail Conger. To 42.3 cm (16.7 in) TL (Smith and Karmovskaya 

2003). Cabo San Lucas, southern Baja California, Sinaloa, Gulf of California, Islas Galápagos, and Islas 

Revillagigedos (Robertson and Allen 2002). Beltrán-León and Rios Herrera (2000) captured larvae off 

Colombia that they tentatively assigned to this species. At depths of 49–150 m (161–492 ft) (min.: Smith 

and Karmovskaya 2003; max.: Smith in Fischer et al. 1995). Recently as Chiloconger similis. 

Rhynchoconger nitens (Jordan & Bollman, 1890). Bignose Conger or Needletail Conger. To 40 cm (15.7 in) 

TL (Smith in Fischer et al. 1995). Central Baja California (Smith in Fischer et al. 1995) to southern Peru 

(Béarez et al. 2002), including Gulf of California (Smith in Fischer et al. 1995). At depths of 20–104 m 

(66–341 ft) (min.: Robertson and Allen 2002; max.: SIO 73-283). 

22

Xenomystax atrarius Gilbert, 1891. Deepwater Conger or Twinpored Eel. To 100 cm (39.3 in) TL (Smith in 

Fischer et al. 1995). Vancouver Island, British Columbia (Hart 1973); Newport, southern California (Seigel 

1987) to central Chile (37°31'S; Kong and Melendez 1991), including Gulf of California (Eschmeyer and 

Herald 1983) and Islas Galápagos (Grove and Lavenberg 1997). At depths of 152–1,050 m (499–3,444 ft) 

(min.: Smith in Fischer et al. 1995; max.: Sielfeld and Vargas 1996). 

Family Nettastomatidae — Duckbill Eels 

Facciolella equatorialis (Gilbert, 1891). Dogface Witch Eel. To 61 cm (34.4 in; Eschmeyer and Herald 1983). 

Point Conception, California to at least Panama (Fitch and Lavenberg 1968), including Islas Galápagos 

(McCosker et al. 1997). At 64–1,000 m (210–3,280 ft) (min.: SIO 65-277; max.: McCosker et al. 1997). 

Facciolella gilberti (Garman, 1899) is a junior synonym (Nelson et al. 2004). 

Venefica tentaculata Garman, 1899. Longnose Witch Eel. To about 90 cm (35.4 in) TL (Asano in Masuda 

et al. 1984). Japan (Asano in Masuda et al. 1984) and off San Francisco (38°32'N, 124°20'W), northern 

California (SIO 66–55) to Chile (Charter in Moser 1996). At depths of 1,170–1,790 m (3,838–5,871 ft; 

Hatooka in Nakabo 2002). 

Family Serrivomeridae — Sawtooth Eels 

Serrivomer jesperseni Bauchot-Boutin, 1953. Crossthroat Sawpalate. To 67 cm (26.8 in) SL (Mecklenburg 

et al. 2002). Pacific and Indian oceans; close to Alaska off Dixon Entrance, northern British Columbia 

(G. E. Gillespie, pers. comm. to C. W. M.) to Chile (Pequeño 1989). At depths of 366–825 m (1,200– 

2,706 ft) (min.: Peden and Hughes 1986; max.: Taylor 1967). 

Serrivomer samoensis Bauchot, 1959. Samoa Sawtooth Eel. To 63 cm (24.8 in) TL. Pacific Ocean; Samoa and 

southern California. At depths to 1,073 m (3,519 ft). All in J. E. Fitch (pers. comm. to M. L.). 

Serrivomer sector Garman, 1899. Sawtooth Eel. Possibly to 76 cm (30 in) TL (Eschmeyer and Herald 1983). 

Pacific and Indian oceans; Japan (Hatooka in Nakabo 2002); northern California (40°51'N; Lauth 2001) 

to northern Chile (Fitch and Lavenberg 1968). At depths of 200–3,200 m (656–10,496 ft; Hatooka in 

Nakabo 2002). 

Order Saccopharyngiformes 

Family Cyematidae — Bobtail Eels 

Cyema atrum Günther, 1878. Black Bobtail Eel. To 15 cm (5.9 in) TL (Smith 1989). Circumglobal in temperate 

to tropical waters (Mecklenburg et al. 2002); Japan (Aizawa in Nakabo 2002); Tillamook Head, Oregon 

(Grinols 1966) to Chile (Pequeño 1989). Midwater at depths of 330–5,100 m (1,082–16,728 ft) (min.: 

Bertin 1937; max.: Grey 1956). 

Family Saccopharyngidae — Swallowers or Whiptail Gulpers 

Saccopharynx lavenbergi Nielsen & Bertelsen, 1985. To 78 cm (30.7 in) SL (SIO 85-163) or more. Northern 

California (Charter in Moser 1996) to Chile (4°05'N, 78°36'W; SIO 55-244). Deep midwater, primarily 

2,000–3,000 m (6,560–9,840 ft; Charter in Moser 1996). 

Family Eurypharyngidae — Gulpers or Pelican Eels 

Eurypharynx pelecanoides Vaillant, 1882. Umbrellamouth Gulper. To more than 100 cm (39.3 in) TL 

(Nielsen and Bertelsen in Whitehead et al. 1986). Circumglobal; northern California (Charter in Moser 

1996) to Chile (23°36'S, 71°30'W; SIO 72-164). At depths of 425–3,049 m (1,394–10,000 ft) or more 

(min.: Clarke and Wagner 1976; max.: Fitch and Lavenberg 1968). 

23

Family Monognathidae — Onejaws or Monognathids 

Monognathus ahlstromi Raju, 1974. To 5 cm (2 in) TL. Central California. Mesopelagic. All in Raju (1974). 

*Monognathus rosenblatti Bertelsen & Nielsen, 1987. To 7 cm (2.7 in) TL. Central and North Pacific; well 

off southern California. At depths of 2,000–5,266 m (6,560–17,273 ft). All in Bertelsen and Nielsen 

(1987). 

Monognathus sp. An undescribed Monognathus has been collected in the California Current region (Charter 

in Moser 1996). 

Order Clupeiformes 

Family Engraulidae — Anchovies 

Anchoa argentivittata (Regan, 1904). Silverstripe Anchovy. To 12.5 cm (4.9 in) TL (Robertson and Allen 

2002). Bahia Magdalena, southern Baja California (Galván-Magaña et al. 2000) and central-eastern Gulf 

of California to Ecuador, including Islas Galápagos (Robertson and Allen 2002). Surface to 10 m (33 ft; 


Anchoa compressa (Girard, 1858). Deepbody Anchovy. To 16.5 cm (6.5 in) TL (Miller and Lea 1972). Morro 

Bay, central California (Miller and Lea 1972) to Bahia Magdalena, southern Baja California (Whitehead 

et al. 1988). Surf zone to depth of perhaps 18.5 m (61 ft) (min.: Carlisle et al. 1960; max.: Allen et al. 

2002). 

Anchoa curta (Jordan & Gilbert, 1882). Short Anchovy. To 8.9 cm (3.5 in) TL (Yañez-Arancibia 1978). 

Southern Baja California (25°24'N, 112°06'W; SIO 64-85) to Puerto Pizarro, Peru (Chirichigno and 

Vélez 1998), including lower half of Gulf of California (Robertson and Allen 2002). Pelagic, primarily 

nearshore and estuaries and occasionally entering fresh water (Whitehead et al. 1988). To depth of 


Anchoa delicatissima (Girard, 1854). Slough Anchovy. To 12 cm (4.7 in) TL (Allen et al. 2002). Marina del 

Rey, southern California (Soule and Oguri 1987) to Bahia Magdalena, southern Baja California (Miller 

and Lea 1972). Nearshore and estuaries (Whitehead et al. 1988); intertidal (Allen 1999) and to depth of 

at least 15.5 m (51 ft; Allen et al. 2002). 

Anchoa exigua (Jordan & Gilbert, 1882). Slender Anchovy. To 7.5 cm (3 in) TL (Robertson and Allen 2002). 

Bahia Playa Maria (28°56'N, 114°32'W), central Baja California (Knaggs et al. 1975) to southern Gulf of 

California (Whitehead et al. 1988) and to Puerto Pizarro, Peru (Chirichigno and Vélez 1998). Pelagic, 

nearshore (Whitehead et al. 1988) to perhaps 10 m (33 ft; Robertson and Allen 2002). The author names 

for this species belong within parentheses, not without as sometimes seen; the species was classified by 

Jordan and Gilbert in a different genus (Stolephorus). 

Anchoa ischana (Jordan & Gilbert, 1882). Gulf of California Slender Anchovy, Sharpnose Anchovy, or Slender 

Anchovy. To 14 cm (5.5 in) TL (Robertson and Allen 2002). Boca de Soledad (25°18'N, 112°11'W; SIO 

64-79), southern Baja California and throughout Gulf of California (Whitehead et al. 1988) to northern 

Peru (Chirichigno and Vélez 1998), including Islas Galápagos (Grove and Lavenberg 1997). Nearshore 

and pelagic (Whitehead et al. 1988), in waters as shallow as 1 m (3 ft; González-Acosta et al. 1999) to 


Anchoa lucida (Jordan & Gilbert, 1882). Bright Anchovy. To 16 cm (6.3 in) TL (Robertson and Allen 2002). 

Laguna San Ignacio, southern Baja California (Danemann and De La Cruz-Agüero 1993) to northern 

Gulf of California (Whitehead and Rodriguez-Sanchez in Fischer et al. 1995) and to Puerto Pizarro, 

northern Peru (Whitehead et al. 1988). Pelagic, nearshore and estuarine (Whitehead et al. 1988), at 

1–60 m (3–197 ft) (min.: González-Acosta et al. 1999; max.: Amezcua Linares 1996). 

24

Anchoa mundeoloides (Breder, 1928). Northern Gulf Anchovy. To 15 cm (5.9 in) TL (Robertson and Allen 

2002). Arroyo Soledad, north of Isla Santa Magdalena (25°11'N, 112°06'W), southern Baja California 

(SIO 64-80), and Gulf of California to southern Mexico (Robertson and Allen 2002). Surface to perhaps 


Anchoa nasus (Kner & Steindachner, 1867). Bignose Anchovy or Longnose Anchovy. To 17 cm (6.7 in) TL 

(Robertson and Allen 2002). Bahia Magdalena, southern Baja California (De La Cruz-Agüero et al. 

1994) and throughout Gulf of California (Whitehead and Rodriguez-Sanchez in Fischer et al. 1995) to 

Callao, Peru, and perhaps farther south (Whitehead et al. 1988). Pelagic and nearshore, tolerating some 

low salinity (Whitehead et al. 1994), to depth of 142 m (466 ft; Zeballos et al. 1998). The maximum 

depth capture was made by bottom trawl and it is possible this species was captured in midwater. 

*Anchoa walkeri Baldwin & Chang, 1970. Persistent Anchovy or Walker’s Anchovy. To 14.5 cm (5.7 in) TL 

(Amezcua Linares 1996). Gulf of California (Whitehead and Rodriguez-Sanchez in Fischer et al. 1995) 

to Ecuador (Béarez 1996), including southern tip of Baja California (Whitehead and Rodriguez-Sanchez 

in Fischer et al. 1995). Surface to 50 m (164 ft) (min.: Robertson and Allen 2002; max.: Amezcua Linares 

1996). 

Anchovia macrolepidota (Kner, 1863). Bigscale Anchovy. To 25.0 cm (9.8 in) TL (Yañez-Arancibia 1978). 

Laguna San Ignacio, southern Baja California (Dannemann and De La Cruz-Agüero 1993) to northern 

Gulf of California (Whitehead and Rodriguez-Sanchez in Fischer et al. 1995) and to Zorritos, Peru 

(Chirichigno and Vélez 1998). Near shore (Whitehead et al. 1988), surface to 10 m (33 ft; Robertson and 

Allen 2002). Anchovia magdalenae Hildebrand, 1943, is a junior synonym (Whitehead et al. 1988). 

Cetengraulis mysticetus (Günther, 1867). Anchoveta. To about 22 cm (8.7 in) TL (Robertson and Allen 

2002). Los Angeles, southern California (Miller and Lea 1972) to Callao, Peru (Beltrán-León and Rios 

Herrera 2000), including Gulf of California (Whitehead and Rodriguez-Sanchez in Fischer et al. 1995) 

and Islas Galápagos (Grove and Lavenberg 1997). Surface to 32 m (105 ft) (min.: Robertson and Allen 

2002; max.: Zeballos et al. 1998). The maximum depth capture was made by bottom trawl and it is 

possible this species was captured in midwater. 

Engraulis japonicus Temminck & Schlegel, 1846. Japanese Anchovy. To about 16 cm (6.3 in) SL (Lindberg 

and Legeza 1965). Western Pacific from Philippines to southeastern Kamchatka; one record from 

Alaska, south of western Aleutian Islands (Mecklenburg et al. 2002 [after Birman 1958]). Near surface, 

epipelagic and coastal, but also occurring to over 1,000 km (620 miles) from shore and depth of 150 m 

(495 ft; Mecklenburg et al. 2002). 

Engraulis mordax Girard, 1854. Northern Anchovy. To 24.8 cm (9.7 in) TL (Whitehead et al. 1988). One 

record off Yakutat, eastern Gulf of Alaska (Mecklenburg et al. 2002); Queen Charlotte Islands, British 

Columbia to Cabo San Lucas, southern Baja California (Miller and Lea 1972) and Gulf of California 

(Hammann and Cisneros-Mata 1989). Surface (M. L., unpubl. data) to 310 m (1,017 ft; Davies and 

Bradley 1972), including intertidal (Chotkowski 1994). 

Family Pristigasteridae — Longfin Herrings 

Neoopisthopterus tropicus (Hildebrand, 1946). Tropical Longfin Herring. To 11 cm (4.3 in) TL (Allen and 

Robertson 1994). Southern Baja California (Whitehead and Rodriguez-Sanchez in Fischer et al. 1995) 

to Puerto Pizarro, Peru (Chirichigno 1974), including Gulf of California (Allen and Robertson 1994). 

Inshore, bays, estuaries and river mouths (Allen and Robertson 1994). 

Opisthopterus dovii (Günther, 1868). Dove’s Longfin Herring or Pacific Longfin Herring. To 21 cm (8.3 in) 

TL (Allen and Robertson 1994). Punta Marquis, southern Baja California (SIO 62-705) to Punta Malpelo, 

Peru (Chirichigno and Vélez 1998), including Gulf of California (Allen and Robertson 1994). Inshore 

waters and estuaries (Allen and Robertson 1994). 

25

Pliosteostoma lutipinnis (Jordan & Gilbert, 1882). Yellowfin Herring. To 18 cm (7.1 in) TL (Whitehead 

and Rodriguez-Sanchez in Fischer et al. 1995). Southern Baja California (Whitehead and Rodriguez- 

Sanchez in Fischer et al. 1995) to Colombia (Allen and Robertson 1994), including Gulf of California 

(Whitehead and Rodriguez-Sanchez in Fischer et al. 1995). Coastal, including estuaries to a depth of 


Family Clupeidae — Herrings 

**Alosa sapidissima (Wilson, 1811). American Shad. To 76 cm (30 in) TL (Miller and Lea 1972). Native 

to Atlantic; intentionally introduced to Pacific, spread to Kamchatka, Russia to southeastern Bering 

Sea and Gulf of Alaska (Mecklenburg et al. 2002) to Bahia de Todos Santos, northern Baja California 

(Miller and Lea 1972). Surface to 250 m (820 ft), possibly to 375 m (1,230 ft; Allen and Smith 1988). 

Anadromous. 

Clupea pallasii Valenciennes, 1847. Pacific Herring. To 46 cm (18 in) TL (Miller and Lea 1972). Korea 

and Japan to Arctic Ocean off Alaska and to northern Baja California; Arctic Canada to White Sea 

(Whitehead 1985). Marine and brackish waters (Safranov and Nikiforov 2003). Surface to 250 m (820 ft), 

almost always captured above 150 m (492 ft; Whitehead 1985). The greater depths occasionally reported 

probably represent fish entering the net above the maximum tow depth (Mecklenburg et al. 2002). 

**Dorosoma petenense (Günther, 1867). Threadfin Shad. To 33 cm (13 in) TL (Moyle 2002). Native to the 

southeastern United States and south to Belize. Introduced to West Coast. Off Oregon (Eschmeyer and 

Herald 1983) to San Diego Bay, southern California (SIO 82-23) and Gulf of California (Whitehead and 

Rodriguez-Sanchez in Fischer et al. 1995). Shallow fresh, brackish, and marine waters. 

Etrumeus teres (DeKay, 1842). Round Herring. To 30.5 cm (12 in) TL (Miller and Lea 1972). Circumglobal; 

Japan (Aonuma in Nakabo 2002); Monterey Bay, central California to Chile (Miller and Lea 1972), 

including Gulf of California (Whitehead and Rodriguez-Sanchez in Fischer et al. 1995) and Islas Galápagos 

(Grove and Lavenberg 1997). Pelagic (Allen and Robertson 1994); near shore (Grove and Lavenberg 1997), 

including surf zone (Suda et al. 2002), to depth of 125 m (410 ft; Zeballos et al. 1998). The maximum 

depth capture was made by bottom trawl and it is possible this species was captured in midwater. 

Harengula thrissina (Jordan & Gilbert, 1882). Flatiron Herring. To 18.4 cm (7.25 in) TL (Miller and Lea 

1972). La Jolla, southern California (Miller and Lea 1972) to Callao, Peru (Beltrán-León and Rios 

Herrera 2000), including Gulf of California (Whitehead and Rodriguez-Sanchez in Fischer et al. 1995). 

Inshore, 1 m (3 ft; González-Acosta et al. 1999) to at least 7 m (23 ft; Godinez-Dominguez et al. 2000). 

Lile nigrofasciata Castro-Aguirre, Ruiz-Campos, & Balart, 2002. Blackstripe Herring. To 10.4 cm SL (4.1 in). 

Bahia Magdalena, southern California and Gulf of California to northern Peru. Lagoons and other 

shallow littoral waters. All in Castro-Aguirre et al. (2002). 

Lile stolifera (Jordan & Gilbert, 1882). Pacific Piquintinga or Striped Herring. To 15 cm (5.9 in) TL (Allen and 

Robertson 1994). Bahia Ballenas (26°40'N, 113°30'W), southern Baja California (Grove and Lavenberg 

1994) to Puerto Pizarro, Peru (Chirichigno and Vélez 1974), including Gulf of California (Whitehead 

and Rodriguez-Sanchez in Fischer et al. 1995) and Islas Galápagos (Grove and Lavenberg 1997). Castro- 

Aguirre et al. (2002) report this species has a disjunct distribution and is absent between northern 

Nayarit, Mexico and Costa Rica. Inshore, including brackish estuaries (Allen and Robertson 1994), as 

shallow as 1 m (3 ft; González-Acosta et al. 1999). 

Opisthonema libertate (Günther, 1867). Deepbody Thread Herring or Pacific Thread Herring. To about 

30 cm (11.8 in) TL (Amezcua Linares 1996). Port Hueneme, southern California (Lea and Rosenblatt 

2000) to Chile (Pequeño 1989), including Gulf of California (Whitehead and Rodriguez-Sanchez in 

Fischer et al. 1995) and Islas Galápagos (Grove and Lavenberg 1997). Nearshore (Allen and Robertson 

1994), 1 m (3 ft; González-Acosta et al. 1999) to at least 70 m (230 ft; Velasco and Thiel 2002). 

26

Opisthonema medirastre Berry & Barrett, 1963. Middling Thread Herring. To 27.5 cm (10.8 in) TL (Amezcua 

Linares 1996). Redondo Beach, southern California (Miller and Lea 1972) to Huacho, Peru (Chirichigno 

and Vélez 1998), including Gulf of California (Whitehead and Rodriguez-Sanchez in Fischer et al. 1995). 

As shallow as 3.7 m (12 ft; M. Shane, pers. comm. to M. L.). 

Sardinops sagax (Jenyns, 1842). Pacific Sardine. To 41 cm (16.1 in) TL (Clemens and Wilby 1961). North 

Pacific from south of Japan to southern Kamchatka and Commander Islands (Mecklenburg et al. 2002), 

and southeastern Alaska (Mecklenburg et al. 2002) to Guaymas, Mexico (Miller and Lea 1972), including 

Gulf of California (Galván-Magaña et al. 1996) and Islas Galápagos (Grove and Lavenberg 1997); other 

populations in western and eastern South Pacific, and off southern Africa (Whitehead 1985). Surface 

and surf zone to 150 m (495 ft) (min.: Carlisle et al. 1960; max.: Mecklenburg et al. 2002). 

Order Gonorynchiformes 

Family Chanidae — Milkfishes 

Chanos chanos (Forsskäl, 1775). Milkfish. To 1.8 m (70.9 in) TL (Whitehead in Fischer et al. 1995). Pacific and 

Indian oceans; San Pedro, southern California (Duffy and Bernard 1985) to Callao, Peru (Chirichigno 

and Vélez 1998), including Islas Galápagos (Grove and Lavenberg 1997). Juveniles are estuarine, adults 

marine (Randall et al. 1990). 

Order Cypriniformes 

Family Cyprinidae — Carps and Minnows 

Cyprinids are primarily freshwater fishes. They only occasionally stray into estuaries. 

**Cyprinus carpio Linnaeus, 1758. Common Carp. To 122 cm (48 in) TL (Page and Burr 1991). Circumglobal 

in fresh water; occasionally off British Columbia and in bays such as San Francisco (Eschmeyer and 

Herald 1983). 

Mylocheilus caurinus (Richardson 1836). Peamouth. To 35.9 cm (14.1 in) TL (Wydoski and Whitney 1979). 

British Columbia marine waters (Wydoski and Whitney 1979) and Columbia River estuary (Bottom 

and Jones 1990). 

Pogonichthys macrolepidotus (Ayres, 1854). Splittail. To 44 cm (17.5 in) TL (Page and Burr 1991). Primarily 

freshwater habitat, but tolerates brackish conditions. May be found in Suisan and San Pablo bays and 

Carquinez Straits, northern California. Also Central Valley Delta region and Sacramento River, California 

(Moyle 1976). 

Order Siluriformes 

Family Ariidae — Sea Catfishes 

Ariopsis guatemalensis (Günther, 1864). Widehead Sea Catfish. To 45 cm (17.7 in) TL. Bahia Magdalena, 

southern Baja California (Galván-Magaña et al. 2000) and central Mexico to Costa Rica (Robertson 

and Allen 2002). At depths of 0–20 m (66 ft; Robertson and Allen 2002). Originally and still sometimes 

classified in Arius, also recently in Hexanematichthys. 

Ariopsis planiceps (Steindachner, 1877). Flathead Sea Catfish. To 60 cm (23.6 in) TL (De La Cruz-Agüero et 

al. 1997). Bahia Magdalena, southern Baja California (De La Cruz-Agüero et al. 1994) to Panama (Allen 

and Robertson 1994). Shallow water. Originally and still sometimes classified in Arius, also recently in 

Notarius. 

27

Ariopsis platypogon (Günther, 1864). Cominate Sea Catfish or Slender-spined Catfish. To 50 cm (19.7 in) 

TL (De La Cruz-Agüero et al. 1997). Laguna San Ignacio, southern Baja California (De La Cruz-Agüero 

and Cota-Gómez 1998) to Ecuador (Béarez 1996), including southern Gulf of California (Kailola and 

Bussing in Fischer et al. 1995). At 6–107 m (20–351 ft) (min.: SIO 65-177; max.: Amezcua Linares 1996). 

Originally and still sometimes classified in Arius, also recently in Notarius. 

Bagre panamensis (Gill, 1863). Chihuil or Chihuil Sea Catfish. To about 51 cm (20 in) TL (Miller and Lea 

1972). Off Santa Ana River, southern California (Miller and Lea 1972) to Isla Lobos de Tierra, Peru 

(Chirichigno and Vélez 1998), including Gulf of California (Miller and Lea 1972). At depths of 3 m or 

less to 177 m (10–584 ft) (min.: SIO 63-619; max.: Zeballos et al. 1998). 

Order Argentiniformes 

Family Argentinidae — Argentines 

Argentina sialis Gilbert, 1890. Pacific Argentine. To 22 cm (8.7 in) TL (Robertson and Allen 2002). Mouth 

of Columbia River, Oregon (Eschmeyer and Herald 1983) to Gulf of California (Schneider in Fischer et 

al. 1995); probably northern Peru (Chirichigno and Vélez 1998). At depths of 11–325 m (36–1,066 ft) 

(min.: Schneider in Fischer et al. 1995; max.: Wilkins et al. 1998). 

Family Microstomatidae — Pencilsmelts 

Kobyliansky (1990) and others have presented evidence for combining the Microstomatidae and the Bathylagidae 

in one family. Nelson et al. (2004:208), viewing separation of the two sister taxa into families as 

a subjective action, provisionally kept the families separate. 

Microstoma sp. To 20 cm (7.9 in) SL. Subarctic–transitional eastern Pacific to central Baja California (Moser 

and Butler in Moser 1996). At depths of 89–490 m (292–1,608 ft; Clarke and Wagner 1976). Apparently 

an undescribed species. Listed as Microstoma microstoma in Eschmeyer and Herald (1983), but not that 

species according to Moser and Butler (1996). 

*Nansenia ahlstromi Kawaguchi & Butler, 1984. To at least 9.5 cm (3.7 in) SL. Eastern tropical Pacific; well 

off shore from Baja California. Depth range poorly understood; a midwater species that perhaps lives to 

depths of 754 m (2,474 ft) or more. All in Kawaguchi and Butler (1984). 

Nansenia candida Cohen, 1958. Bluethroat Argentine or White Pencilsmelt. To 23.9 cm (9.4 in) SL 

(Mecklenburg et al. 2002). (Length is from the paratype of Nansenia sanrikuensis Kanayama & Amaoka, 

1983, included by Mecklenburg et al. [2002] as a junior synonym of N. candida.) North Pacific off 

northern Honshu, Japan and southern Kuril Islands to southern Bering Sea and Gulf of Alaska 

(Mecklenburg et al. 2002) to northern Baja California (30°N; Kawaguchi and Butler 1984). Primarily 

epipelagic and mesopelagic, near surface to depth of about 1,500 m (4,921 ft; Mecklenburg et al. 2002). 

A specimen measuring 16.7 cm (6.6 in) TL was collected in July 2003 near Kasatochi Island, Aleutian 

Islands, Alaska in a midwater trawl towed to a depth of 83 m over a bottom depth of 1,800 m (5,906 ft) 

at 0603 hours (C. W. M. and B. A. Holladay, unpubl. data). 

Nansenia crassa Lavenberg, 1965. Stout Argentine. To 26.6 cm (10.5 in) SL. Eastern North Pacific off central 

California to southern Baja California; eastern tropical Pacific. Mesopelagic. All in Kawaguchi and Butler 

(1984). Larvae taken as far south as just southwest of Cabo San Lucas, southern Baja California (Moser 

et al. 1993). 

28

Family Bathylagidae — Deepsea Smelts 

*Bathylagoides nigrigenys (Parr 1931). To 10.5 cm (4.1 in) SL (Kobyliansky 1985). Equatorial and tropical 

waters of Pacific and Indian oceans (Kobyliansky 1985); larvae found in the vicinity of Cabo San Lucas, 

southern Baja California (Ambrose et al. 2002), adults to Chile (Pequeño 1989). Adults usually at depths 

of 200–300 m (Kobyliansky 1985). Originally classified in Bathylagus, this species was classified in 

Bathylagoides by Kobyliansky (1986). 

Bathylagoides wesethi (Bolin, 1938). Snubnose Blacksmelt. To about 13.5 cm (5.3 in) SL (Savinykh 1999). 

Oregon (Matarese et al. 1989) to southern Baja California (Moser and Ahlstrom in Moser 1996). Pelagic, 

at 25–1,130 m (82–3,706 ft) (min.: Childress and Nygaard 1973; max.: LACM 39275.005). Originally 

classified in Bathylagus, this species was classified in Bathylagoides by Kobyliansky (1986). 

Bathylagus pacificus Gilbert, 1890. Pacific Blacksmelt or Slender Blacksmelt. To about 25 cm (10 in) TL (Fitch 

and Lavenberg 1968). Southern Japan and Sea of Okhotsk (Kanayama in Amaoka et al. 1983) to southern 

Bering Sea to Gulf of California (Mecklenburg et al. 2002). Adults generally in lower mesopelagic and 

bathypelagic and not ascending to epipelagic depths, range 150–7,700 m (492–25,410 ft; Mecklenburg 

et al. 2002). 

Leuroglossus schmidti Rass, 1955. Northern Smoothtongue. To 20 cm (7.9 in) SL or more (Mason and 

Phillips 1985). Northern Honshu, Japan to Sea of Okhotsk to Bering Sea (Mecklenburg et al. 2002) 

to southern British Columbia (Peden 1981). Adults primarily epipelagic to upper mesopelagic, near 

surface to 1,800 m (5,905 ft; Mecklenburg et al. 2002). Classified in Bathylagus by some authors. Records 

from south of British Columbia (e.g., Lauth [1999] from Point Conception, central California) likely 

relate to L. stilbius (Peden 1981, Dunn 1983; nomenclatural history is summarized in Mecklenburg et 

al. [2002:149, 150]). 

Leuroglossus stilbius Gilbert, 1890. California Smoothtongue. To 15.2 cm (6 in) TL (Miller and Lea 1972). 

Northern Oregon (45°52'N; Lauth 2001) to Colombia, including Gulf of California (Miller and Lea 

1972). Leuroglossus stilbius urotranus reported from Chile (Pequeño 1989). Epipelagic to mesopelagic, 

near surface to about 850 m (2,788 ft) (min.: Eschmeyer and Herald 1983; max.: Lavenberg and Ebeling 

1967). 

Lipolagus ochotensis (Schmidt, 1938). Popeye Blacksmelt. To 19 cm (7.5 in) TL (Gorbatenko and Il’inskii 

1992). Southern Honshu, Japan and Sea of Okhotsk to Bering Sea to south-central Baja California 

(about 25°N; Kobyliansky 1985). Near surface to 6,100 m (21,350 ft; Kanayama in Amaoka et al. 1983), 

adults generally within mesopelagic depths (Mecklenburg et al. 2002). Originally named Bathylagus 

ochotensis. 

Melanolagus bericoides (Borodin, 1929). To at least 20 cm (7.9 in) TL (Castle in Smith and Heemstra 1986). 

Circumglobal in warm waters; Japan (Miya 1994) and Oregon to central California (Matarese et al. 1989), 

and at least off Chile (Pequeño 1989, 1997; Kong and Melendez 1991). Pelagic, at 100–1,700 m (328– 

5,576 ft; McEachran and Fechhelm 1998). Originally classified in Scopelus, this species was classified in 

a new genus Melanolagus by Kobyliansky (1986). Classified in Bathylagus by some authors. 

Pseudobathylagus milleri (Jordan & Gilbert, 1898). Stout Blacksmelt. To 21.6 cm (8.5 in) TL (Miller and Lea 

1972). Southern Honshu, Japan and southern Sea of Okhotsk to Bering Sea (Mecklenburg et al. 2002) 

to Cortes Bank, southern California (Miller and Lea 1972). Generally mesopelagic and bathypelagic and 

not ascending to epipelagic depths, range 60–6,600 m (197–21,653 ft) (min.: Miller and Lea 1972; max.: 

Kanayama in Amaoka et al. 1983). Originally named Bathylagus milleri. Bathylagus alascanus Chapman, 

1939, is a junior synonym. 

29

Family Opisthoproctidae — Barreleyes or Spookfishes 

Bathylychnops exilis Cohen, 1958. Javelin Spookfish. To 58 cm (22.8 in) SL (Parin et al. 1995). Atlantic 

and Pacific; Japan (Fujii in Masuda et al. 1984) to Kuril Islands (Parin et al. 1995) to British Columbia 

(Gillespie 1993) to at least as far south as Isla Guadalupe, central Baja California (SIO 67-67); also 

reported from Chile (21º27'S; SIO 72-177). Bathypelagic, at about 400–800 m (1,312–2,625 ft) (min.: 

Nakabo 2002; max.: Lavenberg and Ebeling 1967). 

Dolichopteryx longipes (Vaillant, 1888). Brownsnout Spookfish. To 18 cm (7.1 in) SL (Berry and Perkins 

1966). Circumglobal in temperate and tropical waters; southern California (Berry and Perkins 1966) to 

Chile (Pequeño 1989). Pelagic, at 152–1,139 m (500–3,737 ft) (min.: Eschmeyer and Herald 1983; max.: 

Lauth 2001). 

Dolichopteryx parini Kobyliansky & Fedorov, 2001. Winged Spookfish. To 21.7 cm (8.5 in) SL. Possibly 

throughout the North Pacific; recorded from Pacific off Honshu, Japan and Sea of Okhotsk to southern 

Bering Sea to southern British Columbia. Mesopelagic, at depths of about 200–1,000 m (656–3,281 ft), 

possibly shallower. All in Mecklenburg et al. (2002); the authors listed and commented on records in 

addition to those given by Kobyliansky and Fedorov (2001). 

Macropinna microstoma Chapman, 1939. Barreleye. To 16 cm (6.3 in) TL (Mecklenburg et al. 2002). Western 

North Pacific off northern Japan and Kuril Islands to Bering Sea and Gulf of Alaska to eastern South 

Pacific west of Islas Juan Fernández, Chile (Mecklenburg et al. 2002). Primarily mesopelagic, range 

16–1,015 m (53–3,330 ft; Mecklenburg et al. 2002), and perhaps to 1,267 m (4,157 ft; Lauth 2001). 

Opisthoproctus soleatus Vaillant, 1888. Shortnose Flatironfish. To about 10.5 cm (4.1 in) TL (Quéro in 

Quéro et al. 1990). Circumtropical; off San Diego, southern California (32°N, 124°W; SIO 88-43) to 

Chile (Pequeño 1989). Pelagic, at about 300–800 m (984–2,625 ft; Quéro in Quéro et al. 1990). 

Family Alepocephalidae — Slickheads 

Alepocephalus tenebrosus Gilbert, 1892. California Slickhead. To 61 cm (24 in) TL (Fitch and Lavenberg 

1968). West of Barkley Sound, British Columbia (Peden 1997) to at least Isla Guadalupe, central Baja 

California and also reported from Chile (Ambrose in Moser 1996). Reports from eastern Bering Sea 

not verifiable (Mecklenburg et al. 2002). Benthopelagic, at depths of 294–1,646 m (965–5,432 ft) (min.: 

Grinols and Heyamoto 1965; max.: Alton 1972). Mecklenburg et al. (2002) give that range, noting that 

although greater extremes of depth have been reported they are not verifiable, and that the depth range 

of 46–5,486 m (150–18,000 ft) given by Fitch and Lavenberg (1968) may apply to the family as a whole 

and not necessarily to A. tenebrosus. 

Asquamiceps pacificus Parr, 1954. To 8.5 cm (3.4 in) SL (Parr 1954). Off Bahia San Cristobal, southern Baja 

California (27°07'N, 115°08'W; Markle 1980) to Gulf of Panama (Parr 1954). Deep water. 

Asquamiceps velaris Zugmayer, 1911. To 17 cm (6.7 in) SL or more (Markle and Quéro in Whitehead et al. 

1984). Circumtropical; off southern Baja California (Markle 1980). At depths of 1,300–3,660 m (4,290– 

12,004 ft; Markle and Quéro in Whitehead et al. 1984). 

Bajacalifornia burragei Townsend & Nichols, 1925. Sharpchin Slickhead. To 19.8 cm (7.8 in) SL (Childress 

et al. 1980). Southern California (about 34°N; Ambrose in Moser 1996) to Chile (23°51'S, 71°01'W; 

Chirichigno and Vélez 1998), including Gulf of California (Ambrose in Moser 1996) and questionably 

off Peru (Markle and Krefft 1985). Mesopelagic (Ambrose in Moser 1996). 

Bathylaco nigricans Goode & Bean, 1896. To 36 cm (14.2 in) SL (Krefft 1985). Circumglobal; Washington 

(46°48'N; Lauth 1999) to Colombia (Fitch and Lavenberg 1968). At depths of 450–4,540 (1,476–14,891 ft; 

Markle and Quéro in Whitehead et al. 1984). 

30

Conocara salmoneum (Gill & Townsend, 1897). Deepsea Slickhead. To at least 73 cm (28.7 in) SL (Markle 

and Quéro in Whitehead et al. 1984). Atlantic and Pacific; two records from the Pacific (Mecklenburg et 

al. 2002): near Pribilof Islands, Bering Sea (Gill and Townsend 1897) and Santa Catalina Island, southern 

California (Gilbert 1915). Benthopelagic, at depths of about 2,400–4,200 m (7,874–13,779 ft; Markle 

and Quéro in Whitehead et al. 1984). 

Mirorictus taningi Parr, 1947. Striped Tubeshoulder. To 12.4 cm (5 in) SL or more. Pacific and Indian 

oceans; central California to Peru, including Gulf of California. All in Matsui and Rosenblatt (1987). 

Narcetes stomias (Gilbert, 1890). To 57.5 cm (22.6 in) SL (Markle and Sazonov in Quéro et al. 1990). 

Circumglobal; Washington (Matarese et al. 1989) to Gulf of Panama (Sazonov 1998). At depths of 

1,200–2,334 m (3,936–7,656 ft) (min.: Sazonov and Markle in Gon and Heemstra 1990; max.: Sazonov 

1998) and perhaps to 3,200 m (10,499 ft; Sazonov 1998). 

Photostylus pycnopterus Beebe, 1933. Beaded Slickhead. To 13.0 cm (5.1 in) SL (Tsukamoto et al. 1992). 

(We assume that in the range of “39.9-13.0 mm SL” given by Tsukomoto et al. for total specimens 

examined, the 13.0 mm is a misprint for 130 mm = 13.0 cm.) Circumglobal; Japan (Tsukamoto et al. 

1992); northern Baja California (32°36'N, 118°05'W; Wisner 1967). At depths of 701–2,868 m (2,299– 

9,407 ft; Nakamura and Okamura in Okamura et al. 1995). 

*Rouleina attrita (Vaillant, 1888). Softskin Slickhead. To 38 cm (15.0 in) SL (Markle and Quéro in Whitehead 

et al. 1984). Circumglobal in temperate to tropical waters; Sea of Okhotsk, North Pacific Ocean east of 

Taiwan and Honshu to well south of Near Islands, Aleutian Islands; one record from western Bering Sea 

over Shirshov Ridge (Mecklenburg et al. [2002], after Sazonov et al. [1993] and others). Benthopelagic 

at depths of 585–2,102 m (1,919–6,893 ft) (min.: Sazonov and Williams 2001; max.: Nakamura and 

Okamura in Okamura et al. 1995). 

Talismania bifurcata (Parr, 1951). Threadfin Slickhead. To 27.7 cm (11.1 in) SL (Kong and Melendez 1991). 

British Columbia (Matarese et al. 1989) to Chile (29°S; Kong and Melendez 1991). At 473–1,491 m 

(1,552–4,892 ft) (min.: Lauth 2001; max.: SIO 53-235). 

Family Leptochilichthyidae — Leptochilichthyids 

Leptochilichthys agassizi Garman, 1899. Paperjaw. To 30.8 cm (12.1 in) TL (Markle and Quéro in Whitehead 

et al. 1984). Circumglobal (Sazonov 1995); Oregon (Matarese et al. 1989) to Chile at 20°19'S, 71°15'W 

(SIO 72-180). Bathypelagic, at 2,000–3,100 m (6,560–10,168 ft; Markle and Quéro in Smith and 

Heemstra 1986). Sazonov (1995) places this species in the Alepocephalidae. 

Family Platytroctidae — Tubeshoulders 

Holtbyrnia innesi (Fowler, 1934). Lanternjaw Tubeshoulder. To 24 cm (9.4 in) SL (Quéro et al. in Quéro 

et al. 1990). Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian oceans; South China Sea and Celebes Sea to Okhotsk Sea, 

Pacific off Kuril Islands and southern Kamchatka, central North Pacific, Bering Sea (Mecklenburg et 

al. 2002), British Columbia (Gillespie 1993), and Peru (Matsui and Rosenblatt 1987). Mesopelagic and 

bathypelagic to benthopelagic, at depths of about 100–1,500 m (328–4,921 ft; Quéro et al. in Quéro et al. 

1990); records from depths less than 200 m are rare. Additional citations in Mecklenburg et al. (2002). 

Holtbyrnia latifrons Sazonov, 1976. Streaklight Tubeshoulder or Teardrop Tubeshoulder. To 25 cm (9.8 in) 

SL (Sazonov et al. 1993). Western Bering Sea; Gulf of Alaska (Mecklenburg et al. 2002) to Chile (Matsui 

and Rosenblatt 1987). Mesopelagic and bathypelagic, at depths of 225–1,400 m (743–4,620 ft) (min.: 

LACM 38887.014; max.: Sazonov et al. 1993). Also recorded from eastern Pacific as H. macrops (citations 

in Mecklenburg et al. 2002). 

31

*Maulisia acuticeps Sazonov, 1976. Dark Tubeshoulder. To 25.5 cm (10.0 in) SL (Sazonov et al. 1993). 

Atlantic and Pacific oceans; off Japan and Australia; western Bering Sea east of Karaginskiy Island; Peru 

and possibly off Islas Galápagos. Mesopelagic and bathypelagic, at depths of about 200–1,500 m (656– 

4,921 ft), with possible records to 2,000–2,600 m (6,562–8,530 ft). All in Mecklenburg et al. (2002). 

Maulisia argipalla Matsui & Rosenblatt, 1979. Pitted Tubeshoulder. To 19.5 cm (7.7 in) SL (Sazonov et al. 

1993). Circumglobal; Sea of Okhotsk; western Bering Sea near Karaginskiy Trench, eastern Bering Sea 

north of Semisopochnoi Island, and southern British Columbia (Mecklenburg et al. 2002) to Chile, 

including Gulf of California (Matsui and Rosenblatt 1987). Mesopelagic and bathypelagic, at depths of 

475–1,340 m (1,558–4,396 ft) (min.: Matsui and Rosenblatt 1987; max.: Sazonov et al. 1993). 

Mentodus eubranchus (Matsui & Rosenblatt, 1987). To 11.4 cm (4.5 in) SL (Matsui and Rosenblatt 1987). 

Oregon (Matarese et al. 1989) to Gulf of California and Pacific coast of Mexico, and central Pacific 

(Matsui and Rosenblatt 1987). Bathypelagic, below 1,000 m (3,280 ft; Matsui and Rosenblatt 1987). 

Sagamichthys abei Parr, 1953. Shining Tubeshoulder. To 27.2 cm (10.7 in) SL (Matsui and Rosenblatt 1987). 

Southern Japan and Okhotsk Sea to Bering Sea (Mecklenburg et al. 2002) to southern Chile (Matsui 

and Rosenblatt 1987). Primarily mesopelagic, adults at depths of about 200–1,240 m (656–4,068 ft) 

(min.: Matsui and Rosenblatt 1987; max.: Sazonov et al. 1993). Reported from shallower depths but 

these records likely represent juveniles; e.g., a record from 37 m (121 ft; Berry and Perkins 1966) was 

considered a mistake by Matsui and Rosenblatt (1987), and one from 94 m (308 ft; LACM 34566.006) is 

a specimen only 1.6 cm (0.6 in) in length. 

Order Salmoniformes 

Family Osmeridae — Smelts 

Allosmerus elongatus (Ayres, 1854). Whitebait Smelt. To 22.9 cm (9 in) TL (Miller and Lea 1972). Vancouver 

Island, British Columbia to San Francisco, northern California (Eschmeyer and Herald 1983). Eschmeyer 

and Herald also list a questionable record from San Pedro, southern California. Shallow water (Eschmeyer 

and Herald 1983), perhaps to 103 m (338 ft; Wilkins et al. 1998). 

**Hypomesus nipponensis McAllister, 1963. Wakasagi. To 19.5 cm (7.8 in) SL (Saruwatari et al. 1997). 

Widespread in Japan; introduced to California lakes in 1959 (Saruwatari et al. 1997), now in Sacramento– 

San Joaquin Estuary (Aasen et al. 1998). Primarily a brackish-water species; found also in fresh water, 

commonly from transplants (Saruwatari et al. 1997). Originally classified as a subspecies, Hypomesus 

transpacificus nipponensis, and still classified that way by some authors. 

Hypomesus olidus (Pallas, 1814). Pond Smelt. To 20 cm (8 in) TL (Page and Burr 1991). North Korea and Japan 

to northern Siberia and drainages of Canada and Alaska from Coronation Gulf, Northwest Territories 

to Copper River on the northeastern Gulf of Alaska coast. Freshwater species, only occasionally entering 

brackish water. All in Mecklenburg et al. (2002). 

Hypomesus pretiosus (Girard, 1854). Surf Smelt. To 30.5 cm (12 in) TL (Hart 1973). North side of Alaska 

Peninsula at Izembek Bay and Gulf of Alaska (Mecklenburg et al. 2002) to Long Beach, southern 

California (Miller and Lea 1972). Near coast, including surf zone, sometimes found in brackish water 

and rarely in fresh water (Mecklenburg et al. 2002, Safronov and Nikiforov 2003). Often seen as H. 

pretiosus pretiosus, this form was raised to full species status in a revision of the family by Saruwatari et 

al. (1997). 

Hypomesus transpacificus McAllister, 1963. Delta Smelt. To 12 cm (4.75 in) TL (Page and Burr 1991). 

Brackish and freshwater habitats of the Sacramento and San Joaquin river systems, California (Miller 

and Lea 1972, Saruwatari et al. 1997). 

32

Mallotus villosus (Müller, 1776). Candlefish, Capelin, or Grunion. To 25.2 cm (10.1 in) TL (Hart 1973). 

Circumglobal, boreal to arctic; Korea, Japan, and Sea of Okhotsk to Beaufort Sea and across Canadian 

Arctic to western Atlantic as far south as Cape Cod (citations in Mecklenburg et al. 2002) and to Strait 

of Juan de Fuca (Clemens and Wilby 1946). Pelagic, in coastal areas and offshore banks, from surface to 

200 m (660 ft) (min.: Clemens and Wilby 1946; max.: Andriashev 1954); although reported to 725 m 

(2,393 ft), the fish were probably caught much nearer the surface (Allen and Smith 1988). Mallotus 

catervarius (Pennant, 1784) is a junior synonym. 

Osmerus mordax (Mitchill, 1814). Arctic Smelt, Rainbow Smelt, or Toothed Smelt. To 35.6 cm (14.0 in) TL 

(Scott and Scott 1988). North Atlantic, Arctic, and Pacific; North Korea, Japan, and Sea of Okhotsk to 

Beaufort Sea and across Canadian Arctic to western Atlantic as far south as Pennsylvania and to Heceta 

Head, Oregon (Mecklenburg et al. 2002). Near coast, surface to 150 m (495 ft), occasionally deeper but 

deep records probably due to fish entering nets nearer the surface than at the maximum depth of the 

tow (Allen and Smith 1988). Anadromous. 

Spirinchus starksi (Fisk, 1913). Night Smelt. To 23 cm (9 in) TL (Eschmeyer and Herald 1983). Shelikof 

Bay, southeastern Gulf of Alaska (McAllister 1963, Mecklenburg et al. 2002) to Point Arguello, central 

California (Miller and Lea 1972). Surf zone and deeper, surface to 128 m (422 ft; Coad 1995). 

Spirinchus thaleichthys (Ayres, 1860). Longfin Smelt. To 20 cm (8 in) TL (Morrow 1980). Shelikof Strait, 

western Gulf of Alaska (Mecklenburg et al. 2002) to Monterey Bay, central California (Eschmeyer and 

Herald 1983). Along coast, including surf zone (Miller et al. 1980), from surface to about 137 m (452 ft; 

Mecklenburg et al. 2002). Anadromous. 

Thaleichthys pacificus (Richardson, 1836). Candlefish, Eulachon, or Hooligan. To 25.4 cm (10.0 in) TL 

(Miller and Lea 1972). Eastern Bering Sea from west of St. Matthew Island and off Kuskokwim Bay 

and Nushagak River, and Bowers Bank, central Aleutian Islands to Point Conception, central California 

(Mecklenburg et al. 2002). Near coast, surface to about 300 m (990 ft) and occasionally deeper (Allen 

and Smith 1988). Records of much greater depths, such as 625 m (2,050 ft; Allen and Smith 1988) and 

533 m (1,748 ft; Hoff and Britt 2003), probably pertain to fish that entered nets near the surface, not 

near maximum fishing depths. Anadromous. 

Family Salmonidae — Trouts and Salmons 

Various alternatives for salmonid classification are in use, such as classifying the Pacific trouts in genus 

Parasalmo as preferred by some Russian taxonomists. The various proposals were summarized and 

referenced by Mecklenburg et al. (2002:178–179, 192–193, and individual species accounts). Many of the 

West Coast trouts and salmons have been introduced elsewhere, including the East Coast and Europe. 

Only their native ranges are given here. At sea, trouts and salmons typically frequent epipelagic depths. 

Coregonus autumnalis (Pallas, 1776). Arctic Cisco. To 64 cm (25 in) TL (Berg 1948). Arctic coasts from 

Siberia west to White Sea; Point Barrow, Alaska to Murchison River, Northwest Territories, Canada. 

Close to shore in estuaries. Anadromous and landlocked populations. All in Mecklenburg et al. (2002). 

Coregonus laurettae Bean, 1881. Bering Cisco. To 48 cm (18.9 in) FL (Alt 1973). Chukchi Peninsula, eastern 

Siberia to Alaska; Oliktok Point, Beaufort Sea, Alaska to Kenai Peninsula, northern Gulf of Alaska. 

Primarily freshwater and coastal marine habitats, some populations anadromous. All in Mecklenburg 

et al. (2002). 

Coregonus nasus (Pallas, 1776). Broad Whitefish. To 71 cm (28 in) TL (Page and Burr 1991). Arctic coasts 

from Siberia to Perry River, Nunavut, eastern Canada; Beaufort, Chukchi, and Bering drainages of 

Alaska south to Kuskokwim Bay. Primarily in fresh water, not venturing far seaward in brackish water. 

All in Mecklenburg et al. (2002). 

33

Coregonus pidschian (Gmelin, 1789). Humpback Whitefish. To 46 cm (18.1 in) TL (Page and Burr 1991). 

Arctic coasts from Siberia west to Kara Sea; Beaufort, Chukchi, and Bering drainages of Alaska south to 

Bristol Bay. Coastal waters near shore, some populations possibly never going to sea. Anadromous. All 

in Mecklenburg et al. (2002). 

Coregonus sardinella Valenciennes, 1848. Least Cisco. To 47 cm (18.3 in) TL (Page and Burr 1991). Bering 

Strait and Siberia west to White Sea; Arctic coasts of Alaska east to Bathurst Inlet and Cambridge Bay, 

Canada and south to Bristol Bay, Bering Sea. Coastal waters near shore and fresh water. Anadromous 

and landlocked populations. All in Mecklenburg et al. (2002). 

Oncorhynchus clarkii (Richardson, 1836). Cutthroat Trout. To 99.1 cm (39.0 in) TL (Morrow 1980). Outer 

coast of Kenai Peninsula, northern Gulf of Alaska (Behnke 1992) to Eel River, northern California 

(Morrow 1980). At sea, stay close to home streams. Anadromous. All in Mecklenburg et al. (2002). 

Previously as Salmo clarki. 

Oncorhynchus gorbuscha (Walbaum, 1792). Humpback Salmon or Pink Salmon. To 76 cm (2.5 ft) TL (Hart 

1973). Northern Siberia to western Canada; North Korea and Japan to Beaufort Sea coast of Alaska and 

Canada, and south to La Jolla, California; throughout North Pacific and Bering Sea north of about 40°N. 

Anadromous. All in Mecklenburg et al. (2002). 

Oncorhynchus keta (Walbaum, 1792). Calico Salmon, Chum Salmon, or Dog Salmon. To 109 cm (42.9 in) 

TL (Salo 1991). Arctic coasts of Siberia west to Laptev Sea and east across Alaskan and Canadian 

Arctic to Mackenzie and Anderson rivers; Korea and southern Japan to Beaufort Sea, Alaska and to Del 

Mar, southern California near U.S.–Mexican border. At sea, surface to 61 m (200 ft; Salo et al. 1991). 

Anadromous. All except maximum length in Mecklenburg et al. (2002). 

Oncorhynchus kisutch (Walbaum, 1792). Coho Salmon or Silver Salmon. To 108 cm (42.5 in) TL (Coad 1995). 

North Korea and Japan to Point Hope, Chukchi Sea, Alaska and to Monterey Bay, central California, 

with strays to Prudhoe Bay, Beaufort Sea, Alaska (Mecklenburg et al. 2002, Craig and Haldorson 1986) 

and to Bahia Camalu, northern Baja California (Messersmith 1965). Anadromous. 

Oncorhynchus mykiss (Walbaum, 1792). Rainbow Trout or Steelhead. To 122 cm (48.0 in) TL (Coad 1995). 

Pacific off Kuril Islands (Kovalenko et al. 2005), Sea of Okhotsk, and Kamchatka to Kuskokwim Bay and 

Port Moller, southeastern Bering Sea to northern Baja California near Cuidad Durango (Morrow 1980). 

Anadromous and freshwater populations. The anadromous form is typically called Steelhead, while 

freshwater populations are called Rainbow Trout. Previously as Salmo gairdneri. Additional citations in 


Oncorhynchus nerka (Walbaum, 1792). Blueback, Red Salmon, or Sockeye Salmon. To 84 cm (33.1 in) TL 

(Coad 1995). Northern Japan and Sea of Okhotsk to Point Hope, Chukchi Sea, Alaska and to Klamath 

River, northern California (Morrow 1980), with strays along Arctic Alaska and Canada coasts to 

Bathurst Inlet (Craig and Haldorson 1986); across Pacific Ocean north of about 40°N. Anadromous and 

freshwater populations. Additional citations in Mecklenburg et al. (2002). Range of the nonanadromous 

(freshwater) form, called Kokanee, not included here. 

Oncorhynchus tshawytscha (Walbaum, 1792). Chinook Salmon or King Salmon. To 160 cm (63.0 in) TL 

(Coad 1995). Northern Japan to Point Hope, Chukchi Sea, Alaska and to Ventura River, California, with 

strays across northern Alaska to Coppermine River in Canada (Morrow 1980), to central Baja California 

at Bahia de Sebastian Vizcaino (27°54'N, 114°17'W; De La Cruz-Agüero 1999). At sea, surface to 200 m 

(656 ft) or more (Mecklenburg et al. 2002). Anadromous. 

**Salmo salar Linnaeus, 1758. Atlantic Salmon. To 150 cm TL (59.1 in) TL (Coad 1995). Native to both sides 

of North Atlantic Ocean; introduced via net-pen farming to Washington and British Columbia in the 

1980s (Mecklenburg et al. 2002). Escapees recorded and widespread from Puget Sound (W. A. Palsson, 

34

pers. comm. to M. L.) northwards to southeastern Alaska (Wing et al. 1984) to Bering Sea near Pribilof 

Islands (Brodeur and Busby 1998). Natural reproduction of Salmo salar in the Tsitika River, Vancouver 

Island, British Columbia, has been documented (Volpe et al. 2000). Anadromous. 

*Salvelinus alpinus (Linnaeus, 1758). Arctic Char. To 96 cm (37.8 in) TL (Page and Burr 1991). Circumpolar; 

in Alaska, in Arctic, Bering Sea, and western Gulf of Alaska drainages. Anadromous on Chukchi Peninsula, 

Siberia; but lacustrine, not known to be anadromous, in Alaska. All in Mecklenburg et al. (2002). 

Salvelinus malma (Walbaum, 1792). Dolly Varden, Dolly Varden Char, or Pacific Brook Char. To 100 cm 

(39.4 in) TL or more (Mecklenburg et al. 2002). Korean Peninsula and Japan to Chukchi Peninsula, 

Arctic Alaska, and Mackenzie River, Canada and to northern Washington (Mecklenburg et al. 2002). 

Migrate between freshwaters of Alaska and Siberia (DeCicco 1992). Anadromous and landlocked, 

lacustrine populations in Alaska. 

Order Stomiiformes 

Family Gonostomatidae — Bristlemouths 

Cyclothone acclinidens Garman, 1899. Benttooth Bristlemouth. To 7.1 cm (2.8 in) TL (Miller and Lea 

1972). Circumglobal; Oregon (Matarese et al. 1989) to central Chile (Fitch and Lavenberg 1968). At 

20–1,900 m (66–6,233 ft) (min.: LACM 6524.001; max.: Watson in Moser 1996). 

Cyclothone alba Brauer, 1906. White Bristlemouth. To 4 cm (1.6 in) SL (Aizawa in Nakabo 2002). 

Circumglobal; Japan (Aizawa in Nakabo 2002) and Bering Sea (Mecklenburg et al. 2002) to Chile 

(Pequeño 1989). Near surface to about 4,000 m (13,100 ft), primarily mesopelagic (Mecklenburg et al. 

2002). 

Cyclothone atraria Gilbert, 1905. Black Bristlemouth or Yellow Bristlemouth. To 6.2 cm (2.4 in) SL 

(Mecklenburg et al. 2002). Sea of Okhotsk, Bering Sea, and North Pacific, mostly north of Tropic of 

Cancer (Mecklenburg et al. 2002). Near surface (Mecklenburg et al. 2002) to 3,400 m (11,155 ft; Sheiko 

and Fedorov 2000), primarily lower mesopelagic and bathypelagic (Mecklenburg et al. 2002). Cyclothone 

pacifica Mukhacheva, 1964, is a junior synonym. 

Cyclothone pallida Brauer, 1902. Tan Bristlemouth. To 7.5 cm (3 in) SL (Mecklenburg et al. 2002). 

Circumglobal primarily in warm waters; Japan (Aizawa in Nakabo 2002), Kuril Islands, and southern 

Bering Sea (Mecklenburg et al. 2002) to Chile (Pequeño 1989). Near surface to 3,000 m (9,800 ft), 

primarily mesopelagic and upper bathypelagic (Mecklenburg et al. 2002). 

Cyclothone pseudopallida Mukhacheva, 1964. Phantom Bristlemouth or Slender Bristlemouth. To 6 cm 

(2.4 in) SL (Aizawa in Nakabo 2002). Atlantic, Pacific, Indian, and Arctic oceans; Japan (Aizawa in Nakabo 

2002) and Bering Sea (Mecklenburg et al. 2002) to Chile (Pequeño 1989). The first record from the Arctic 

Ocean, from the Laptev Sea at 77°41'N, is also the northernmost occurrence of gonostomatids in general 

(Balanov and Kasatkina 2003). Surface to 3,000 m (9,800 ft), primarily mesopelagic (Mecklenburg et al. 

2002). 

Cyclothone signata Garman, 1899. Showy Bristlemouth. To 4.4 cm (1.7 in) SL (Mecklenburg et al. 2002). 

North and South Pacific; Bering Sea and eastern North Pacific (Mecklenburg et al. 2002) to Chile 

(Pequeño 1989). Near surface (Mecklenburg et al. 2002) to 1,130 m (3,707 ft; LACM 39275.008), 

primarily upper mesopelagic (Mecklenburg et al. 2002). 

Diplophos proximus Parr, 1931. To 11.4 cm (4.5 in) SL (SIO 63-959). Eastern tropical Pacific; southern 

California (Watson in Moser 1996) to Islas Galápagos (SIO 84-184). Epipelagic and mesopelagic 

(Watson in Moser 1996). Considered by some authors a synonym of D. taenia. 

35

Diplophos taenia Günther, 1873. To 27.6 cm (10.9 in) SL (Quéro et al. in Quéro et al. 1990). Circumglobal; 

40°N to 30°S, not in tropical Pacific (Watson in Moser 1996). Near surface to 800 m (2,624 ft; Schaefer 

et al. in Smith and Heemstra 1986). 

Gonostoma atlanticum Norman, 1930. Atlantic Fangjaw. To 6.4 cm (2.6 in) SL (Grey 1964). Circumglobal; 

Japan (Aizawa in Nakabo 2002); Oregon to at least Baja California (Watson in Moser 1996). At depths 

of 50–2,500 m (164–8,290 ft) (min.: Quéro et al. in Quéro et al. 1990; max.: Grey 1964). 

Gonostoma elongatum Günther, 1878. To 27.5 cm (10.8 in) TL (Quéro et al. in Quéro et al. 1990). Circumglobal; 

well off shore from California and Baja California (Watson in Moser 1996) to Chile (Pequeño 1989). At 

depths of 25–1,500 m (83–4,920 ft; Quéro et al. in Quéro et al. 1990). Recently as Sigmops elongata. 

Sigmops ebelingi (Grey, 1960). To 19.7 cm (7.8 in) SL (SIO 73-140). Western and eastern Pacific; offshore 

California and Baja California (Watson in Moser 1996). At depths of 125–700 m (410–2,296 ft; Watson 

in Moser 1996). Recently as Gonostoma ebelingi. 

Sigmops gracilis (Günther, 1878). Slender Fangjaw. To 13.3 cm (5.2 in) SL. Widespread in North Pacific 

mainly north of 15°N; Bering Sea and eastern North Pacific Ocean at least as far south as British 

Columbia. Primarily mesopelagic, recorded near surface to 4,389 m (14,399 ft). All in Mecklenburg et 

al. (2002). 

Family Sternoptychidae — Marine Hatchetfishes 

Argyropelecus affinis Garman, 1899. Slender Hatchetfish. To 9.4 cm (3.7 in) SL (Jesperson 1934). Circumglobal; 

Japan (Aizawa in Nakabo 2002); Oregon (Matarese et al. 1989) to northern Chile (Sielfeld et 

al. 1995). Epipelagic and mesopelagic, at depths of 100–1,130 m (328–3,706 ft) (min.: Moser in Moser 

1996; max.: LACM 39275.003). 

Argyropelecus hemigymnus Cocco, 1829. Spurred Hatchetfish. To 4.5 cm (1.8 in) SL (Jesperson 1934). 

Circumglobal; Japan (Aizawa in Nakabo 2002); Washington (Matarese et al. 1989) to Chile (Baird 1971). 

Epipelagic and mesopelagic, at depths of 100–800 m (328–2,624 ft) (min.: Matarese et al. 1989; max.: 

McEachran and Fechhelm 1998). 

Argyropelecus lychnus Garman, 1899. Tropical Hatchetfish. To more than 7.6 cm (3 in) TL (Miller and Lea 

1972). Eastern Pacific and possibly Indian Ocean; Point Conception, California (Miller and Lea 1972) 

to Chile (Baird 1971), including Islas Galápagos (McCosker et al. 1997). Upper mesopelagic, at depths 

of 198–396 m (650–1,300 ft; Miller and Lea 1972). Specimens previously reported as A. lychnus from 

British Columbia are A. sladeni (Mecklenburg et al. 2002:220–221). 

Argyropelecus sladeni Regan, 1908. Lowcrest Hatchetfish or Silvery Hatchetfish. To 6.7 cm (2 in) SL (Fujii 

in Masuda et al. 1984). Circumglobal; Japan (Fujii in Masuda et al. 1984); western Bering Sea (Balanov 

1992); British Columbia (Gillespie 1993) to Chile (Baird 1971). The distribution of this species is 

perhaps antitropical (Baird 1971). Primarily mesopelagic, at depths of 55–1,130 m (180–3,707 ft) (min.: 

Clemens and Wilby 1946; max.: LACM 39275.004). 

Danaphos oculatus (Garman, 1899). Bottlelight. To 5.7 cm (2.25 in) TL (Miller and Lea 1972). Pacific and 

Indian oceans; off the Brooks Peninsula (50°07'N, 128°18'W), British Columbia (Peden and Hughes 

1986) to Chile (Pequeño 1989). Epipelagic and mesopelagic, at depths of 52–914 m (172–2,998 ft) 

(min.: Eschmeyer and Herald 1983; max.: LACM 9077.011). 

Sternoptyx diaphana Hermann, 1781. Longspine Hatchetfish. To 6 cm (2.4 in) SL (Jesperson 1934). 

Circumglobal; Japan (Fujii in Masuda et al. 1984) to Kuril Islands (Parin et al. 1995); Oregon (Matarese et 

al. 1989) to northern Chile (31°55'S; Kong and Melendez 1991). Mesopelagic, at depths of 300–1,000 m 

(984–3,280 ft) (min.: Jesperson 1934; max.: McEachran and Fechhelm 1998). 

36

Sternoptyx obscura Garman, 1899. Dusky Hatchetfish. To 4.5 cm (1.8 in) SL (Baird in Smith and Heemstra 

1986). Pacific and Indian oceans; Japan (Fujii in Masuda et al. 1984), central California to Peru–Chile 

border (Baird 1971). Primarily mesopelagic, at depths of 190–1,130 m (623–3,706 ft) (min.: LACM 

38817.009; max.: LACM 39275.014). 

Sternoptyx pseudobscura Baird, 1971. Highlight Hatchetfish. To 7 cm (2.8 in) SL (Aizawa in Nakabo 2002). 

Circumglobal; Japan (Fujii in Masuda et al. 1984); British Columbia (Peden 1975) to Chile (Baird 1971). 

Primarily mesopelagic, at depths of 156–1,500 m (492–4,920 ft) (min.: LACM 9071.016; Quéro et al. in 

Quéro et al. 1990). 

Family Phosichthyidae — Lightfishes 

The family name is also seen as Photichthyidae. The correct spelling of the type genus for the family is 

Phosichthys (Eschmeyer 1998) and most authors now use the spelling Phosichthyidae. 

Ichthyococcus elongatus Imai, 1941. Slim Lightfish. To about 13 cm (5.1 in) SL (Fujii in Masuda et al. 1984). 

Japan (Fujii in Masuda et al. 1984) and southern Kuril Islands (Parin et al. 1995) to near Vancouver 

Island (Peden and Hughes 1986), British Columbia to southern Baja California (Berry and Perkins 

1966). Mesopelagic (Fujii in Masuda et al. 1984). 

Ichthyococcus irregularis Rechnitzer & Böhlke, 1958. Bulldog Lightfish. To 6.3 cm (2.5 in) SL (SIO 93-300). 

Monterey, central California to Colombia, including Islas Galápagos (Rechnitzer and Böhlke 1958). 

Mesopelagic and bathypelagic (Watson in Moser 1996). 

Vinciguerria lucetia (Garman, 1899). Panama Lightfish. To 6 cm (2.4 in) SL (Savinykh 1999). Larvae found 

as far north as off San Francisco, northern California and metamorphosing individuals found as far 

north as central California (34°54'W; Ahlstrom and Counts 1958) to northern Chile (Sielfeld et al. 

1995), including Gulf of California (De La Cruz-Agüero and Galván-Magaña 1992). Surface (Ahlstrom 

and Counts 1958) to at least 400 m (1,312 ft; Lavenberg and Ebeling 1967). 

Vinciguerria nimbaria (Jordan & Williams, 1895). Oceanic Lightfish. To about 5.1 cm (2 in) TL (Eschmeyer 

and Herald 1983). Circumglobal; Japan (Aizawa in Nakabo 2002); well off northern California (Berry 

and Perkins 1966) and off La Jolla, southern California (Ahlstrom and Counts 1958) to Chile (Pequeño 

1989). “Very close to surface” noted during daylight hours in equatorial Atlantic Ocean (Marchal and 

Lebourges 1996) to 549 m (1,801 ft; Grey 1964). 

Vinciguerria poweriae (Cocco, 1838). Highseas Lightfish. To 4.3 cm (1.7 in) SL (McEachran and Fechhelm 

1998). Circumglobal; Japan (Aizawa in Nakabo 2002); Vancouver Island, British Columbia (Ahlstrom 

and Counts 1958) to Chile (Pequeño 1989). At depths of 50–600 m (164–1,968 ft) or more (Watson in 

Moser 1996). 

Woodsia nonsuchae (Beebe, 1932). To 12 cm (4.7 in) SL (Fujii in Masuda et al. 1984). Pacific and Atlantic; 

Japan (Fujii in Masuda et al. 1984); southern California (33°54'N, 120°38'W; SIO 97-55). At depths of 

530–1,335 m (1,738–4,379 ft; Watson in Moser 1996). 

Family Stomiidae — Barbeled Dragonfishes or Dragonfishes 

This family includes various forms such as loosejaws, viperfishes, and snaggletooths, and some of those names 

are appropriate for the subfamilies. 

Aristostomias scintillans (Gilbert, 1915). Shining Loosejaw. To 23 cm (9 in) TL (Fitch and Lavenberg 1968). 

Well off British Columbia (50°13'N, 138°26'W; Aron 1960) and Washington (48°13'N; Weinberg et 

al. 2002) to southern Baja California (23°17'N, 120°33'W; SIO 66-156); also near equator (7°N; SIO 

88-170). Reported from Bering Sea, probably in error (Mecklenburg et al. 2002). Primarily mesopelagic, 

recorded from depths of 29–1,194 m (95–3,940 ft) (min.: Aron 1960; max.: Lauth 1999). 

37

Bathophilus brevis Regan & Trewavas, 1930. Deepbody Dragonfish. To 5.5 cm (2.1 in) SL (Gibbs and 

Barnett in Quéro et al. 1990). Atlantic and Pacific; southern California (Aizawa in Nakabo 2002) to 

Chile (Pequeño 1989). At depths of 75–1,650 m (246–5,412 ft; Morrow and Gibbs 1964). 

Bathophilus filifer (Garman, 1899). To 10.1 cm (4.0 in) SL (SIO 92-34). Eastern and central tropical Pacific; 

southern Baja California (24°35'N, 113°23'W; SIO 64-15) to Chile (Pequeño 1989). Mesopelagic (Moser 

in Moser 1996). 

Bathophilus flemingi Aron & McCrery, 1958. Highfin Dragonfish. To 16.5 cm (6.5 in) TL (Hart 1973). 

Gulf of Alaska (Mecklenburg et al. 2002) to central Baja California (Moser in Moser 1996). Primarily 

mesopelagic and bathypelagic, recorded from depths of less than 60 m to 1,372 m (197–4,501 ft) (min.: 

Peden et al. 1985; max.: Grinols 1965). 

Borostomias panamensis Regan & Trewavas, 1929. Panama Snaggletooth. To just over 30 cm (12 in) TL 

(Fitch and Lavenberg 1968). Eastern Pacific; Point Conception, California (Fitch and Lavenberg 1968) 

to Chile (Pequeño 1989). At depths of 455–1,139 m (1,500–3,736 ft) (min.: Fitch and Lavenberg 1968; 

max.: Lauth 2001). 

Chauliodus macouni Bean, 1890. Pacific Viperfish. To 28 cm (11.0 in) SL (Aizawa in Nakabo 2002). North 

Pacific from southern Japan (Fujii in Masuda et al. 1984) to Bering Sea (Parin and Novikova 1974), to 

central Baja California (Eschmeyer and Herald 1983) and Gulf of California (Allen and Smith 1988). 

Larvae have been taken as far south as Cabo San Lucas, southern Baja California (Moser et al. 1993). 

Primarily mesopelagic and bathypelagic (Mecklenburg et al. 2002), recorded from depths of 25–4,390 m 

(82–14,403 ft) (min.: Allen and Smith 1988; max.: Sheiko and Fedorov 2000). 

*Eustomias perplexus Gibbs, Clarke, & Gomon, 1983. To 14.7 cm (5.8 in) SL. Pacific and eastern Indian 

oceans; perhaps one specimen captured well off southern Baja California (23°05'N, 119°08'W). Depth 

range poorly understood; a mesopelagic species with thus far a maximum known depth of about 300 m 

(984 ft). All in Gibbs et al. (1983). 

Flagellostomias boureei (Zugmayer, 1913). Threadbeard Dragonfish. To 32.2 cm (12.7 in) SL (Gibbs 

and Barnett in Quéro et al. 1990). Circumglobal; Japan (Fujii in Masuda et al. 1984); well off Point 

Conception (Berry and Perkins 1966) and southern California (32°18'N, 121°44'W; SIO 63-379) to 

southern Baja California (25°30'N, 116°W; Parin and Scherbachev 1998). At depths of 75–1,825 m 

(246–5,986 ft; Morrow and Gibbs 1964). 

Idiacanthus antrostomus Gilbert, 1890. Pacific Blackdragon. Males to 7.6 cm (3 in) TL (Fitch and Lavenberg 

1968), females to 40 cm (16 in) SL (Fujii in Masuda et al. 1984). Japan (Eschmeyer and Herald 1983) 

and central Oregon (45°52'N; Lauth 2001) to Chile (Pequeño 1989). Near surface (Fitch and Lavenberg 

1968) to at least 700 m (2,296 ft; Lavenberg and Ebeling 1967). 

Idiacanthus fasciola Peters, 1877. To 35.3 cm (13.9 in) SL (Krueger in Quéro et al. 1990). Circumglobal; 

Oregon (Matarese et al. 1989) to off Ecuador (4°13'S, 85°01'W; SIO 96-121). At surface to 2,000 m 

(6,560 ft; Morrow and Gibbs 1964). 

Malacosteus niger Ayres, 1848. Shortnose Loosejaw. To 24 cm (9.4 in) SL (Mecklenburg et al. 2002). 

Circumglobal; Japan (Fujii in Masuda et al. 1984); western Bering Sea northeast of Commander Islands 

(Balanov and Fedorov 1996); British Columbia (Gillespie 1993) to Chile (Pequeño 1989). Mesopelagic 

and bathypelagic at depths of 200–3,886 m (660–12,824 ft) (min.: Balanov and Fedorov 1996; max.: 

Machida in Okamura and Kitajima 1984). Malacosteus danae Regan & Trewavas, 1930, is a junior 

synonym. 

Melanostomias biseriatus Regan & Trewavas, 1930. To 25 cm (9.8 in) SL (McEachran and Fechhelm 1998). 

Atlantic and North Pacific. At depths of 40–1,800 m (131–5,904 ft; Morrow and Gibbs 1964). 

38

Melanostomias valdiviae Brauer, 1902. To 23.2 cm (9.1 in) SL (Gibbs in Quéro et al. 1990). Circumglobal; 

Japan (Fujii in Masuda et al. 1984); San Juan Seamount, southern California and well off Point 

Conception, southern California (Berry and Perkins 1966). Mesopelagic, at depths of 100–300 m (328– 

984 ft; Aizawa in Nakabo 2002). 

Neonesthes capensis (Gilchrist & von Bonde, 1924). Shortnose Snaggletooth. To 17 cm (6.7 in) SL (Gibbs in 

Quéro et al. 1990). Circumglobal; Japan (Aizawa in Nakabo 2002); central California (35°49'N; Lauth 

1999) to San Clemente Island, southern California (33°02'N, 117°54'W; SIO 51–188). At depths of 70– 

1,650 m (230–5,412 ft; Morrow and Gibbs 1964). 

Opostomias mitsuii Imai, 1941. Pitgum Dragonfish. To 40 cm (15.7 in) SL (Aizawa in Nakabo 2002). Japan 

to British Columbia (Gillespie and Saunders 1994) to off Point Conception, southern California (Berry 

and Perkins 1966). Surface to 1,200 m (198–3,936 ft) (min.: Gillespie and Saunders 1994; max.: Aizawa 

in Nakabo 2002). 

Pachystomias microdon (Günther, 1878). Large-eye Dragonfish. To more than 22 cm (8.7 in) SL. Widespread 

in Pacific and Atlantic oceans; in our area known from southern Bering Sea, Alaska; also eastern 

Pacific in North Central Gyre at latitude of central Baja California (27°27'N, 155°27'W). Mesopelagic 

and bathypelagic to depth of 4,463 m (14,642 ft), possibly migrating toward surface at night. All in 


Photonectes margarita (Goode & Bean, 1896). Sooty Dragonfish. To 39.6 cm (15.6 in) SL (Gibbs and Barnett 

in Quéro et al. 1990). Circumglobal; Japan (Fujii in Masuda et al. 1984); northern California to northern 

Baja California (Berry and Perkins 1966). Surface to depth of about 2,000 m (6,560 ft; Morrow and 

Gibbs 1964). 

Stomias atriventer Garman, 1899. Blackbelly Dragonfish. To 25 cm (10 in) TL (Fitch and Lavenberg 1968). 

Central California to Gulf of California and equator to northern Chile (Moser in Moser 1996). At depths 

of 52–1,500 m (171–4,920 ft) (min.: LACM 6523.010; max.: Moser in Moser 1996). 

Tactostoma macropus Bolin, 1939. Longfin Dragonfish. To 45.5 cm (17.9 in) SL (Aizawa in Nakabo 2002). 

Japan (Fujii in Masuda et al. 1984) and Sea of Okhotsk to Bering Sea (Mecklenburg et al. 2002) to 

Chile (Pequeño 1989). Primarily mesopelagic and bathypelagic, recorded from depths of 25 m or less to 

2,000 m (82–6,562 ft) (min.: Mecklenburg et al. 2002; max.: Shinohara et al. 1994). 

Order Aulopiformes 

Aulopidae — Flagfins 

Aulopus bajacali Parin & Kotlyar, 1984. Eastern Pacific Flagfin. To 24.6 cm (9.7 in) SL (Thompson 1998). 

Banco de Tio Sam (Uncle Sam Bank), southern Baja California to Ecuador, including Gulf of California 

and Islas Galápagos (Thompson 1998). At depths of 82–305 m (269–1,000 ft) or more (min.: Ambrose 

in Moser 1996; max.: Thompson 1998). 

Family Scopelarchidae — Pearleyes 

Benthalbella dentata (Chapman, 1939). Northern Pearleye. To 28 cm (11.0 in) TL or more (Mecklenburg et 

al. 2002). Juveniles and adults taken from Japan (Nakabo in Nakabo 2002), Sea of Okhotsk and western 

Bering Sea (Orlov 1998), southeastern Bering Sea (Mecklenburg et al. 2002) and Gulf of Alaska (Johnson 

1974) to Isla Guadalupe, central Baja California (Watson and Sandknop in Moser 1996). At least one 

larva was taken south of Isla Guadalupe, off Punta Eugenia (Moser et al. 1994). Primarily mesopelagic, 

at depths of 90–1,340 m (295–4,396 ft; Mecklenburg et al. 2002). Reported depth of 3,400 m (11,155 ft; 

Fedorov 2000 [ZIN 42885]) is considered unlikely, as this is a mesopelagic species; the specimen probably 

entered the net above the maximum depth of the tow (B. A. Sheiko, pers. comm. to C. W. M.). 

39

Benthalbella linguidens (Mead & Böhlke, 1953). Longfin Pearleye. To about 36 cm (14.2 in) TL (Mecklenburg 

et al. 2002). Northern Japan (Johnson 1974) and southern Kuril Islands (Parin et al. 1995); southeastern 

Gulf of Alaska (Mecklenburg et al. 2002) and British Columbia (Peden 2003) to Gulf of California 

(Castro-Aguirre 1991). Mesopelagic and bathypelagic, recorded from depths of 13–3,660 m (43– 

12,008 ft) (min.: Johnson 1974; max.: Mecklenburg et al. 2002). 

Rosenblattichthys volucris (Rofen, 1966). Chubby Pearleye. To 10.3 cm (4.1 in) SL (Johnson 1974). San 

Pedro Basin, southern California to southern Baja California, eastern equatorial Pacific (Johnson 1974), 

and off Chile (Johnson 1982). Larvae have been taken well to the north of the current northernmost 

record, off central California at 36°N (Moser et al. 1994). Mesopelagic, usually deeper than 300 m (984 ft; 

Johnson 1974). 

Scopelarchoides nicholsi Parr, 1929. To 12.6 cm (5 in) SL (McEachran and Fechhelm 1998). Isla Cedros, 

central Baja California to 5°N to Chile (Pequeño 1989). At depths of 115–346 m (377–1,135 ft) or more 

(Johnson 1974). 

Scopelarchus analis (Brauer, 1902). Blackbelly Pearleye. To 12.6 cm (5 in) SL (Johnson in Whitehead et al. 

1984). Circumglobal in warm to tropical waters; Japan (Fujii in Masuda et al. 1984); southern California 

and Baja California (Johnson in Whitehead et al. 1984) to Chile (Pequeño 1989). Mesopelagic, to 500 m 

(1,640 ft) or more (Johnson 1974). 

Scopelarchus guentheri Alcock, 1896. Staring Pearleye. To 12.6 cm (5 in) SL (Johnson 1974). Circumglobal; 

southern California to central Baja California and Peru to Chile (Johnson 1974). A minimum of 150 to 

500 m (492–1,640 ft) or more (Johnson in Smith and Heemstra 1986). 

Family Synodontidae — Lizardfishes 

Bathysaurus mollis Günther, 1878. To 85 cm (33.4 in) TL (Sulak in Whitehead et al. 1984). Circumglobal; 

Japan (Nakabo in Nakabo 2002); Oregon (Pearcy et al. 1982) to at least Isla Guadalupe, central Baja 

California (SIO 60-48). At depths of 1,550 m (5,084 ft; Sulak in Whitehead et al. 1984) or 1,683 m 

(5,520 ft; Sulak et al. 1985) to 4,800 m (15,744 ft; Sulak in Whitehead et al. 1984). 

Synodus evermanni Jordan & Bollman, 1890. Spotted Lizardfish. To 48 cm (18.9 in) TL (Amezcua Linares 

1996). Bahia de Sebastian Vizcaino, southern Baja California (SIO 52-123) to Bahia de Chilea, Peru 

(Chirichigno 1974), including Gulf of California (Robertson and Allen 2002). At depths of 10–300 m 

(33–984 ft) (min.: Allen and Robertson 1994; max.: Morales-Nin 1992). 

Synodus lacertinus Gilbert, 1890. Banded Lizardfish, Calico Lizardfish, or Reef Lizardfish. To 20 cm (7.9 in) 

TL (Robertson and Allen 2002). From 6 km (4 mi) south of U.S.–Mexican border (Groce, Lagos, and 

Nestler 2001) to Chile (Pequeño 1989), including Gulf of California (Bussing and Lavenberg in Fischer 

et al. 1995) and Islas Galápagos (Grove and Lavenberg 1997) and other offshore islands (Robertson and 

Allen 2002). At depths of 1–156 m (3–512 ft) (min.: Robertson and Allen 2002; max.: Zeballos et al. 

1998). 

Synodus lucioceps (Ayres, 1855). California Lizardfish. To 63.9 cm (25.17 in) TL (Miller and Lea 1972). 

Cape Beal, British Columbia (Fulton and LeBrasseur 1985) to Guaymas, Gulf of California (Miller and 

Lea 1972). At depths of 1.5–229 m (5–751 ft) (min.: Miller and Lea 1972; max.: Eschmeyer and Herald 

1983). 

Synodus scituliceps Jordan & Gilbert, 1882. Lance Lizardfish or Shorthead Lizardfish. To 55 cm (21.6 in) TL 

(Amezcua Linares 1996). Isla Guadalupe, central Baja California (SIO 60–27) and Laguna San Ignacio, 

southern Baja California (De La Cruz-Agüero and Cota-Gómez 1998) into Gulf of California (Bussing 

and Lavenberg in Fischer et al. 1995) to Chile (Pequeño 1989) and Islas Galápagos (Grove and Lavenberg 

1997). At depths of 1–172 m (3–564 ft) (min.: González-Acosta et al. 1999; max.: Zeballos et al. 1998). 

40

Synodus sechurae Hildebrand, 1946. Iguana Lizardfish. To 30 cm (11.8 in) TL (Allen and Robertson 1994). 

Bahia Magdalena, southern Baja California (SIO 60-303) to Bahia de Sechura, Peru (Chirichigno and 

Veléz 1974), including Gulf of California. At depths of 12–60 m (40–197 ft) (min.: Godinez-Dominguez 

et al. 2000; max.: Bussing and Lavenberg in Fischer et al. 1995). 

Family Paralepididae — Barracudinas 

Arctozenus risso (Bonaparte, 1840). Ribbon Barracudina or White Barracudina. To 31 cm (12.2 in) SL (Fujii 

in Masuda et al. 1984). Circumglobal; Japan (Fujii in Masuda et al. 1984), Sea of Okhotsk, and western 

Bering Sea (Orlov 1998) to North Pacific Ocean south of Aleutian Islands (Mecklenburg et al. 2002) and 

British Columbia (55°N; Ambrose in Moser 1996) to southern Baja California (24°39'N, 121°12'W; SIO 

54-96) and 0°54'N, 82°00'W (SIO 98-129). At depths of 50–2,200 m (164–7,218 ft), mainly mesopelagic 

(Mecklenburg et al. 2002); young near surface (Post in Gon and Heemstra 1990). Notolepis coruscans 

Jordan & Gilbert, 1881, is a junior synonym. Recently as Notolepis risso. The spelling rissoi for this 

species, although frequently seen, is incorrect. 

*Lestidiops neles (Harry, 1953). To 8.7 cm (3.4 in) SL (SIO 75–126). Vicinity of Cabo San Lucas, southern 

Baja California to Colombia (Beltrán-León and Rios Herrera 2000) and near Islas Galápagos (3°19'S, 

98°05'W; SIO 96-48). Epipelagic and mesopelagic (Ambrose in Moser 1996). 

Lestidiops pacificus (Parr, 1931). To at least 16.4 cm (6.4 in) SL (Harry 1953). Southward from about 38°N, 

also Gulf of Panama, Chile, north of New Zealand (Ambrose in Moser 1996), and Colombia (Beltrán- 

León and Rios Herrera 2000). Epipelagic to bathypelagic (Ambrose in Moser 1996). Recently as Lestidium 

pacificum. Considered a subspecies of Lestidiops jayakari by some authors. 

Lestidiops ringens (Jordan & Gilbert, 1880). Slender Barracudina. To 24.0 cm (9.4 in) SL (Parin et al. 1995). 

Pacific off southern Kuril Islands (Parin et al. 1995) to southern Kamchatka; western Bering Sea near 

Alaska border (Mecklenburg et al. 2002); British Columbia (Hart 1973) to Isla Cedros, central Baja 

California (Fitch and Lavenberg 1968) and Gulf of California (Castro-Aguirre 1991). Larvae have been 

taken in a number of locations in southern Baja California, as far south as about 25°N (Moser et al. 

1993). Primarily mesopelagic (Mecklenburg et al. 2002), recorded near surface to 3,920 m (12,861 ft) 

(min.: Eschmeyer and Herald 1983; max.: Hart 1973). 

Lestidiops sphyraenopsis Hubbs, 1916. To 36 cm (14.1 in) SL (Fujii in Masuda et al. 1984). Japan (Fujii in 

Masuda et al. 1984), southern Kuril Islands (Parin et al. 1995), and Santa Catalina Island, southern 

California (Harry 1953). At depths of 50–1,440 m (164–4,723 ft) (min.: Post in Quéro et al. 1990; max.: 

Nakabo in Nakabo 2002). 

Lestidium johnfitchi Rofen, 1960. Black Barracudina. To 29.9 cm (11.8 in) SL. San Clemente Island, southern 

California. Taken in a purse seine over 27 m (90 ft) of water. All in Rofen (1960). 

Lestidium nudum Gilbert, 1905. To 9.3 cm (3.7 in) SL (SIO 95-111). Northern and eastern Pacific; southern 

California (34°N, 119°W; SIO 95-174) to off central America (8°22'N, 97°52'W; SIO 95-111). Depth 

range poorly known, taken as deep as 1,450 m (4,757 ft; SIO 73-159). 

Magnisudis atlantica (Krøyer, 1868). Duckbill Barracudina. To about 50 cm (19.7 in) SL (Mecklenburg et 

al. 2002). Tropical to polar waters worldwide (Moore et al. 2003); Japan (Mecklenburg et al. 2002), Sea of 

Okhotsk, and western Bering Sea (Orlov 1998) and eastern Bering Sea (Mecklenburg et al. 2002) to Chile 

(Pequeño 1989). Epipelagic to bathypelagic, recorded near surface, less than 6 m (19.7 m; Mecklenburg 

et al. 2002), to 2,166 m (7,106 ft; Moore et al. 2003). Originally as Paralepis atlantica, also recently as 

Magnisudis barysoma. 

41

Stemonosudis macrura (Ege, 1933). Probably to 25 cm (9.8 in) SL (Post in Smith and Heemstra 1986). 

Pacific and Indian oceans; Point Conception, central California to Chile (Pequeño 1989). Epipelagic 

and mesopelagic (Ambrose in Moser 1996). 

Sudis atrox Rofen, 1963. To 7.5 cm (3 in) SL (Nakabo in Nakabo 2002). Atlantic and Pacific; from at least 

southern California (32°N) to Chile (Ambrose in Moser 1996). Primarily mesopelagic to bathypelagic, 

recorded from depths of 30–2,250 m (98–7,382 ft; Moore et al. 2003). 

Family Anotopteridae — Daggertooths 

Anotopterus nikparini Kukuev, 1998. Daggertooth or North Pacific Daggertooth. To 146 cm (57.5 in) TL 

(Miller and Lea 1972). North Pacific; south of Japan to southern Bering Sea and Gulf of Alaska to 

south of Baja California (Mecklenburg et al. 2002). An Anotopterus reported from the Gulf of California 

(Castro-Aguirre 1991) is likely this species. Primarily epipelagic and mesopelagic, recorded near surface 

(at night) to 2,750 m (9,022 ft; Mecklenburg et al. 2002). Includes North Pacific records of Anotopterus 

pharao. 

Family Alepisauridae — Lancetfishes 

Alepisaurus ferox Lowe, 1833. Longnose Lancetfish. To about 231 cm (90.9 in) TL (Mecklenburg et al. 2002). 

Atlantic and Pacific; Japan (Fujii in Masuda et al. 1984) and Sea of Okhotsk to southern Bering Sea and 

Aleutian Islands (Mecklenburg et al. 2002) to Chile (Pequeño 1989). Epipelagic to bathypelagic, recorded 

near surface to 1,830 m (6,004 ft); primarily oceanic but often found close to shore (Mecklenburg et al. 

2002). 

Family Evermannellidae — Sabertooth Fishes 

Evermannella ahlstromi Johnson & Glodek, 1975. To 7 cm (2.8 in) SL. Northern Baja California to equatorial 

Pacific and off Peru. Mesopelagic. All in Johnson (1982). 

Evermannella indica Brauer, 1906. To 12.7 cm (5 in) SL (Johnson in Quéro et al. 1990). Reported as 

circumglobal, but may not live in Atlantic Ocean, where it is replaced by Evermannella melanoderma 

(Swinney 1994). Well off southern and northern Baja California (Johnson 1982). At depths of 50–800 m 

(164–2,624 ft) (min.: McEachran and Fechhelm 1998; max.: Ambrose in Moser 1996). 

Family Giganturidae — Telescopefishes 

Gigantura indica Brauer, 1901. Pacific Telescopefish. To 20 cm (8 in) TL (Fitch and Lavenberg 1968). 

Southern California, northern Baja California, north of Hawaii, South Pacific (Fitch and Lavenberg 

1968). At depths of 17–3,659 m (56–12,000 ft) (min.: Johnson and Bertelsen 1991; max.: Fitch and 

Lavenberg 1968). Bathyleptus lisae Walters, 1961, is a junior synonym. 

Family Notosudidae — Paperbones or Waryfishes 

Ahliesaurus brevis Bertelsen, Krefft, & Marshall, 1976. To 28 cm (11.0 in) SL (McEachran and Fechhelm 

1998). Pacific and Indian oceans; Japan and southern Kuril Islands (Parin et al. 1995); central Baja 

California southward (Watson and Sandknop in Moser 1996). Deep mesopelagic to bathypelagic (Krefft 

in Whitehead et al. 1984) to at least 1,000 m (3,280 ft; Nakabo in Nakabo 2002). 

Scopelosaurus harryi (Mead, 1953). Scaly Paperbone or Scaly Waryfish. To 32 cm (12.6 in) SL (Fujii in 

Masuda et al. 1984). Okhotsk Sea (Fujii in Masuda et al. 1984), Bering Sea (Bertelsen et al. 1976), and 

Pacific Ocean north of Japan and southern Baja California (20°N; Sazonov 1998). Primarily mesopelagic, 

recorded range 20–1,310 m (66–4,298 ft; Mecklenburg et al. 2002). Notosudis adleri Fedorov, 1967, is 

treated as a junior synonym of S. harryi. 

42

Order Myctophiformes 

Family Neoscopelidae — Blackchins 

Neoscopelus macrolepidotus Johnson, 1863. Glowingfish. To 25 cm (9.8 in) SL (Nafpaktitis 1977). 

Circumglobal; Japan (Savinykh and Balanov 1999); British Columbia, probably off Queen Charlotte 

Islands (Peden and Hughes 1986). At depths of 300–800 m (984–2,625 ft; Nafpaktitis 1977). 

Scopelengys tristis Alcock, 1890. Blackchin or Pacific Blackchin. To 19.4 cm (7.6 in) SL (Nafpaktitis 1977). 

Circumglobal; Japan (Nakabo in Nakabo 2002); southern Bering Sea (Mecklenburg et al. 2002) and 

British Columbia (A. E. Peden and G. E. Gillespie, pers. comms. to M. L. and C. W. M.) to northern 

Chile (30°S; Kong and Melendez 1991). Adults tend to occur deeper than 1,000 m (3,280 ft; Nafpaktitis 

1977) to 3,350 m (10,990 ft) or more, and juveniles (less than 10 cm) at 500–800 m (1,640–2,625 ft; 

Mecklenburg et al. 2002). 

Family Myctophidae — Lanternfishes 

Most lanternfishes are epi- and mesopelagic vertical migrators, with lower bathymetric limits not well known. 

They move toward the surface at night. We give the overall bathymetric range, not separate daytime and 

nighttime depths as sometimes given by authors. 

Benthosema glaciale (Reinhardt, 1837). Glacier Lanternfish. To 10.3 cm (4.1 in) SL (Hulley in Okamura 

et al. 1995). (The maximum size of 10.3 cm has been reported as both TL and SL.) Northern North 

Atlantic and Mediterranean (Hulley in Whitehead et al. 1984); a few records from eastern Canadian 

Arctic and one record from Beaufort Sea, Alaska (Mecklenburg et al. 2002). Near surface to 1,250 m 

(4,100 ft; Coad 1995). 

Benthosema panamense (Tåning, 1932). To 5.5 cm (2.2 in) SL (Wisner 1976). Central Baja California 

(Wisner 1976) to Peru (9°07'S, 80°01'W; Chirichigno and Vélez 1998), including Gulf of California 

(Wisner 1976). Surface (Wisner 1976) to mesopelagic depths (SIO 63-612). 

*Benthosema pterotum (Alcock, 1890). To 5.5 cm (2.2 in) SL. Western North Pacific, northern Indian Ocean, 

Red Sea (Nakabo in Nakabo 2002). While adults have not been collected within our range, larvae 

identified as this species have been taken as far north as Isla Cedros, central Baja California (Moser et 

al. 1994). Mesopelagic. 

Benthosema suborbitale (Gilbert, 1913). To 3.9 cm (1.5 in) SL (Hulley in Whitehead et al. 1984). Circumglobal; 

Japan (Nakabo in Nakabo 2002); well offshore of southern California (Berry and Perkins 1966) and off 

northern Baja California (SIO 60-288) to Chile (Pequeño 1989). Surface to 750 m (2,461 ft; Hulley in 

Whitehead et al. 1984). 

Bolinichthys longipes (Brauer, 1906). Popeye Lampfish. To 5 cm (2 in) SL (Fujii in Masuda et al. 1984). 

Pacific and Indian oceans; southern California to South America (20°S; Wisner 1976). At depths of 

50–725 m (164–2,379 ft; Wisner 1976). Orginally as Myctophum longipes. Considered by some authors 

in part a synonym of Lepidophanes indicus Nafpaktitis & Nafpaktitis, 1969. 

Bolinichthys pyrsobolus (Alcock, 1890). To 4.6 cm (1.8 in) SL (Berry and Perkins 1966). Pacific and Indian 

oceans; well offshore of northern California to northern Baja California (Berry and Perkins 1966). 

Ceratoscopelus townsendi (Eigenmann & Eigenmann, 1889). Dogtooth Lampfish. To about 8.5 cm (3.3 in) 

SL (Savinykh 1999). Circumglobal; southern British Columbia (48°23'N, 131°27'W; Peden and Hughes 

1986) to southern Baja California (27°01'N, 115°15'W; De La Cruz-Agüero and Galván-Magaña 1992) 

and Chile (Pequeño 1989). Larvae have been taken south of Cabo San Lucas, southern Baja California 

(Moser et al. 1993). Surface to 800 m (2,625 ft; Wisner 1976), reported but not confirmed to 923 m 

(3,028 ft; Lauth 1999). Considered by some a synonym of Ceratoscopelus warmingii Lütken, 1892. 

43

Diaphus anderseni Tåning, 1932. Lowlights Headlightfish. To 3.5 cm (1.4 in) SL (Wisner 1976). Atlantic 

and Pacific; Japan (Nakabo in Nakabo 2002); well off central California (Wisner 1976) to central Baja 

California (Berry and Perkins 1966). Near surface to 560 m (1,837 ft) (min.: Wisner 1976; max.: Hulley 

in Smith and Heemstra 1986). 

Diaphus pacificus Parr, 1931. To 3.5 cm (1.4 in) SL (Wisner 1976). Eastern tropical Pacific; southern Baja 

California (25°N) to 15°S (Moser and Ahlstrom in Moser 1996), including Gulf of California (Galván- 

Magaña et al. 1996). Epipelagic and mesopelagic (Moser and Ahlstrom in Moser 1996). 

Diaphus theta Eigenmann & Eigenmann, 1890. California Headlightfish. To 11.7 cm (4.6 in) SL (Shelekhov 

2004). Japan (Nakabo in Nakabo 2002) and southern Bering Sea (Mecklenburg et al. 2002) to Chile 

(Pequeño 1989). At surface (Childress and Nygaard 1973) to 1,690 m (5,532 ft [922 fathoms]; Hart 

1973), typically above 800 m (Mecklenburg et al. 2002). 

Diaphus trachops Wisner, 1974. Rougheye Headlightfish. To 6.4 cm (2.5 in) SL. Central Pacific and central 

California. To depths of 100 m (328 ft) or more. All in Wisner (1974). 

Diogenichthys atlanticus (Tåning, 1928). Longfin Lanternfish. To 2.9 cm (1.1 in) SL (Nafpaktitis et al. 1977). 

Circumglobal; Japan (Nakabo in Nakabo 2002); northern California (Berry and Perkins 1966) to northern 

Chile (Sielfeld et al. 1995). At depths of 10–1,250 m (33–4,101 ft; Hulley in Whitehead et al. 1984). 

Diogenichthys laternatus (Garman, 1899). Diogenes Lanternfish. To 2.5 cm (1 in) SL (Wisner 1976). Point 

Conception, southern California (Moser and Ahlstrom in Moser 1996) to Chile (Wisner 1976), including 

Gulf of California (Galván-Magaña et al. 1996). Surface to 650 m (2,132 ft; Wisner 1976). 

Electrona risso (Cocco, 1829). Chubby Flashlightfish or Chubby Lanternfish. To 9 cm (3.5 in) SL (Wisner 

1976). Circumglobal; Japan (Nakabo in Nakabo 2002), southern Kuril Islands (Parin et al. 1995); Oregon 

(Matarese et al. 1989) to Chile (Nafpaktitis et al. 1977). At depths of 90–750 m (295–2,460 ft; Hulley in 

Smith and Heemstra 1986). 

Gonichthys tenuiculus (Garman, 1899). To 5 cm (2 in) SL (Wisner 1976). Northern Baja California (Wisner 

1976) to Chile (Pequeño 1989). Larvae have been taken somewhat further north at about 32°N, 122°W 

(Moser et al. 1993). Surface to mesopelagic (Moser and Ahlstrom in Moser 1996). 

Hygophum atratum (Garman, 1899). Thickhead Flashlightfish. To 6 cm (2.4 in) SL (Wisner 1976). Eastern 

Pacific; southern California to Gulf of California (Wisner 1976). However, larvae have been taken 

between southern Baja California and Peru (Ambrose et al. 2002). Surface to mesopelagic depths. 

Hygophum proximum Becker, 1965. To 5 cm (2 in) SL (Wisner 1976). Pacific and Indian oceans; Japan 

(Nakabo in Nakabo 2002); off San Diego, southern California (32°N, 124°W; SIO 88-55) to Chile 

(Pequeño 1989). Epipelagic and mesopelagic (Moser and Ahlstrom in Moser 1996). 

Hygophum reinhardti (Lütken, 1892). Broadhead Lanternfish or Slender Lanternfish. To 6.1 cm (2.4 in) SL 

(Hulley in Whitehead et al. 1984). Pacific and Atlantic, mostly between 40°N and 40°S; Japan (Nakabo 

in Nakabo 2002); in eastern Pacific from about 40°N (Bekker 1983) to Chile (Pequeño 1989). Reported 

from Gulf of Alaska (Wilimovsky 1954, 1958; Quast and Hall 1972) but documentation evidently lacking 

(Mecklenburg et al. 2002). Surface to 3,000 m (9,842 ft; Hulley in Whitehead et al. 1984). 

Lampadena urophaos Paxton, 1963. Sunbeam Lampfish or Torchlight Lanternfish. To 23.7 cm (9.3 in) SL 

(Karnella 1987). Atlantic and Pacific; throughout most of Pacific; Japan and British Columbia (Peden 

and Hughes 1986) to Chile (Pequeño 1989) and westward to Hawaii (Wisner 1976). Near surface to 

1,000 m (3,280 ft; Moore et al. 2003). 

Lampedena yaquinae (Coleman & Nafpaktitis, 1972). To 17.6 cm (6.9 in) SL (Savinykh and Balanov 1999). 

North Pacific; Japan (Fujii in Masuda et al. 1984) and Oregon (Coleman and Nafpaktitis 1972). At 

depths of 130–900 m (426–2,953 ft; Fujii in Masuda et al. 1984). 

44

Lampanyctus acanthurus Wisner, 1974. Spinytail Lampfish. To 14.2 cm (5.6 in) SL (Parin et al. 1995). North 

Pacific; Japan (Fujii in Masuda et al. 1984), southern Kuril Islands (Parin et al. 1995), and northcentral 

Pacific (Wisner 1976), and from 560 km (348 mi) west of Point Conception, southern California (Wisner 

1976) to about central Baja California (25°N; Butler et al. 1997). At depths of 500–800 m (1,640–2,625 ft) 

or more (Wisner 1976). 

Lampanyctus jordani Gilbert, 1913. Brokenline Lampfish. To 14 cm (5.5 in) SL (Wisner 1976). Japan and 

Sea of Okhotsk to Bering Sea and Gulf of Alaska (Mecklenburg et al. 2002) to southern California 

(Wisner 1976). Surface to 1,400 m (4,593 ft) (min.: Wisner 1976; max.: Mecklenburg et al. 2002). 

Lampanyctus nobilis Tåning, 1928. To 12.4 cm (4.9 in) SL (Hulley in Smith and Heemstra 1986). Circumglobal; 

Japan (Nakabo in Nakabo 2002) and east of Kuril Islands (Savinykh et al. 2004); as far north as central 

Baja California (Butler et al. 1997). At depths of 100–900 m (328–2,953 ft) or more (Hulley in Smith 

and Heemstra 1986). 

Lampanyctus parvicauda Parr, 1931. To about 11 cm (4.3 in) SL. Central Baja California to Chile. Surface to 

mesopelagic. All in Wisner (1976). 

Lampanyctus steinbecki Bolin, 1939. Longfin Lampfish. To 8 cm (3.1 in) SL (Wisner 1976). Pacific Ocean 

and possibly Indian Ocean; northwest Pacific (Nakabo in Nakabo 2002); northern California (Berry 

and Perkins 1966) to Chile (Wisner 1976). At depths of 70–300 m (230–984 ft) (min.: Clarke 1980; 

max.: Nakabo in Nakabo 2002). Butler et al. (1997) note that this species is closely related to and may be 

confused with L. tenuiformis and L. festivus, and that the taxonomy of this species is not fully resolved. 

Lampanyctus tenuiformis (Brauer, 1906). To 15.6 cm (6.1 in) SL (Parin in Fischer et al. 1995). Throughout 

Pacific; Japan (Nakabo in Nakabo 2002); well off southern California to South America (Wisner 1976). 

At depths of 40–750 m (131–2,460 ft; McEachran and Fechhelm 1998). 

Lobianchia gemellari (Cocco, 1838). To more than 10 cm (3.9 in) SL (Hulley in Whitehead et al. 1984). 

Circumglobal; Japan (Nakabo in Nakabo 2002); well off California (Savinykh 1999) and central Baja 

California (Wisner 1976) to Chile (Pequeño 1989). Near surface to 800 m (2,625 ft; Hulley in Smith and 

Heemstra 1986). 

Loweina rara (Lütken, 1892). Dwarf Lanternfish. To 5 cm (2 in) SL (Nafpaktitis et al. 1977). Circumglobal; 

northern California (Matarese et al. 1989) to tropical eastern Pacific (Wisner 1976). Larvae as far north as 

Oregon (Matarese et al. 1989) and as far south as well off Chile, about 20°S, 94°W (Moser and Ahlstrom 

1970). Surface to 1,050 m (3,445 ft) (min.: Wisner 1976; max.: Nafpaktitis et al. 1977). We follow Paxton 

(1979) in treating Loweina laurae Wisner, 1971, as a junior synonym of L. rara. 

Myctophum aurolaternatum Garman, 1899. To 10.5 cm (4.1 in) SL (Hulley in Smith and Heemstra 1986). 

Circumglobal; Japan (Nakabo in Nakabo 2002); southern Baja California (25°N; Moser and Ahlstrom in 

Moser 1996) to Chile (Pequeño 1989). Surface to 300 m (984 ft; Hulley in Smith and Heemstra 1986). 

Myctophum nitidulum Garman, 1899. Pearly Lanternfish. To 9.9 cm (3.9 in) SL (Nafpaktitis et al. 1977). 

Circumglobal; Japan (Nakabo in Nakabo 2002) and east of Kuril Islands (Savinykh et al. 2004); northern 

California (Berry and Perkins 1966) to Chile (Pequeño 1989). Surface to 950 m (3,117 ft; Hulley in 

Whitehead et al. 1984). 

Nannobrachium bristori Zahuranec, 2000. To 14.2 cm (5.6 in) SL (Zahuranec 2000). Washington to southern 

Baja California and in tropical Pacific (Zahuranec 2000). At depths of 170–3,274 m (558–10,740 ft) 

(min.: SIO 54-100; max.: SIO 51-375). 

Nannobrachium fernae (Wisner, 1971). To 9.1 cm (3.6 in) SL (Zahuranec 2000). Oregon to northern 

California (Wisner 1976). To depths of 200 m (656 ft) or more (Wisner 1976). Recently as Lampanyctus 

fernae. 

45

Nannobrachium hawaiiensis Zahuranec, 2000. Probably not greatly exceeding 8 cm (3.1 in) SL (Zahuranec 

2000). Northern Pacific central water mass; southern California to central Baja California (Zahuranec 

2000). At depths of 106–3,556 m (348–11,666 ft) (min.: SIO 66-435; max.: SIO 57-84). 

Nannobrachium idostigma (Parr, 1931). To 9.6 cm (3.8 in) SL (Zahuranec 2000). Central Baja California 

(Berry and Perkins 1966) to Chile (Wisner 1976). Surface to mesopelagic (Wisner 1976). Recently as 

Lampanyctus idostigma. 

Nannobrachium nigrum Günther, 1887. To 11.1 cm (4.4 in) SL (Zahuranec 2000). Pacific and Indian oceans; 

northern Baja California (Zahuranec 2000). At depths of 188–3,841 m (617–12,602 ft) (min.: SIO 54-96; 

max.: SIO 60-249). 

Nannobrachium regale (Gilbert, 1892). Pinpoint Lampfish. To 19.9 cm (7.8 in) SL (Watanabe et al. 1999). 

Hokkaido, Japan (Wisner 1976) to Bering Sea (Mecklenburg et al. 2002) to off Bahia Magdalena, 

southern Baja California (Moser and Ahlstrom in Moser 1996). At depths of 50–1,500 m (164–4,921 ft; 

Mecklenburg et al. 2002). Lampanyctus micropunctatus Chapman, 1939, is a junior synonym. Originally 

as Myctophum regale, also seen as Lampanyctus regalis. 

Nannobrachium ritteri (Gilbert, 1915). Broadfin Lampfish. To 13.9 cm (5.5 in) SL (Savinykh 1999). Eastern 

North Pacific Ocean south of Aleutian Islands and Gulf of Alaska (Mecklenburg et al. 2002) to southwest 

of Cabo San Lucas, southern Baja California (about 19°N, 115°W; Zahuranec 2000). At depths of 8– 

1,100 m (26–3,609 ft) (min.: LACM 34452.018; max.: Mecklenburg et al. 2002). Records from Central 

or South America have not been verified (Zahuranec 2000). Originally as Lampanyctus ritteri. 

Notolychnus valdiviae (Brauer, 1904). Topside Lampfish. To 2.6 cm (1 in) SL (Berry and Perkins 1966). 

Circumglobal; Japan (Nakabo in Nakabo 2002); northern California (Berry and Perkins 1966) to Chile 

(Pequeño 1989). At depths of 25–850 m (82–2,789 ft; Nafpaktitis et al. 1977). 

*Notoscopelus japonicus (Tanaka, 1908). Fluorescent Lampfish or Spiny Lanternfish. To 14.8 cm (5.8 in) SL 

(Watanabe et al. 1999). Widespread in western North Pacific south of 45°N; probable but not confirmed 

in eastern Pacific at latitudes west of southern British Columbia and California (Peden and Hughes 

1986 [table 1: “probable”]; Mecklenburg et al. 2002:246). At depths of 60–400 m (197–1,312 ft) or more 

(Watanabe et al. 1999). 

Notoscopelus resplendens (Richardson, 1845). Patchwork Lampfish. To about 9.5 cm (3.8 in) TL (Hulley in 

Quéro et al. 1990). Circumglobal in warm waters; Japan and southern Kuril Islands (Parin et al. 1995) 

to British Columbia (Peden 2003) and southern California to Chile (Wisner 1976). Larvae have been 

taken well to the north of southern California, at about 39°N (Moser et al. 1993). Surface to 2,000 m 

(6,562 ft; Hulley in Smith and Heemstra 1986). Although Clemens and Wilby (1961) and Hart (1973) 

give 13.5 cm (5.3 in) for the maximum length, this evidently comes from a British Columbia fish (Hart’s 

illustration [page 195] is of a 13-cm fish in the UBC collection) which is not this species but may be a 

misidentified Lampanyctus species (Peden et al. 1985, Peden and Hughes 1986). 

Parvilux ingens Hubbs & Wisner, 1964. Giant Lampfish. To 20 cm (7.9 in) SL (Wisner 1976). Oregon 

(Matarese et al. 1989) to Isla Guadalupe, central Baja California (Hubbs and Wisner 1964). At depths of 

2–900 m (7–2,953 ft) (min.: LACM 6523.002; max.: LACM 38763.004). 

Protomyctophum crockeri (Bolin, 1939). California Flashlightfish. To about 4.6 cm (1.8 in) SL (Wisner 

1976). Northern Japan (Nakabo in Nakabo 2002) to southern British Columbia to Baja California 

(Mecklenburg et al. 2002: 245) and Chile (Pequeño 1989). Surface to 950 m (3,117 ft) (min.: Matarese 

et al. 1989; max.: LACM 38735.009). Recently as Hierops crockeri. 

Protomyctophum thompsoni (Chapman, 1944). Bigeye Lanternfish, Northern Flashlightfish, or Northern 

Lanternfish. To 7 cm (2.75 in) TL (Hart 1973). Northern Japan (Fujii in Masuda et al. 1984) to southern 

46

Bering Sea (Mecklenburg et al. 2002) to central California (38°N; Moser and Ahlstrom in Moser 1996). 

Surface to 1,370 m (4,495 ft) (min.: Wisner 1976; max.: Sheiko and Fedorov 2000). Recently as Hierops 

thompsoni. Originally named Myctophum oculeum, then renamed Electrona thompsoni Chapman, 1944. 

Stenobrachius leucopsarus (Eigenmann & Eigenmann, 1890). Northern Lampfish. To 12.5 cm (4.9 in) TL 

(Gorbatenko and Il’inskii 1992). Southern Japan off Honshu (Fujii in Masuda et al. 1984) to southern 

Bering Sea and Gulf of Alaska to northern Baja California (about 29°N, 115°W; Mecklenburg et al. 2002). 

At depths of 30 m or less to about 1,000 m (Mecklenburg et al. 2002), reported to 2,896 m (9,500 ft; 

Matarese et al. 1989). Originally in Myctophum, and at times in Nannobrachium and Lampanyctus. 

Stenobrachius nannochir (Gilbert, 1890). Garnet Lampfish. To 13.5 cm (5.3 in) TL (Gorbatenko and Il’inskii 

1992). Japan (Wisner 1976, Shinohara et al. 1994) to southern Bering Sea to California (Mecklenburg et 

al. 2002). Primarily mesopelagic, to depth of about 1,000 m (3,280 ft), few found above 500 m (1,640 ft; 

Peden et al. 1985, Mecklenburg et al. 2002); possibly as shallow as 240 m (787 ft; Orlov 1998); usually 

taken deeper than S. leucopsarus (Mecklenburg et al. 2002). Originally in Myctophum, and for a time in 

Nannobrachium. 

Symbolophorus californiensis (Eigenmann & Eigenmann, 1889). Bigfin Lanternfish or California Lanternfish. 

To about 12.7 cm (5 in) TL (Fitch and Lavenberg 1968). Japan (Fujii in Masuda et al. 1984) to west 

of British Columbia (Peden et al. 1985) to vicinity of Isla Cedros, central Baja California (Fitch and 

Lavenberg 1968). Not adequately documented for Alaska (Mecklenburg et al. 2002:245) but recently 

reported from northern British Columbia off the Queen Charlotte Islands, including one specimen 

very close to the Alaska border (G. E. Gillespie, pers. comm. to C.W.M.). Numerous larvae have been 

taken well south of Isla Cedros, some as far south as between 26° and 25°N (Moser et al. 1993). Surface 

to 762 m (2,500 ft; Matarese et al. 1989). 

Symbolophorus reversus Gago & Ricord, 2005. Reverse Gland Lanternfish. To 8.9 cm (3.5 in) SL. Eastern 

and central Pacific from 28°38'N to 18°06'S. Almost all specimens have been taken at the surface. One 

specimen may have been collected from as deep as 1,134 m (3,720 ft). All in Gago and Ricord (2005). 

Taaningichthys bathyphilus (Tåning, 1928). Black Lampfish. To 8 cm (3.1 in) SL (Nafpaktitis et al. 1977). 

Circumglobal; Japan (Fujii in Masuda et al. 1984) to Oregon (Matarese et al. 1989) to southern Baja 

California (Wisner 1976); South America (Wisner 1976). At depths of 400–1,550 m (1,312–5,085 ft) 

(min.: Hulley in Smith and Heemstra 1986; max.: Nafpaktitis et al. 1977). 

Taaningichthys minimus (Tåning, 1928). To 6.5 cm (2.6 in) SL (Nafpaktitis et al. 1977). Circumglobal; 

near Japan (Ogasawara Islands; Fujii in Masuda et al. 1984); well offshore of Point Conception (30°N), 

southern California (Berry and Perkins 1966) to well off Peru (Wisner 1976). At depths of 51–900 m 

(167–2,953 ft) (min.: McEachran and Fechhelm 1998; max.: Fujii in Masuda et al. 1984). 

Taaningichthys paurolychnus Davy, 1972. Dimlight Lampfish. To 9.5 cm (3.7 in) SL (Wisner 1976). 

Circumglobal; near Japan (Ogasawara Islands; Fujii in Masuda et al. 1984); southern California to 

southern Baja California (Wisner 1976). At depths of 900–1,896 m (2,953–6,220 ft) (min.: Nafpaktitis 

et al. 1977; max.: Fujii in Masuda et al. 1984). 

Tarletonbeania crenularis (Jordan & Gilbert, 1880). Blue Lanternfish or Southern Blue Lanternfish. To 

12.7 cm (5 in) TL (Miller and Lea 1972). South of Commander Islands (B. A. Sheiko, pers. comm. to 

C. W. M.) and Aleutian Islands to Gulf of Alaska (Mecklenburg et al. 2002) to Baja California (28°N; 

Moser and Ahlstrom in Moser 1996); probably also in Bering Sea but voucher specimens are lacking 

(Mecklenburg et al. 2002). Larvae have been taken as far south as about 27°N (Moser et al. 1993). 

Reported by Bekker (1983) for Japan, but evidently those records are now considered to belong to 

T. taylori (Nakabo in Nakabo 2002). Surface to 1,130 m (3,707 ft) (min.: Wisner 1976; max.: LACM 

39275.016). 

47

Tarletonbeania taylori Mead, 1953. Northern Blue Lanternfish or Taillight Lanternfish. To 8.2 cm (3.2 in) SL 

(Sassa et al. 2002). Northern Honshu, Japan (Wisner 1976, Fujii in Masuda et al. 1984) to southeastern 

Bering Sea and Pacific Ocean south of Alaska (Shinohara et al. 1994) and west of British Columbia 

(Peden et al. 1985). Surface to mesopelagic (min.: Wisner 1976; max.: Mecklenburg et al. 2002). Few 

records of depth have been reported; to at least 300–400 m (984–1,312 ft) according to Watanabe et al. 

(1999). Geographic range and depths are difficult to determine because T. taylori and T. crenularis were 

for some time considered to be synonymous. 

Triphoturus mexicanus (Gilbert, 1890). Mexican Lampfish. To about 8 cm (3.1 in) SL (Savinykh 1999). 

British Columbia (Gillespie 1993) to off southern Mexico (Rodriguez-Graña et al. 2004), including 

Gulf of California (De La Cruz-Agüero and Galván-Magaña 1992). At depths of 20–1,130 m (66– 

3,707 ft) (min.: LACM 6524.000; max.: LACM 39275.017). Triphoturus oculeus has been considered 

to be synonymous with Triphoturus mexicanus Gilbert, 1890. However, on the basis of both DNA and 

larvae characters Rodriquez-Graña et al. (2004) separated the two species. Triphoturus oculeus is found 

from 13°N to 35°S. 

Triphoturus nigrescens (Brauer, 1904). To 4 cm (1.6 in) SL (Wisner 1976). Pacific and Indian oceans; Japan 

(Nakabo in Nakabo 2002); northern California (Berry and Perkins 1966) to southern Baja California 

(23°19'N, 112°02'W; De La Cruz-Agüero and Galván-Magaña 1992). At depths of 24–1,000 m (79– 

3,280 ft) (min.: Wisner 1976; max.: Nakabo in Nakabo 2002). 

Order Lampridiformes 

Family Lamprididae — Opahs 

Lampris guttatus (Brünnich, 1788). Moonfish, Opah, or Spotted Opah. To 183 cm (72 in) TL (Eschmeyer 

and Herald 1983). Circumglobal in temperate to tropical waters; Japan to Gulf of Alaska (Mecklenburg 

et al. 2002) to Chile (Pequeño 1989) and Gulf of California (Miller and Lea 1972). Pelagic, oceanic, near 

surface to 512 m (1,680 ft; Miller and Lea 1972). Nelson et al. (2004) retain Opah for the vernacular. 

However, there are two species of opah and it is appropriate to call the one in our area the Spotted Opah, 

as opposed to Lampris immaculatus Gilchrist, 1904, the Southern Opah. Lampris regius (Bonnaterre, 

1788) is a synonym of L. guttatus. Mecklenburg et al. (2002:258) give the history of the names. 

Family Lophotidae — Crestfishes 

Lophotus capellei Temminck & Schlegel, 1845. North Pacific Crestfish. To at least 125.2 cm (49.3 in) TL (M. 

Craig, pers. comm. to M. L.). Well offshore, to 610 km (380 mi) off Point Arena, northern California 

and near coast to Morro Bay, central California (Craig et al. 2004). Surface to at least 92 m (300 ft; Fitch 

and Lavenberg 1968) and probably to greater depths. Previously regarded as belonging to the nearly 

worldwide species Lophotus lacepede, the North Pacific form was recently shown (Craig et al. 2004) to 

be a different species. 

Family Trachipteridae — Ribbonfishes 

Desmodema lorum Rosenblatt & Butler, 1977. Whiptail Ribbonfish. To 114 cm (44.9 in) TL (Eschmeyer 

and Herald 1983). Temperate waters of North Pacific; Japan (Fujii in Masuda et al. 1984), southern 

Kuril Islands (Parin et al. 1995); central California to south of Cabo San Lucas, southern Baja California 

(Rosenblatt and Butler 1977). Epipelagic (Charter and Moser in Moser 1996) to mesopelagic (Rosenblatt 

and Butler 1977); collected in nets towed as deep as 500 m (1,640 ft) to 200 m (656 ft; Parin et al. 

1995). 

48

Trachipterus altivelis Kner, 1859. King-of-the-Salmon. To 186 cm (73.2 in) TL (Hart 1973:671). Southeastern 

Bering Sea and Gulf of Alaska (Mecklenburg et al. 2002) to Chile (Eschmeyer and Herald 

1983). Near surface to 1,189 m (3,900 ft) (max.: UW 44183, identified by D. E. Stevenson); primarily 

mesopelagic as adults (Mecklenburg et al. 2002). 

Trachipterus fukuzakii Fitch, 1964. Tapertail Ribbonfish. To 143 cm (56.3 in) TL (Eschmeyer and Herald 

1983). Off Purisima Point, central California (M. Nishimoto, pers. comm. to M. L.) to Chile (Miller 

and Lea 1972), including Gulf of California (Galván-Magaña et al. 1996). Epipelagic and mesopelagic 

(Miller and Lea 1972), as shallow as 5 m (16 ft; LACM 55976.001). 

Zu cristatus (Bonelli, 1819). Scalloped Ribbonfish. To 118 cm (46.5 in) TL (Heemstra and Kannemeyer in 

Smith and Heemstra 1986). Circumglobal in tropical to warm temperate waters (Moore et al. 2003); 

Japan (Hayashi in Nakabo 2002); off Newport Beach, southern California (Miller and Lea 1972) to Chile 

(Pequeño 1989) and Islas Galápagos (Miller and Lea 1972). Epi- to mesopelagic, near surface to 700 m 

(2,297 ft; Moore et al. 2003). 

Family Regalecidae — Oarfishes 

Regalecus glesne Ascanius, 1772. Banks Ribbonfish or Oarfish. To 10.7 m (35 ft) TL (Miller and Lea 1972). 

Circumglobal in tropical to warm temperate waters (Moore et al. 2003); in eastern Pacific from Topanga 

Beach (Santa Monica Bay at approximately 34°02'N, 118°35'W), southern California to Chile (Fitch 

and Lavenberg 1968). Primarily epipelagic and mesopelagic, captured in surf zone by hand and by gaff, 

driftnet, and gillnets at and near the surface (Fitch and Lavenberg 1968; and several museum records) 

and in nonclosing trawl nets fishing as deep as 1,640 m (5,380 ft) (MCZ 16403) over deeper waters. 

Family Stylephoridae — Thread-tails or Tube-eyes 

Stylephorus chordatus Shaw, 1791. Thread-tail or Tube-eye. To 31 cm (12.2 in) TL (Pietsch in Quéro et al. 

1990). Circumglobal in temperate to tropical waters; in eastern Pacific from Yaquina Head, Oregon 

(44°45'N; RACE) to offshore San Diego (32°N, 124°W; SIO 88–79). At depths of 200–800 m (656– 

2,625 ft) (min.: Moore et al. 2003; max.: Pietsch 1990). Larvae of this species have been reported off 

Colombia (Beltrán-León and Rios Herrera 2000). A specimen collected from a net towed at 0–972 m 

(0–3,189 ft) in the Atlantic near a seamount (Moore et al. 2003) might not have entered the net near 

the maximum depth. Previously described as typically occurring in tropical to subtropical waters, but 

recent discoveries in cooler waters (e.g., Moore et al. [2003] and those reported herein) indicate broader 

distribution. 

Order Ophidiiformes 

Family Carapidae — Pearlfishes 

Echiodon exsilium Rosenblatt, 1961. Nocturnal Pearlfish. To 14.2 cm (5.6 in) SL (SIO 65-292). Tropical 

eastern Pacific (Markle in Nielsen et al. 1999); southern Baja California to Colombia (Beltrán-León 

and Rios Herrera 2000), including Islas Galápagos (Grove and Lavenberg 1997). Benthic, at depths of 

5–90 m (17–295 ft; Robertson and Allen 2002). 

Unidentified pearlfish. Jordan (1921) noted that a pearlfish identified as Fierasfer dubius Putnam, 1874, was 

collected “150 miles southwest of Point Loma,” southern California, placing the collection off northern 

Baja California. Fierasfer dubius, now Encheliophus dubius, is not known from the Pacific coast of Baja 

California. In addition, Jordan described the specimen as “encrusted in mother of pearl” (as occasionally 

happens to the commensal pearlfishes), which would have made identification to species problematic. 

49

Family Ophidiidae — Cusk-eels 

Bassozetus zenkevitchi Rass, 1955. Pacific coast of Honshu, Japan (Machida and Tachibana 1986) to 

southeastern Kamchatka (Sheiko and Fedorov 2000); one record from southeastern Bering Sea, Alaska 

at 56°N, 169°05'W (Orr et al. 2005). Mesopelagic to bathypelagic, collected at depths of 200–3,400 m 

(656–11,155 ft; Sheiko and Fedorov 2000); Alaska specimen caught in net fished to 997 m (3,271 ft) over 

about 1,500 m (4,921 ft) bottom depth(Orr et al. 2005). 

Brotula clarkae Hubbs, 1944. Clark’s Brotula, Pacific Bearded Brotula, Pinkbeard Cusk-eel, or Redbearded 

Cusk-eel. To 98 cm (38.6 in) TL (Robertson and Allen 2002). Cabo San Lazaro, southern Baja California 

(Ambrose in Moser 1996) to Paita, Peru (Chirichigno 1974), including Gulf of California (Robertson 

and Allen 2002). Adults benthopelagic, juveniles common on reefs (Nielsen and Cohen in Nielsen et al. 

1999), at depths of 1–645 m (3–2,116 ft; Robertson and Allen 2002). 

Brotulataenia nielseni Cohen, 1974. To 31.2 cm (12.3 in) SL (Machida et al. 1997). Pacific and Indian oceans; 

northern Baja California (about 31°50'N; Machida et al. 1997) to south of equator (14°46'S, 93°38'W; 

Cohen 1974). Pelagic and perhaps benthopelagic (Nielsen and Cohen in Nielsen et al. 1999), taken in 

nets fished between surface and 300 m (984 ft) to 1,200 m (3,936 ft; Cohen 1974). 

Cherublemma emmelas (Gilbert, 1890). Black Brotula. To 28.6 cm (11.3 in) TL (Kong et al. 1988). Southern 

Baja California (26°08'N, 113°20'W; De La Cruz-Agüero and Galván-Magaña 1992) to northern Chile 

(20°S; Sielfeld and Vargas 1996), including Gulf of California (Lea in Fischer et al. 1995). Adults on 

bottom, juveniles pelagic, at depths of 70–750 m (230–2,460 ft) (min.: Sielfeld and Vargas 1996; max.: 

Robins in Nielsen et al. 1999). 

Chilara taylori (Girard, 1858). Spotted Cusk-eel. To 39.6 cm (15.6 in) TL (Lea and Béarez 1999). Willapa 

Bay, Washington (Ambrose in Moser 1996) to Punta Rompiente (27°43'N, 114°58'W; LACM 32055.012), 

southern Baja California and Ecuador (Lea and Béarez 1999). Benthic, from shore (Robins in Nielsen 

et al. 1999); or intertidal and to depth of 731 m (2,398 ft) (min.: J. Carroll, pers. comm. to M. L.; max.: 

Ramsey et al. 2002). 

Dicrolene filamentosa Garman, 1899. Threadfin Cusk-eel. To 44 cm (17.3 in; FishBase). Eastern Pacific 

Ocean off Oregon (UW 17499, UW 48730, and UW 48731), southern Mexico, Colombia, Ecuador, and 

northern Peru (FishBase) to Huacho, Peru (Chirichigno and Vélez 1998). Benthopelagic, at depths of 

823–1,855 m (2,699–6,084 ft) (min.: UW 17499; max.: Nielsen and Cohen in Nielsen et al. 1999). 

Holcomycteronus profundissimus (Roule, 1913). To 30 cm (11.8 in) TL (Nielsen in Quéro et al. 1990). 

Circumglobal (Nielsen and Cohen in Nielsen et al. 1999); Oregon (Matarese et al. 1989). Benthopelagic, 

at depths of 5,180–7,160 m (16,990–23,485 ft) (min.: Pearcy et al. 1982; max.: Nielsen and Cohen in 

Nielsen et al. 1999). 

Lamprogrammus niger Alcock, 1891. Paperbone Cusk-eel. To 61 cm (24 in) TL (Nielsen in Quéro et al. 1990). 

Circumglobal (Nielsen and Cohen in Nielsen et al. 1999); Washington (47°12'N) to Point Conception, 

central California (34°32'N; Lauth 2001). Adults usually taken near bottom, small specimens occasionally 

in midwater trawls at mesopelagic depths (Nielsen and Cohen in Nielsen et al. 1999); 497–2,615 m 

(1,630–8,577 ft) (min.: Lauth 2000; max.: Moore et al. 2003). 

Lepophidium microlepis (Gilbert, 1890). Finescale Cusk-eel or Silver Cusk-eel. To 26 cm (10.2 in) SL (Velasco 

and Thiel 2002). Central Baja California (Lea in Fischer et al. 1995) to at least as far south as Paita, Peru 

(Chirichigno and Vélez 1998), including Gulf of California (Lea in Fischer et al. 1995). Benthic, at 

depths of 70–320 m (230–1,050 ft); shallower depths reported off Peru are likely in error (Robins in 

Nielsen et al. 1999). 

50

Lepophidium negropinna Hildebrand & Barton, 1949. Speckled Cusk-eel or Specklefin Cusk-eel. To 52 cm 

(20.5 in) TL (Robertson and Allen 2002). Isla Cedros, central Baja California to Gulf of California 

(Ambrose in Moser 1996) and to Islas Lobos de Afuera, Peru (Chirichigno 1974). Benthic, at depths of 

22–390 m (72–1,280 ft) (min.: Ambrose in Moser 1996; max.: Robins in Nielsen et al. 1999). 

Lepophidium pardale (Gilbert, 1890). Leopard Cusk-eel. To 21 cm (8.3 in) TL (Robertson and Allen 2002). 

Southern Baja California (23°33'N, 110°23'W; SIO 64-867) and Gulf of California (Robertson and Allen 

2002) to Isla Lobos de Tierra, Peru (Chirichigno and Veléz 1998). Benthic, at depths of 6–90 m (20– 

295 ft; Robins in Nielsen et al. 1999). 

Lepophidium prorates (Jordan & Bollman, 1890). Prowspine Cusk-eel or Spinesnout Brotula. To 32 cm (12.6 in) 

TL (Amezcua Linares 1996). Punta Prieta (27°01'N, 114°03'W), southern Baja California (González- 

Acosta et al. 1999) to Paita, Peru (Chirichigno 1974), including Gulf of California (Allen and Robertson 

1994). Benthic, at depths of 4–367 m (13–1,204 ft) (min.: Lea in Fischer et al. 1995; max.: Zeballos et 

al. 1998). Originally named Leptophidium prorates, but the spelling Leptophidium was preoccupied as a 

genus in Ophidia (snakes) and was replaced by Lepophidium for fishes (Eschmeyer 1998). 

Lepophidium stigmatistium (Gilbert, 1890). Blotchfin Cusk-eel or Mexican Cusk-eel. To 25 cm (9.8 in) TL 

(Robertson and Allen 2002). Isla Cedros, central Baja California (Ambrose in Moser 1996) and Gulf of 

California (Lea in Fischer et al. 1995). Benthic, at depths of 20–238 m (66–781 ft; Ambrose in Moser 1996). 

Ophidion galeoides (Gilbert, 1890). Shark Brotula, Spotfin Cusk-eel, or Striped Cusk-eel. To 21.5 cm (8.5 in) 

SL (Lea in Fischer et al. 1995). Bahia de Sebastian Vizcaino, central Baja California (Lea 1980) to northern 

Peru (Chirichigno and Vélez 1998), including Gulf of California (Allen and Robertson 1994). Benthic, 

near shore (Robins in Nielsen et al. 1999) from less than 1 m (3 ft) to 75 m (246 ft) (min.: Lea 1980; 

max.: Robins in Nielsen et al. 1999). 

*Ophidion imitator Lea, 1997. Mimic Cusk-eel. To 20 cm (7.9 in) TL (Robertson and Allen 2002). Off Cabo 

San Lucas, southern Baja California and Mazatlán to Gulf of Panama (Lea 1997). Benthic, at depths of 

18–232 m (59–761 ft) (min.: Lea 1997; max.: Lea 1980). All adults have been taken in waters greater than 

40 m (132 ft) deep (Lea 1980). 

*Ophidion iris Breder, 1936. Brighteye Cusk-eel or Rainbow Cusk-eel. To 25 cm (9.8 in) SL (Lea in Fischer et 

al. 1995). Gulf of California to southern tip of Baja California (Lea in Fischer et al. 1995). Benthic, from 

shore to 86 m (17–279 ft; Robins in Nielsen et al. 1999). 

Ophidion scrippsae (Hubbs, 1916). Basketweave Cusk-eel. To nearly 28 cm (11 in) TL (Eschmeyer and 

Herald 1983). Central California (37°38'N; Lauth 2001) to southern Baja California (24°12'N, 111°21'W; 

Cabrera Mancilla et al. 1988). The Gulf of California record is in error (Robins in Nielsen et al. 1999). 

Benthic, from shore to 110 m (361 ft; Robins in Nielsen et al. 1999), reported to 260 m (853 ft; RACE). 

*Otophidium indefatigabile Jordan & Bollman, 1890. Bighead Cusk-eel or Panamic Cusk-eel. To 11.7 cm 

(4.6 in) SL (Lea in Fischer et al. 1995). Gulf of California (Lea in Fischer et al. 1995) to Ecuador (Béarez 

1996), including the southern tip of Baja California (Lea in Fischer et al. 1995) and Islas Galápagos (Lea 

in Fischer et al. 1995). Benthic, at depths of 5–91 m (17–298 ft) (min.: Robertson and Allen 2002; max.: 

Lea in Fischer et al. 1995). 

Spectrunculus grandis (Günther, 1877). Giant Cusk-eel. To 138 cm (54.3 in) TL (Abe and Hiramoto 1984). 

Circumglobal (Nielsen and Cohen in Nielsen et al. 1999); Japan (Machida et al. 1987); northern Gulf 

of Alaska to California (Mecklenburg et al. 2002) and northern Chile (23°29'S; Kong et al. 1988). 

Benthopelagic at bathyal and abyssal depths (Nielsen and Cohen in Nielsen et al. 1999), with voucher 

specimens from depths of about 800–4,300 m (2,625–14,107 ft) (min.: Nielsen and Hureau 1980; max.: 

Machida in Masuda et al. 1984), and photographs of individuals just above the bottom as deep as 

6,273 m (20,580–ft; Machida et al. 1987). 

51

Family Bythitidae — Livebearing Brotulas or Viviparous Brotulas 

Brosmophycis marginata (Ayres, 1854). Red Brotula. To 46 cm (18 in) TL (Eschmeyer and Herald 1983), 

reported to 50.8 cm (20 in) TL (Miller and Lea 1976). Petersburg, southeastern Alaska (Schultz and 

Delacy 1936; documented by UW 2589 [Mecklenburg et al. 2002]) to Ensenada, northern Baja California 

(Miller and Lea 1972). However, larvae have been taken along much of the northern and central Baja 

California coast south to Punta Eugenia (Moser et al. 1993). Rocky areas at depths of 3–256 m (10– 

840 ft; Miller and Lea 1972). 

Cataetyx rubrirostris Gilbert, 1890. Rubynose Brotula. To 15.7 cm (6.2 in) TL (Kong et al. 1988). If the 

South American form is not this species, the maximum length is 13 cm (5.2 in) TL (Eschmeyer and 

Herald 1983). Northern Oregon to south Islas Coronados, northern Baja California (Gibbs 1991). 

Punta Coles, Peru (Chirichigno and Vélez 1998) to central Chile (Sielfeld and Vargas 1996). Specimens 

from South America may be this or an undescribed species (Nielsen and Cohen in Nielsen et al. 1999). 

Juveniles mesopelagic, larger individuals benthic at 432 m (1,417 ft; Lauth 1999) to 900 m (2,952 ft; 

Gibbs 1991). 

Grammonus diagrammus (Heller & Snodgrass, 1903). Purple Brotula. To 20.3 cm (8 in) TL (Miller and Lea 

1972). San Clemente Island (Miller and Lea 1972) and Santa Catalina Island (Richards and Engle 2001) 

to Ecuador (Béarez 1996), including Gulf of California, Islas Galápagos (Miller and Lea 1972), and 

Islas Revillagigedo (Robertson and Allen 2002). At depths of 6–18 m (18–60 ft; Miller and Lea 1972). 

Recently as Oligopus diagrammus. 

Ogilbia ventralis (Gill, 1863). Gulf Brotula or Gulf Cusk-eel. To 10 cm (3.9 in) TL (Grove and Lavenberg 

1997). Bahia Magdalena, southern Baja California (Thomson et al. 1979) to Panama, including Gulf of 

California (Allen and Robertson 1994) and Islas Galápagos (Grove and Lavenberg 1997). Intertidal and 

shallow waters (min.: Grove and Lavenberg 1997; max.: Allen and Robertson 1994) to perhaps 30 m 

(98 ft; Robertson and Allen 2002). Originally classified in genus Brosmophycis. Although sometimes 

seen with parentheses omitted, the author and date of publication of the name Ogilbia ventralis belong 

in parentheses to indicate the species was moved to another genus. 

Ogilbia spp. Numerous undescribed species of Ogilbia exist (Nielsen and Cohen in Nielsen et al. 1999:135), 

and at least one ranges as far north in eastern North Pacific as Bahia Todos Santos, northern Baja 

California (Thomson et al. 2000). 

*Thalassobathia pelagica Cohen, 1963. Pelagic Brotula. To 26 cm (10.2 in) SL. Temperate to tropical waters 

of Atlantic Ocean; one possible record from Commander Basin, western Bering Sea. Mesopelagic, at 

depths of about 500–1,000 m (1,640–3,281 ft). The Bering Sea specimen, which is the only one reported 

from the Pacific, was reported by Balanov and Fedorov (1996), who cautioned that the identification is 

disputable. If not T. pelagica, it may be an undescribed species. All in Mecklenburg et al. (2002). 

Family Aphyonidae — Aphyonids 

Barathronus pacificus Nielson & Eagle, 1974. To 12.8 cm (5 in) SL (Nielsen and Eagle 1974). Between 

Australia and New Zealand (Okiyama and Kato 1997); Oregon to northern California (Matarese et al. 

1989). Benthopelagic (Nielsen and Cohen in Nielsen et al. 1999), at depths of 3,334–3,860 m (10,938– 

12,664 ft) (min.: Nielsen and Eagle 1974; max.: Pearcy et al. 1982). 

Sciadonus pedicellaris Garman, 1899. To 10.2 cm (4 in) TL (McEachran and Fechhelm 1998). North Atlantic 

and eastern Pacific; Oregon (Matarese et al. 1989) to Chile (Pequeño 1989). Benthopelagic (Nielsen 

and Cohen in Nielsen et al. 1999), at depths of 1,847–4,880 m (6,060–16,010 ft) (min.: McEachran and 

Fechhelm 1998; max.: Nielsen and Cohen in Nielsen et al. 1999). 

52

Order Gadiformes 

Family Macrouridae — Grenadiers or Rattails 

Albatrossia pectoralis (Gilbert, 1892). Giant Grenadier or Small-eyed Rattail. To 180 cm (70.9 in) TL 

(Pakhorukov 2005). Okhotsk Sea (Tuponogov 1997) and northern Honshu, Japan to Bering Sea 

(Mecklenburg et al. 2002) to northern Baja California (Iwamoto in Cohen et al. 1990). Benthopelagic, young 

fish bathypelagic (Iwamoto and Stein 1974), at depths of 140–2,189 m (459–7,182 ft) (min.: Iwamoto in 

Cohen et al. 1990; max.: Pearcy et al. 1982). Originally in Macrurus, recently in Coryphaenoides. 

Caelorinchus scaphopsis (Gilbert, 1890). Shoulderspot Grenadier. To at least 34 cm (13.4 in) TL (Iwamoto 

in Cohen et al. 1990). Off northern California (41°14'N, 124°24'W; Hoff 2002) to the Gulf of California 

(Iwamoto and Schneider in Fischer et al. 1995). Benthopelagic at depths of 183–296 m (600–971 ft; 

Iwamoto in Cohen et al. 1990). Although the genus is often seen with spelling Caelorhynchus, the correct 

spelling is Caelorinchus (Eschmeyer 1998). 

Coryphaenoides acrolepis (Bean, 1884). Pacific Grenadier or Roughscale Rattail. To more than 87 cm 

(34.2 in) TL (Rass 1963). Sea of Okhotsk and Pacific off Japan to southern Bering Sea and Aleutian 

Islands (Mecklenburg et al. 2002) to Isla Guadalupe, central Baja California (Miller and Lea 1972). 

Benthopelagic and bathypelagic, typically at depths of 600–2,500 m (1,968–8,202 ft; Iwamoto and Stein 

1974), reported as shallow as 35 m and 155 m (115 ft and 508 ft; Evermann and Goldsborough 1907) 

and as deep as 2,825 m (9,268 ft; Pearcy et al. 1982). Originally in Macrurus. 

Coryphaenoides anguliceps (Garman, 1899). To more than 50 cm (19.7 in) TL (Iwamoto in Cohen et al. 

1990). Southernmost Baja California and Gulf of California (Iwamoto and Schneider in Fischer et al. 

1995) to northern Chile (26°S; Sielfeld and Vargas 1996) and Islas Galápagos (Iwamoto in Cohen et al. 

1990). Benthopelagic, at depths of 722–2,418 m (2,369–7,933 ft; Iwamoto in Cohen et al. 1990). 

Coryphaenoides armatus (Hector, 1875). Abyssal Grenadier or Smooth Abyssal Grenadier. To 102 cm 

(40.2 in) TL (Iwamoto in Cohen et al. 1990). All oceans except Arctic; Japan Trench (Nakabo in Nakabo 

2002); southeastern Bering Sea and Pacific south of Aleutian Islands (Mecklenburg et al. 2002) to Chile 

(Pequeño 1989). Benthopelagic, typically at depths of about 2,000–4,300 m (6,562–14,107 ft; Wilson 

and Waples 1983) or more (“about 5,000 m”; SIO 04-26) in the North Pacific (Wilson and Waples 

1983), to 4,700 m (15,420 ft) in the Atlantic (Grey 1956, Moore et al. 2003); reported from shallower 

(282 m [931 ft; Grey 1956]) or greater (5,180 m [16,995 ft; Pearcy et al. 1982]) depths, but not verifiable. 

Originally in Macrurus. 

*Coryphaenoides capito (Garman, 1899). Bighead Grenadier. To 32.4 cm (12.8 in) TL (Iwamoto and 

Schneider in Fischer et al. 1995). Gulf of California (Iwamoto and Schneider in Fischer et al. 1995) to 

northern Peru (Chirichigno and Vélez 1998), including southern tip of Baja California (Iwamoto and 

Schneider in Fischer et al. 1995). Benthopelagic, at depths of 305–1,000 m (1,001–3,281 ft; Iwamoto and 

Schneider in Fischer et al. 1995). 

Coryphaenoides cinereus (Gilbert, 1896). Gray Rattail or Popeye Grenadier. To 56 cm (22 in) TL (Iwamoto 

and Stein 1974). Northern Japan and southern Sea of Okhotsk to Navarin Canyon, Bering Sea 

(Mecklenburg et al. 2002) to Monterey Bay, central California (Hoff 1999). Benthopelagic, at depths of 

225–2,832 m (738–9,291 ft; Allen and Smith 1988). Reported from trawl nets towed as deep as 3,480 m 

(11,417 ft), but in nonclosing nets which would allow fish to enter at any depth during retrieval of the 

net (Makushok 1970). Originally in Macrurus. 

Coryphaenoides filifer (Gilbert,1896). Filamented Rattail or Threadfin Grenadier. To 66.2 cm (26.1 in) TL 

(Iwamoto and Stein 1974). Sea of Okhotsk off Hokkaido, Japan (Endo et al. 1994); southeastern Bering 

Sea and Aleutian Islands (Mecklenburg et al. 2002); northern British Columbia (G. E. Gillespie, pers. 

53

comm. to C. W. M.) to southern California (38°02'N; Iwamoto and Stein 1974). Although Ambrose (in 

Moser 1996) gives 32°N, this evidently is a generalization from Matarese et al. (1989) and not based on 

a specific record. Benthopelagic, at depths of 1,285–3,045 m (4,216–9,990 ft) (min.: Endo et al. 1994; 

max.: Pearcy et al. 1982). Recently as Chalinura filifera. 

Coryphaenoides leptolepis Günther, 1877. Ghostly Grenadier. To 62 cm (24.4 in) TL or more (Geistdoerfer 

in Quéro et al. 1990). North Atlantic and North Pacific; Japan (Iwamoto and Stein 1974); west of Prince 

of Wales Island in Gulf of Alaska (Bean 1890; locality corrected in Mecklenburg et al. 2002:274), and 

off Dixon Entrance, northern British Columbia (G. E. Gillespie, pers. comm. to C. W. M.) to southwest 

of Cabo San Lucas, southern Baja California (Iwamoto and Stein 1974). Benthopelagic, at depths of 

640–4,100 m (2,100–13,451 ft; Mecklenburg et al. 2002). In subgenus Chalinura, which some authors 

treat as a genus. This account includes Coryphaenoides (Chalinura) liocephalus (Günther, 1887) in the 

synonymy of C. leptolepis. The two forms could be distinct (although currently this is not considered 

likely), in which case C. liocephalus would be the name for the Pacific species; see discussion and citations 

in Mecklenburg et al. (2002:270). 

Coryphaenoides longifilis Günther, 1877. Longfin Grenadier. To 86 cm (33.9 in) TL (Okamura 1970). Pacific 

off southern Japan and Sea of Okhotsk off Kuril Islands to southern Bering Sea (Mecklenburg et al. 

2002). Benthopelagic, at depths of 700–2,025 m (2,297–6,644 ft) (min.: Iwamoto in Cohen et al. 1990; 

max.: Dudnik and Dolganov 1992). Also named in Macrurus. Date of publication of Coryphaenoides 

longifilis is sometimes given as 1887, but the correct date is 1877. Includes Bogoslovius clarki Jordan & 

Gilbert, 1898, from north of Bogoslof Island, Aleutian Islands, Alaska. 

Coryphaenoides yaquinae Iwamoto & Stein, 1974. Rough Abyssal Grenadier. To 87.2 cm (34.3 in) TL (SIO 

82-76). Japan Trench (Endo and Okamura 1992) and far offshore of Oregon to equator (Mecklenburg 

et al. 2002). Benthopelagic, at depths of about 3,400–6,450 m (11,155–21,161 ft) (min.: Wilson and 

Waples 1983; max.: Endo and Okamura 1992). 

Malacocephalus laevis (Lowe, 1843). Softhead Grenadier or Velvet Grenadier. To 60 cm (23.6 in) TL 

(Iwamoto in Smith and Heemstra 1986). Circumglobal; Point Sur, central California (Hoff 1999) to 

Baja California (Sazonov and Iwamoto 1992) and Chile (Pequeño 1989). Benthopelagic, at depths of 

200–1,220 m (656–4,003 ft) (min.: Iwamoto in Cohen et al. 1990; max. Pakhorukov 2001). 

Mesobius berryi Hubbs & Iwamoto, 1977. Berry’s Grenadier or Midwater Grenadier. To 41 cm (16.1 in) TL 

(Iwamoto and Williams 1999). Pacific and Indian oceans (Iwamoto and Williams 1999); eastern North 

Pacific from southern California (Ambrose in Moser 1996) to southern Baja California (Iwamoto and 

Schneider in Fischer et al. 1995), to Hawaii and Christmas Island (Ambrose in Moser 1996). Mainly 

bathypelagic, surface to 2,700 m (8,858 ft) (min.: Iwamoto and Schneider in Fischer et al. 1995; max.: 

Ambrose in Moser 1996). 

Nezumia kensmithi Wilson, 2001. Blunt-nosed Grenadier. To 39.8 cm (15.7 in) TL. Fieberling Guyot 

(32°28'N, 127°47'W). At 555 m (1,821 ft). Probably has also been taken at other seamounts in the same 

region. All in Wilson (2001). 

Nezumia liolepis (Gilbert, 1890). Smooth Grenadier. To about 30 cm (11.8 in) TL (Iwamoto in Cohen et al. 

1990). Southern Washington (45°57'N, 124°52'W; Hoff 1999) to southern Mexico (17°24'N) and Gulf 

of California (Iwamoto in Cohen et al. 1990). Benthopelagic, at depths of 681–1,655 m (2,234–5,430 ft) 

(min.: Lauth 1999; max.: Iwamoto in Cohen et al. 1990). 

Nezumia stelgidolepis (Gilbert, 1890). California Grenadier. To about 45 cm (17.5 in) TL (Iwamoto and 

Schneider in Fischer et al. 1995). Vancouver Island, British Columbia to northern Chile (26°S; Kong 

and Melendez 1991). Benthopelagic, at depths of 277–909 m (909–2,982 ft) (Iwamoto in Cohen et al. 

1990). 

54

Family Moridae — Codlings, Deepsea Cods, or Moras 

Antimora microlepis Bean, 1890. Pacific Flatnose or Small-scaled Blue Hake. To more than 66 cm (26 in) TL 

(Hart 1973). North Pacific (not circumglobal; Small 1981); tropical mid-North Pacific; Pacific off southern 

Japan (not in Japan Sea) to Sea of Okhotsk, to Bering Sea and Gulf of Alaska to Gulf of California (Allen 

and Smith 1988, Cohen in Cohen et al. 1990). Benthopelagic over continental slope at depths of about 175– 

3,048 m (574–10,000 ft; Allen and Smith 1988). Additional citations in Mecklenburg et al. (2002). For some 

time A. microlepis was classified as a junior synonym of Antimora rostrata (Günther, 1878), and reports of 

much larger A. microlepis or specimens reported from the South Pacific likely pertain to A. rostrata. 

Halargyreus johnsonii Günther, 1862. Dainty Mora, Slender Cod, or Slender Codling. To 56 cm (22 in) TL 

(Cohen in Cohen et al. 1990). Atlantic and Pacific; Japan (Okamura in Masuda et al. 1984) and Sea of 

Okhotsk to northwestern Bering Sea (Mecklenburg et al. 2002), eastern Bering Sea, and Gulf of Alaska 

(Hoff 2002) to central California (35°13'N, 121°41'W; Logan et al. 1993) and Chile (Kong and Melendez 

1991). Mesopelagic to bathypelagic and benthopelagic, at depths of 500–1,967 m (1,640–6,453 ft) (min.: 

M. L., unpubl. data; max.: Moore et al. 2003). 

Laemonema longipes Schmidt, 1938. Longfin Codling or Threadfin Hakeling. To about 70 cm (27.6 in) 

TL (Savin 1993). North Pacific off southern Japan (not in Japan Sea) to Okhotsk Sea, Kuril Islands 

(Savin 1993), and southeastern Kamchatka (Orlov 1998) to northern Bering Sea and southeast along 

continental slope to Aleutian Islands (Mecklenburg et al. 2002). Possibly reaching the Gulf of Alaska on 

feeding migrations (Savin 1993), but records documenting presence there are lacking (Mecklenburg et 

al. 2002). Benthopelagic, at depths of 102–2,025 m (335–6,644 ft) (min.: ZIN 41725; max.: Dudnik and 

Dolganov 1992). 

*Laemonema verecundum (Jordan & Cramer, 1897). Bighead Mora. To 11 cm (4.3 in) TL (Paulin in Fischer 

et al. 1995). Cabo San Lucas, southern Baja California (Paulin in Fischer et al. 1995) to about 15°N and 

Isla Clarión, Islas Revillagigedo, Mexico (Ambrose in Moser 1996). Mesopelagic (Paulin in Fischer et al. 

1995). Recently as Microlepedium verecunda. 

*Lepidion schmidti Svetovidov, 1936. Northern Gray Hakeling. To 101.2 cm (39.8 in) TL (Nakaya et al. 

1980). Atlantic and Pacific; Emperor Seamounts, Pacific off southern Japan, and Okhotsk Sea (Nakaya et 

al. 1980) to western Bering Sea off Commander Islands (Sheiko and Tranbenkova 1998). Benthopelagic 

at depths of 315–1,520 m (1,033–4,987 ft) (min.: Dudnik and Dolganov 1992; max.: Sawada in Amaoka 

et al. 1983). Additional citations in Mecklenburg et al. (2002). 

Physiculus nematopus Gilbert, 1890. Charcoal Codling. To 29 cm (11.4 in) TL (McCosker et al. 1997). 

Central Baja California (Paulin 1989) to Paita, Peru (Chirichigno and Vélez 1998), including southern 

Gulf of California (Robertson and Allen 2002) and Islas Galápagos (McCosker et al. 1997). Surface to 

1,270 m (4,167 ft) (min.: Paulin 1989; max.: Robertson and Allen 2002). 

Physiculus rastrelliger Gilbert, 1890. Hundred-fathom Codling. To 20.3 cm (8 in) TL (Miller and Lea 1972). 

Eureka, northern California (Miller and Lea 1972) to northern Peru (Chirichigno and Vélez 1998). At 

depths of 128–518 m (420–1,700 ft; Eschmeyer and Herald 1983). 

Physiculus talarae Hildebrand & Barton, 1949. Peruvian Codling. To 25 cm (9.8 in) TL (Paulin in Fischer et 

al. 1995). Central Baja California to Peru, not in Gulf of California (Robertson and Allen 2002). Surface 

to 330 m (1,083 ft) (min.: Robertson and Allen 2002; max.: Zeballos et al. 1998). 

Family Melanonidae — Pelagic Cods 

Melanonus zugmayeri Norman, 1930. Arrowtail, Black Pelagic Cod, or Coalfish. To 29.4 cm (11.6 in) TL 

(Henriques et al. 2001). Circumglobal; Pacific off Honshu, Japan (Nakabo in Nakabo 2002); near Alaska 

off Dixon Entrance, northern British Columbia (G. E. Gillespie, pers. comm. to C. W. M.), southern 

55

British Columbia (Peden 1975), and California (Eschmeyer and Herald 1983) to northern Chile (21°05'S, 

71°07'W; Melendez and Sielfeld 1991). Oceanic, mainly mesopelagic and bathypelagic, at depths of 

0–1,291 m (0–4,235 ft; Moore et al. 2003). 

Family Bregmacerotidae — Codlets 

Bregmaceros bathymaster Jordan & Bollman, 1890. East Pacific Codlet. To 10 cm (3.9 in) TL (De La Cruz- 

Agüero et al. 1997). Tropical Pacific; off Bahia Magdalena, southern Baja California to Chile (De La Cruz- 

Agüero et al. 1997), including Gulf of California (Galván-Magaña et al. 1996). Surface (SIO 63-632) to 

at least 1,246 m (4,088 ft; LACM 21995.000). 

Family Merlucciidae — Merlucciid Hakes 

The common name for this family is correctly spelled with two is; often seen with one i. 

Merluccius angustimanus Garman, 1899. Panama Hake. To 40 cm (15.7 in) TL (Cohen in Cohen et al. 1990). Off 

Del Mar, southern California (Ginsburg 1954) to Colombia (Cohen in Cohen et al. 1990), including Gulf of 

California (Inada in Fischer et al. 1995). At depths of 80–500 m (262–1,640 ft; Cohen in Cohen et al. 1990). 

Merluccius productus (Ayres, 1855). Pacific Hake. To 91.4 cm (36 in) TL (Miller and Lea 1972). Attu Island, 

Aleutian Islands (one record) and Gulf of Alaska (Mecklenburg et al. 2002) to Bahia Magdalena, southern 

Baja California and Gulf of California (Miller and Lea 1972) to Mexcaltitán, southern Mexico (21°50'N; 

Amezcua Linares 1996). Reported for continental slope of Bering Sea (Fedorov 1973), but vouchers are 

needed to confirm continued existence there (Mecklenburg et al. 2002). Oceanic and neritic pelagic (Inada 

in Cohen et al. 1990), at depths of 12–1,400 m (39–4,593 ft) (min.: M. L., unpubl. data; max.: Lauth 2000). 

Family Gadidae — Cods 

Arctogadus glacialis (Peters, 1872). Arctic Cod or Polar Cod. To 60 cm (23.6 in) TL (Coad 1995). Arctic 

Ocean from Siberia to Greenland and northern Baffin Island (Cohen in Cohen et al. 1990, Endo in 

Okamura et al. 1995); two records off Alaska in Beaufort Sea (Mecklenburg et al. 2002:291, 292). Pelagic 

and probably also benthic (Jordan et al. 2003), typically far offshore beyond continental shelf under 

drifting ice and in ice cracks (Cohen in Cohen et al. 1990), also in river mouths (Jordan et al. 2003), 

in depths of 5–930 m (16–3,051 ft; Jordan et al. 2003). Molecular studies showed no genetic difference 

between A. glacialis and A. borisovi Dryagin, 1932 (Møller et al. 2002), the so-called Toothed Cod. 

Jordan et al. (2003) examined morphology of both forms and revised the genus, classifying A. borisovi 

as a junior synonym of A. glacialis. 

Boreogadus saida (Lepechin, 1774). Arctic Cod or Polar Cod. To 40 cm (15.7 in) TL, usually less than 25 

cm (9.8 in; Cohen in Cohen et al. 1990). The largest we know of from our area is a specimen from the 

Chukchi Sea off Cape Lisburne measuring 28.8 cm (11.3 in) TL (specimen provided by Dave Roseneau 

to L. K. T., unpubl. data). Circumpolar in Arctic (Cohen in Cohen et al. 1990); Arctic Siberia to Cape 

Olyutorskiy, western Bering Sea; Beaufort Sea (Frost and Lowry 1981) to Bristol Bay, southeastern 

Bering Sea (Allen and Smith 1988). Brackish lagoons, river mouths (Morrow 1980), and ocean to depth 

of 731 m (2,398 ft; Allen and Smith 1988). Additional citations in Mecklenburg et al. (2002). 

Eleginus gracilis (Tilesius, 1810). Saffron Cod. To at least 55 cm (21.6 in) TL (Cohen in Cohen et al. 1990). 

North Pacific and adjacent Arctic; Yellow Sea to East Siberian Sea and east to Dease Strait, western 

Canada; Beaufort, Chukchi, and Bering seas and Gulf of Alaska to Sitka, southeastern Alaska (rare in 

Gulf of Alaska; Mecklenburg et al. 2002). Brackish waters and river mouths to limit of tidal influence 

(Morrow 1980), to continental shelf edge at depth of 200 m (656 ft; Cohen in Cohen et al. 1990). 

Molecular evidence indicates Eleginus should be synonymized with Microgradus (Carr et al. 1999); 

additional studies are needed for confirmation. 

56

Gadus macrocephalus Tilesius, 1810. Gray Cod, Pacific Cod, or True Cod. To 120 cm (47.2 in) TL (Morrow 

1980). Yellow Sea off Manchuria, China to Bering Sea, Aleutian Islands, and Gulf of Alaska (Mecklenburg 

et al. 2002) to Santa Monica, southern California (Miller and Lea 1972). Well documented north 

almost to Bering Strait (Mecklenburg et al. 2002); reported to Chukchi Sea (Barber et al. 1997), but 

documentation lacking (Mecklenburg et al. 2002). Benthic, also pelagic over deep water, near surface to 

depth of 875 m (2,871 ft; Allen and Smith 1988); sometimes in surf zone (Miller et al. 1980). 

Gadus ogac Richardson, 1836. Greenland Cod or Ogac. To 71.1 cm (28.0 in) TL (Coad 1995). Beaufort Sea 

off Alaska to west coast of Greenland and western Atlantic to Gulf of St. Lawrence and Cape Breton 

Island; disjunct population in White Sea (Cohen in Cohen et al. 1990). Near coast from surface to 200 m 

(656 ft; Cohen in Cohen et al. 1990), occasionally offshore to depth of 400 m (1,312 ft; Coad 1995). 

Reported from Chukchi Sea but this report seems to be a mistake, and even those from Beaufort Sea are 

not well documented (Mecklenburg et al. 2002). Molecular evidence indicates G. ogac is a synonym of 

G. macrocephalus (Carr et al. 1999); like Nelson et al. (2004), we await confirmation from other studies 

before making this change. 

Microgadus proximus (Girard, 1854). Pacific Tomcod or Tomcod. To 37 cm (14.6 in) TL (Mecklenburg et 

al. 2002). Southeastern Bering Sea and eastern Aleutian Islands (Mecklenburg et al. 2002) to Point Sal, 

central California (Miller and Lea 1972). Demersal, sometimes enters brackish waters, near surface 

(young fish; Eschmeyer and Herald 1983) to 275 m (905 ft; Allen and Smith 1988); sometimes in surf 

zone (Miller et al. 1980). 

Theragra chalcogramma (Pallas, 1814). Pacific Pollock or Walleye Pollock. To 91 cm (36 in) TL (Clemens 

and Wilby 1946). Seas of Okhotsk and Japan (Okamura in Masuda et al. 1984) to southern Chukchi 

Sea (Barber et al. 1997), Bering Sea, and Gulf of Alaska (Allen and Smith 1988) to Carmel, central 

California (Miller and Lea 1972). Generally demersal, also taken pelagically near surface and in midwater 

(Mecklenburg et al. 2002), to depth of 1,200 m (3,921 ft; Hoff and Britt 2003); sometimes in surf zone 

(Miller et al. 1980). 

Order Batrachoidiformes 

Family Batrachoididae — Toadfishes 

Porichthys analis Hubbs & Schultz, 1939. Darkedge Midshipman. To 30 cm (11.8 in) TL (Amezcua Linares 

1996). Bahia Magdalena, southern Baja California (Watson in Moser 1996) to Bahia de Tenacatita, 

southern Mexico (Walker and Rosenblatt 1988), including Gulf of California (Walker and Rosenblatt 

1988). Intertidal and to 224 m (735 ft; Walker and Rosenblatt 1988). 

*Porichthys ephippiatus Walker & Rosenblatt, 1988. Saddle Midshipman. To 13.5 cm (5.3 in) TL (Robertson 

and Allen 2002). Southern tip of Baja California and Pacific coast of Mexico to Guatemala (Robertson 

and Allen 2002). At depths of 15–242 m (50–794 ft; Walker and Rosenblatt 1988). 

Porichthys margaritatus (Richardson, 1844). Blotched Midshipman, Bronze Midshipman, Daisy Midshipman, 

or Pearlspot Midshipman. To 19 cm (7.5 in) TL (Robertson and Allen 2002). Bahia de Sebastian Vizcaino 

(about 27°52'N, 114°38'W; Cabrera Mancilla et al. 1988) to Bahia de Sechura, Peru (Chirichigno 1974), 

including Gulf of California (Robertson and Allen 2002) and Islas Galápagos (Collette in Fischer et al. 

1995). At depths of 5–137 m (15–449 ft; Walker and Rosenblatt 1988). 

*Porichthys mimeticus Walker & Rosenblatt, 1988. Mimetic Midshipman or Mimic Midshipman. To 21.5 cm 

(8.6 in) SL (Robertson and Allen 2002). Gulf of California to southern tip of Baja California (outer 

Gorda Bank; Walker and Rosenblatt 1988). At depths of 82–185 m (269–607 ft; Walker and Rosenblatt 

1988). 

57

Porichthys myriaster Hubbs & Schultz, 1939. Speckled Midshipman or Specklefin Midshipman. To 51 cm 

(20 in) TL (Eschmeyer and Herald 1983). Near Point Arguello, California (Walker and Rosenblatt 1988) 

to at least Bahia Magdalena, southern Baja California (De La Cruz-Agüero et al. 1994). Also reported in 

northern Peru (Chirichigno and Vélez 1998). Intertidal zone and to 126 m (414 ft) (min.: Walker and 

Rosenblatt 1988; max.: Miller and Lea 1972). 

Porichthys notatus Girard, 1854. Plainfin Midshipman. To 38 cm (15 in) TL (Clemens and Wilby 1946). 

Smith Sound, southern British Columbia to southern Baja California (about 24°12'N, 111°21'W; 

Cabrera Mancilla et al. 1988). Intertidal depths and to 383 m (1,256 ft) (min.: Eschmeyer and Herald 

1983; max.: Wilkins et al. 1998). Records south of Baja California and into the Gulf of California are 

misidentifications (Allen and Smith 1988); P. notatus is replaced by P. mimeticus in the Gulf of California 

(Walker and Rosenblatt 1988). Although reported from Sitka, southeastern Alaska, no one has ever been 

able to confirm an Alaskan record; see discussion by Mecklenburg et al. (2002:299). 

Order Lophiiformes 

Family Lophiidae — Goosefishes or Monkfishes 

Lophiodes caulinaris (Garman, 1899). Pacific Anglerfish, Pacific Goosefish, Spottedtail Goosefish, or 

Whitespotted Goosefish. To 40 cm (15.7 in) TL (Robertson and Allen 2002). Morro Bay, central 

California (Lea et al. 1984) to Callao, Peru (Chirichigno and Vélez 1998), including Gulf of California 

(Caruso 1981) and various offshore islands (Robertson and Allen 2002). One record, possibly in error, 

from Islas Galápagos (Grove and Lavenberg 1997). At depths of 15–380 m (49–1,246 ft) (min.: Caruso 


Lophiodes spilurus (Garman, 1899). Threadfin Goosefish. To 35.4 cm (13.9 in) TL (Lea et al. 1984). Off 

Monterey Bay, central California (Lea et al. 1984) to northern Peru (Chirichigno and Vélez 1998), 

including Gulf of California (Fitch and Lavenberg 1968). At depths of 80–475 m (262–1,558 ft) (min.: 

Robertson and Allen 2002; max.: Allen and Robertson 1994). 

Lophiomus setigerus (Vahl, 1797). To 1 m (39.4 in) SL (Nakabo in Masuda et al. 1984). Pacific and Indian 

oceans; Japan (Nakabo in Masuda et al. 1984), Bahia Magdalena, southern Baja California (De La Cruz- 

Agüero et al. 1994). At depths of 30–500 m (98–1,640 ft; Yamada in Nakabo 2002). 

Family Antennariidae — Frogfishes 

Antennarius avalonis Jordan & Starks, 1907. Roughjaw Frogfish. To 35.8 cm (14.1 in) TL (Amezcua Linares 

1996). Santa Catalina Island, southern California (Miller and Lea 1972) to Pisco, Peru (Chirichigno 

1974), including Gulf of California (Watson in Moser 1996), Islas Galápagos (Grove and Lavenberg 

1997), and Isla Cocos (Robertson and Allen 2002). Intertidal and to 300 m (984 ft) (min.: Eschmeyer 

and Herald 1983; max.: Schneider and Lavenburg 1995). 

*Antennarius sanguineus Gill, 1863. Bloody Frogfish or Sanguine Frogfish. To 10 cm (3.9 in) TL (Allen and 

Robertson 1994). Lower Gulf of California and southern tip of Baja California (Schneider and Lavenburg 

1995) to Chile (Allen and Robertson 1994), including Islas Galápagos (Grove and Lavenberg 1997). At 

depths of 1–40 m (3–131 ft) (min.: Allen and Robertson 1994; max.: Schneider and Lavenberg 1995). 

*Antennarius strigatus (Gill, 1863). Bandtail Frogfish. To 9.5 cm (3.7 in) TL (Robertson and Allen 2002). 

Lower Gulf of California and southern tipof Baja California (Schneider and Lavenberg 1995) to Ecuador 

(Béarez 1996), including Islas Galápagos (Grove and Lavenberg 1997) and other offshore islands 

(Robertson and Allen 2002). At depths of 1–40 m (3–131 ft; Allen and Robertson 1994). 

58

Family Ogcocephalidae — Batfishes 

Dibranchus spongiosa (Gilbert, 1890). To 13.3 cm (5.2 in) SL. Off Bahia Magdalena, southern Baja California 

to Gulf of Tehuantepec and Islas Revillagigedo, Mexico. At depths of 700–1,244 m (2,296–4,080 ft). All 

in Bradbury (1999). 

Zalieutes elater (Jordan & Gilbert, 1882). Rounded Batfish. To 16.5 cm (6.5 in) TL (Amezcua Linares 1996). 

Southern Oregon (M. L., unpubl. data) to Paita, Peru (Chirichigno 1974), including Gulf of California 

(Watson in Moser 1996), Isla Cocos, and Isla Malpelo (Robertson and Allen 2002). At depths of about 

10 m (33 ft; Aguilar-Palomino 2001) to 130 m (426 ft; Amezcua Linares 1996). 

Family Caulophrynidae — Fanfins 

Caulophryne jordani Goode & Bean, 1896. Fanfin. To slightly more than 20 cm (8 in) TL (Fitch and Lavenberg 

1968). Circumglobal; in eastern Pacific, as far north as southern California (Fitch and Lavenberg 1968). 

Bathypelagic, at a minimum of 600 m (1,968 ft; Lavenberg and Ebeling 1967), likely down to at least 1,500 m 

(4,920 ft; Pietsch 1979) and possibly 1,902 m (6,239 ft; Stearn and Pietsch in Okamura et al. 1995). 

Caulophryne pelagica (Brauer, 1902). To 9.2 cm (3.6 in) SL (Pietsch 1979). Pacific and Indian oceans; Japan 

(Nakabo in Nakabo 2002); as far north as Isla Guadalupe, central Baja California (Pietsch 1979). At 

depths of 500–1,500 m (1,640–4,920 ft; Nakabo in Nakabo 2002). The original name was Melanocetus 

pelagicus. 

Caulophryne polynema Regan, 1930. To 14.2 cm (5.6 in) SL. Circumglobal; southern California as far north 

as 33°10'N. To at least 1,000 m (3,280 ft) and probably deeper. All in Pietsch (1979). 

Family Centrophrynidae — Deepsea Anglerfishes 

Centrophryne spinulosa Regan & Trewavas, 1932. To 23 cm (9.1 in) SL (Bertelsen in Quéro et al. 1990). 

Circumglobal; off Punta Abreojos, southern Baja California to Gulf of Panama (Pietsch 1972). At depths 

of about 590–2,325 m (1,935–7,626 ft; Pietsch 1972). 

Family Melanocetidae — Blackdevils 

Melanocetus johnsonii Günther, 1864. Blackdevil. To 64 cm (25.2 in) SL (Kong and Melendez 1991). We note 

that that record is much larger than the next largest fish, an 18 cm (7.2 in) SL individual listed by Pietsch 

(1986). Circumglobal (Pietsch in Smith and Heemstra 1986); Japan (Nakabo in Nakabo 2002); as far 

north as off Trinidad Head, northern California (40°58'N; RACE) and south to northern Chile (31°14'S; 

Kong and Melendez 1991). Mesopelagic and bathypelagic, at about 100–2,100 m (328–6,888 ft) or more 

(min.: Bertelsen in Whitehead et al. 1986; max.: Pietsch and Van Duzer 1980). 

Family Linophrynidae — Netdevils 

Borophryne apogon Regan, 1925. Netdevil Anglerfish. To 8.9 cm (3.5 in) SL (SIO 68-112). Southern Baja 

California (26°31'N, 114°34'W; De La Cruz-Agüero and Galván-Magaña 1992) to south of equator 

(4°25'S, 81°51'W; SIO 71-335). Primarily mesopelagic. Deep tows include 1,900 m (6,233 ft; De La 

Cruz-Agüero 1998) and 2,086 m (6,842 ft; SIO 60-112) . 

Linophryne coronata Parr, 1927. To 22.5 cm (8.9 in) SL (Bertelsen 1982). Atlantic and Pacific; three individuals 

within our range, from southern California (34°33'N, 121°06'W; SIO 86-31), northern Baja California 

(32°39'N, 117°33'W; SIO 00-164), and off central Baja California (27°10'N, 138°11'W; SIO 60–282). 

Mesopelagic to at least 1,180 m (3,870 ft; Stearn and Pietsch in Okamura et al. 1995). 

Linophryne racemifera Regan & Trewavas, 1932. To 8.1 cm (3.2 in) SL. Atlantic and Pacific; southern 

California. All in Bertelsen (1982). 

59

Family Oneirodidae — Dreamers 

Bertella idiomorpha Pietsch, 1973. Spikehead Dreamer. To about 10.1 cm (4.0 in) SL (Balanov and Fedorov 

1996). Southern Japan (Pietsch 1973) and southern Kuril Islands (Parin et al. 1995) to Bering Sea (Balanov 

and Fedorov 1996) and western Gulf of Alaska to Gulf of California (Pietsch 1973). Mesopelagic and 

bathypelagic to bathybenthic, collected at depths to 2,900 m (9,514 ft) over bottom depths of 805– 

5,920 m (2,641–19,422 ft; Mecklenburg et al. 2002). 

Chaenophryne draco Beebe, 1932. Smoothhead Dreamer. To 9.7 cm (3.8 in) SL (Stewart and Pietsch 1998). 

Circumglobal; Japan and Hawaiian Islands (Pietsch 1975); Point Reyes, northern California (SIO 

67-122) to northern Peru (4°10'S, 81°27'W; SIO 78-37), midocean west of Peru (4°20'S, 116°46'W; 

Pietsch 1975), and near Islas Galápagos (SIO 52-409). Mesopelagic and bathypelagic, at depths of about 

350 m (1,148 ft) to an unknown lower limit, evidently concentrated at 700–1,500 m (2,297–4,921 ft) 

(Pietsch 1975). Chaenophryne parviconus Regan & Trewavas, 1932, is a junior synonym. 

Chaenophryne longiceps Regan, 1925. To 19.0 cm (7.5 in) SL (Stearn and Pietsch in Okamura et al. 1995). 

Circumglobal; as far west in Pacific as Hawaiian Islands (Pietsch 1975); Oregon (about 45°N; Pietsch 

1975) to Chile (23°29'S, 72°20'W; SIO 72-171 [about 23°S; Pietsch 1975]). Mesopelagic, at depths of 

200–1,174 m (656–3,852 ft) (min.: Matarese et al. 1989; max.: Stearn and Pietsch in Okamura et al. 

1995); most specimens caught in nets fished below 850 m (2,789 ft; Pietsch 1975). 

Chaenophryne melanorhabdus Regan & Trewavas, 1932. Blobby Dreamer or Smooth Dreamer. To 9.7 cm 

(3.8 in) SL (Pietsch 1975). Southern British Columbia off Cape Flattery (Peden et al. 1985) to Peru 

(USNM 213733, verified by T. W. Pietsch, pers. comm. to C.W.M.). Mesopelagic, between about 200 m 

(656 ft) and an unknown lower limit, evidently concentrated at 300–1,000 m (984–3,281 ft), mostly 

collected by nets fished below 450 m (1,476 ft; Pietsch 1975). 

Dolopichthys longicornis Parr, 1927. Longhorn Dreamer. To 16 cm (6.3 in) SL (Pietsch 1972). Circumglobal; in 

eastern Pacific from northern California (Pietsch 1972) to Chile (Pequeño 1989) and west to about 177°W. 

Mesopelagic and bathypelagic, collected by nets fished as deep as 6,420 m (21,063 ft) (Pietsch 1972). 

Dolopichthys pullatus Regan & Trewavas, 1932. To 11.5 cm (4.5 in) SL. Circumglobal; in eastern Pacific from 

southern California to Chile, including Gulf of California, and west to about 180°W between about 

34°N and 34°S. Mesopelagic and bathypelagic, collected by nets fished as deep as 2,080 m (6,824 ft). All 

in Pietsch (1972). 

Microlophichthys microlophus (Regan, 1925). To 10.6 cm (4.2 in) SL (Bertelsen and Pietsch 1977). Circumglobal; 

well off southern California (32°00'N, 136°12'W; SIO 70-306). Mesopelagic and bathypelagic, 

taken as deep as 2,000 m (6,562 ft) or more (Grey 1956), perhaps to 4,000 m (13,123 ft; Moore et al. 

2003). Originally in Dolopichthys. 

Oneirodes acanthias (Gilbert, 1915). Southern Spiny Dreamer. To 16.7 cm (6.6 in) SL (Pietsch 1974), 

perhaps to 20 cm (8 in) TL (Fitch and Lavenberg 1968). Eastern North Pacific; northern California 

(38°04'N, 123°58'W; SIO 67-116) to southern Baja California (26°51'N; Pietsch 1974).Mesopelagic and 

bathypelagic, concentrated at 500–1,250 m (1,650–4,125 ft; Pietsch 1974). Originally in Monoceratias. 

Oneirodes basili Pietsch, 1974. Ladlepole Dreamer. To 15.9 cm (6.3 in) SL. Southern California (33°06'N, 

118°22'W) to Isla Guadalupe, central Baja California. Described from three individuals. Probably 

mesopelagic and bathypelagic, but not enough data to be certain; taken in nets fished to maximum 

depths of 700–1,400 m (2,296–4,593 ft). All in Pietsch (1974). 

Oneirodes bulbosus Chapman, 1939. Bulbous Dreamer. To 23 cm (9.1 in) TL (Orlov and Tokranov 2005). 

North Pacific north of about 40°; Sea of Okhotsk off Hokkaido, Japan (Nakabo in Nakabo 2002) to 

northern Bering Sea, Aleutian Islands, and Gulf of Alaska (Pietsch 1974, Mecklenburg et al. 2002); one 

60

ecord in midocean west of Oregon (Pietsch 1974). Mesopelagic (primarily) and bathypelagic, taken 

in nets fished to maximum depths of 470–1,500 m (692–4,921 ft) and more with most occurring at 

600–1,000 m (1,968–3,280 ft; Mecklenburg et al. 2002). 

Oneirodes eschrichtii Lütken, 1871. Cosmopolitan Dreamer or Twopole Dreamer. To 21.3 cm (8.4 in) SL 

(Pietsch 1974). Circumglobal; Kuril–Kamchatka Trench (49°29'N, 158°41'E; Pietsch 1974); southern 

California (33°N) to Chile (34°S; Pietsch 1974). Mesopelagic to bathypelagic, taken in nets fished to 

maximum depths of 150–6,200 m (492–20,341 ft; Mecklenburg et al. 2002). 

Oneirodes thompsoni (Schultz, 1934). Alaska Dreamer or Spiny Dreamer. To 21 cm (7.1 in) TL (Orlov 

and Tokranov 2005). North Pacific Ocean; Honshu, Japan (Shinohara et al. 1996) and Sea of Okhotsk 

(Amaoka in Masuda et al. 1984) to Bering Sea and Gulf of Alaska (Pietsch 1974, Mecklenburg et al. 

2002) to northern California (41°20’N, 144°10’W; Pietsch 1974). Mesopelagic and bathypelagic, at 

depths of about 500–1,500 m (1,640–4,921 ft) or more (Mecklenburg et al. 2002), with most collected 

at 600–1,250 m (1,968–4,101 ft; Pietsch 1974). Originally in Dolopichthys. 

Phyllorhinichthys micractis Pietsch, 1969. To 12 cm (4.7 in) SL. Circumglobal; Japan (Pietsch 1972), Emperor 

Seamounts, and Line Islands (Pietsch 2004); in eastern Pacific off Isla Guadalupe, central Baja California 

(Pietsch 1969). Probably mesopelagic and bathypelagic, taken by open nets fishing to maximum depth 

of 3,600 m (11,811 ft). All in Pietsch (2004). 

Family Himantolophidae — Footballfishes 

Himantolophus nigricornis Bertelsen & Krefft, 1988. To 19.5 cm (7.7 in) SL (Bertelsen and Krefft 1988). 

Off Monterey Bay, central California (SIO 94-171); in San Clemente Basin, southern California; and in 

western tropical Pacific (Bertelsen and Krefft 1988). Scanty catch data imply this species may live from 

219 m (720 ft; SIO 94-71) to 2,500 m (8,200 ft) or more (Bertelsen and Krefft 1988). 

Himantolophus sagamius (Tanaka, 1918). Pacific Footballfish. To 38.0 cm (15 in) SL (Klepadlo et al. 2003). 

Japan and northern California (Bertelsen and Krefft 1988) to Chile (Pequeño 1997). At depths of 300– 

915 m (984–3,001 ft) (min.: M. Schaadt, pers. comm. to M. L.; max.: Bertelsen and Krefft 1988) and 

perhaps to 1,300 m (4,264 ft; Bertelsen and Krefft 1988). Reported as Himantolophus sp. in Lea (1988). 

Classified by some authors as a synonym of Himantolophus groenlandicus Reinhardt, 1837. 

Family Ceratiidae — Seadevils 

Ceratias holboelli Krøyer, 1845. Northern Giant Seadevil or Northern Seadevil. To 145 cm (57 in) SL (Pietsch 

in Smith and Heemstra 1986). Circumglobal; Japan; Hawaii; Bering Sea, Gulf of Alaska, and off British 

Columbia and central California (Mecklenburg et al. 2002). Mesopelagic to bathypelagic at depths of 

120–3,400 m (394–11,154 ft; Mecklenburg et al. 2002). 

Cryptopsaras couesii Gill, 1883. Triplewart Seadevil. To about 44 cm (17.6 in) TL (Mecklenburg et al. 2002). 

Circumglobal, with overall latitudinal range of 63°N to 43°S (Pietsch 1986); Greenland; Japan to New 

Zealand; Hawaii (Pietsch 1986); Monterey Bay, central California (Fast 1957) to Peru (Pietsch 1986). 

Mesopelagic to bathypelagic, at depths of 75–4,000 m (246–13,123 ft) but mostly taken at 500–1,250 m 

(1,640–4,101 ft; Pietsch 1986). 

Family Thaumatichthyidae — Wolftrap Anglers 

Thaumatichthys axeli (Bruun, 1953). To 36.5 cm (14.4 in) SL. Two known specimens: one from Patton 

escarpment, well off southern California; the other from 9°23'N, 87°32'W. Both specimens from deep 

water; the southern California fish was taken in an otter trawl at 3,578–3,671 m (11,736–12,041 ft), the 

second fish in a herring otter trawl at 3,570 m (11,710 ft). All in Bertelsen and Struhsaker (1977). 

61

Family Gigantactinidae — Whipnoses 

Gigantactis gargantua Bertelsen, Pietsch, & Lavenberg, 1981. To 40.8 cm (16.1 in) SL (Bertelsen et al. 1981). 

North Pacific and Indian oceans; off northern Honshu, Japan (Amaoka in Amaoka et al. 1983); Hawaii 

and southern California (Bertelsen et al. 1981). One probable record off northern Oregon (Mecklenburg 

et al. 2002). Mesopelagic to bathypelagic, taken in open nets fished to maximum depths of 500–1,535 m 

(1,640–5,036 ft) (min.: Bertelsen et al. 1981; max.: Amaoka in Amaoka et al. 1983). 

Gigantactis macronema Regan, 1925. Longpole Whipnose. To 35.4 cm (13.9 in) SL. Eastern North Pacific 

and North and South Atlantic oceans; Hawaii, southern California, and Baja California. Mesopelagic 

to bathypelagic, taken in open nets fished to maximum depths of 650–2,500 m (2,132–8,202 ft). All in 

Bertelsen et al. (1981). 

Gigantactis microdontis Bertelsen, Pietsch, & Lavenberg, 1981. To 12.7 cm (5.0 in) SL. Eastern North and 

South Pacific oceans; Hawaii, southern California, and Peru. Mesopelagic to bathypelagic, taken in open 

nets fished above 700 m (2,297 ft) and above 1,200 m (3,937 ft). All in Bertelsen et al. (1981). 

Gigantactis savagei Bertelsen, Pietsch, & Lavenberg, 1981. To 15.0 cm (5.9 in) SL. North Pacific Ocean; Hawaii 

and southern California. Mesopelagic to bathypelagic, taken in open nets fished above 700 m (2,297 ft) 

and at maximum depths of about 1,000–1,250 m (3,280–4,100 ft). All in Bertelsen et al. (1981). 

Gigantactis vanhoeffeni Brauer, 1902. Cosmopolitan Whipnose. To 34.0 cm (13.4 in) SL (Bertelsen et al. 

1981). Circumglobal, with overall latitudinal range of 63°N to 15°S ; Japan (Bertelsen et al. 1981); Oregon 

(Mecklenburg et al. 2002) to Chile (Pequeño 1989). Kodiak Island, Gulf of Alaska report is unconfirmed 

(Mecklenburg et al. 2002). Mesopelagic to bathypelagic, taken in open nets fished at maximum depths 

of 300–5,300 m (984–17,388 ft; Bertelsen et al. 1981). 

Order Mugiliformes 

Family Mugilidae — Mullets 

Agonostomus monticola (Bancroft, 1834). Mountain Mullet. To 36 cm (14.2 in) TL (Harrison in Fischer et 

al. 1995). Southern Baja California (Harrison in Fischer et al. 1995) to northern Peru, including Gulf 

of California (Robertson and Allen 2002). A nearshore species, also found in streams (SIO 67-237); 

including intertidal waters (SIO 58-209) and at the surface (SIO 55-233). 

Chaenomugil proboscideus (Günther, 1861). Snouted Mullet or Thick-lipped Mullet. To 22 cm (8.7 in) TL 

(Harrison in Fischer et al. 1995). Bahia Magdalena, southern Baja California (LACM 49264.001) to 

Panama, including lower Gulf of California (Harrison in Fischer et al. 1995). Intertidal and to 10 m 


Mugil cephalus Linnaeus, 1758. Flathead Mullet, Grey Mullet, or Striped Mullet. To 135 cm (53.1 in) TL 

(Robertson and Allen 2002). Circumglobal; Japan (Senou in Nakabo 2002), Sea of Okhotsk, and 

southern Kuril Islands (Parin 2003); San Francisco Bay, northern California to Chile and Islas Galápagos 

(Eschmeyer and Herald 1983). Coastal, including estuaries and fresh water (Eschmeyer and Herald 

1983); in sea at intertidal depths to 122 m (400 ft) (min.: Robertson and Allen 2002; max.: Eschmeyer 

and Herald 1983). 

Mugil curema Valenciennes, 1836. White Mullet. To 91 cm (35.8 in) TL (McEachran and Fechhelm 1998). 

Atlantic and Pacific oceans; Newport Bay, southern California (Lea et al. 1988) to Chile (Harrison in 

Fischer et al. 1995), including Gulf of California (Robertson and Allen 2002) and Islas Galápagos (Grove 

and Lavenberg 1997). Shallow marine and brackish waters (Harrison in Fischer et al. 1995); tidepools 

and to 25 m (82 ft) (min.: Thomson and Lehner 1976; max.: Amezcua Linares 1996). 

62

Mugil hospes Jordan & Culver, 1895. Hospe Mullet. To 30 cm (11.8 in) TL (Robertson and Allen 2002). 

Atlantic and Pacific sides of Americas, mainly in tropics (Robertson and Allen 2002); Bahia Magdalena, 

southern Baja California (Galván-Magaña et al. 2000) and Gulf of California to Ecuador (Robertson 

and Allen 2002). At depths of 0 to perhaps 10 m (33 ft; Robertson and Allen 2002). 

*Mugil setosus Gilbert, 1892. Liseta Mullet. To 30 cm (12 in) TL (Harrison in Fischer et al. 1995). Bahia Magdalena, 

southern Baja California (Galván-Magaña et al. 2000) and Jalisco, Mexico to Ecuador and Islas Revillagigedo 

(Robertson and Allen 2002). At depths of 0 to perhaps 10 m (33 ft) (Robertson and Allen 2002). 

Order Atheriniformes 

Family Atherinopsidae — New World Silversides 

Formerly with Old World silversides in a family Atherinidae, the New World silversides were removed and 

placed in their own family, Atherinopsidae; Nelson et al. (2004:215) cite the relevant literature. 

Atherinella eriarcha Jordan & Gilbert, 1882. Longfin Silverside. To at least 8 cm (3.2 in) TL (Robertson 

and Allen 2002). Bahia San Hippolito, southern Baja California (Watson in Moser 1996) to Colombia 

(Lavenberg and Chernoff in Fischer et al. 1995), including lower Gulf of California (Lavenberg and 

Chernoff in Fischer et al. 1995). Shallow waters (Lavenberg and Chernoff in Fischer et al. 1995); intertidal 

and to perhaps 10 m (33 ft; Robertson and Allen 2002). 

Atherinella nepenthe (Myers & Wade, 1942). Pitcher Silverside. To 10 cm (3.9 in) TL (Lavenberg and 

Chernoff in Fischer et al. 1995). Punta Abreojos, southern Baja California (Watson in Moser 1996) to 

Peru (10°34'S, 77°56'W; Chirichigno and Vélez 1998), including mouth of Gulf of California (Robertson 

and Allen 2002). Surf zone and upper water column near shore along the open coast and in bays (Watson 

in Moser 1996) to perhaps a depth of 10 m (33 ft; Robertson and Allen 2002). 

Atherinops affinis (Ayres, 1860). Topsmelt. To 37.6 cm (14.8 in) TL (M. Shane, pers. comm. to M. L.). Near 

Sooke Harbour, Vancouver Island, British Columbia to Gulf of California (Miller and Lea 1972); not in 

central or southern Gulf of California (Robertson and Allen 2002). Near shore; intertidal (Chotkowski 

1994) and to 26 m (85 ft; Limbaugh 1955). 

Atherinopsis californiensis Girard, 1854. Jacksmelt. To 48.6 cm (19.1 in) TL (M. Shane, pers. comm. to 

M. L.). Yaquina Bay, Oregon (Miller and Lea 1972) to at least Bahia Magdalena, southern Baja California 

(De La Cruz-Agüero et al. 1994), and in western and northeastern Gulf of California (Robertson and 

Allen 2002). Near shore; surf zone and to at least 29 m (95 ft) (min.: Carlisle et al. 1960; max.: Limbaugh 

1955); also found in hypersaline ponds (Ruiz-Campos et al. 2000). 

Leuresthes tenuis (Ayres, 1860). California Grunion. To 19 cm (7.5 in) TL (Eschmeyer and Herald 1983). 

San Francisco, northern California to Bahia Magdalena, southern Baja California (Miller and Lea 1972). 

Surf zone and to 18 m (60 ft; Miller and Lea 1972). 

*Menidia beryllina (Cope, 1867). Inland Silverside. To 10 cm (3.9 in) SL. Native to east coast of United 

States south to coast of Gulf of Mexico at Veracruz, Mexico. Found in San Francisco Bay and in various 

freshwater systems in California. All in Moyle (2002). 

Order Beloniformes 

Family Belonidae — Needlefishes 

Ablennes hians (Valenciennes, 1846). Barred Needlefish or Flat Needlefish. To 120 cm (47.2 in) TL (Randall 

1995); maximum length also reported as at least 82.5 cm (32.5 in) SL (Collette in Carpenter 2003). 

Circumglobal in tropical and subtropical waters (Collette 2003); Japan (Aizawa in Nakabo 2002); central 

63

Baja California (Collette in Fischer et al. 1995) to northern Peru (Chirichigno and Vélez 1998) and Islas 

Galápagos (Grove and Lavenberg 1997). Typically at surface, also near bottom, to depth of 12 m (39 ft; 

Godinez-Dominguez et al. 2000). 

Platybelone argalus (Lesueur, 1821). Keeltail Needlefish. To 50 cm (19.7 in) SL (Collette and Parin in 

Whitehead et al. 1986). Circumglobal in tropical and subtropical waters (Collette 2003); Japan (Aizawa 

in Nakabo 2002); southern Baja California (Collette in Fischer et al. 1995) to Chile (Pequeño 1989), 

including lower Gulf of California (Collette in Fischer et al. 1995) and Islas Galápagos (Grove and 

Lavenberg 1997). Surface to depth of 5 m (17 ft; Robertson and Allen 2002). 

Strongylura exilis (Girard, 1854). California Needlefish or Pike Needlefish. To 91.4 cm (3 ft) TL (Miller 

and Lea 1972). Eastern Pacific (Collette 2003); San Francisco, northern California (Eschmeyer and 

Herald 1983) to Peru (Collette 2003) or Chile (Pequeño 1989), including Islas Galápagos (Eschmeyer 

and Herald 1983) and Gulf of California (Collette in Fischer et al. 1995). Typically at or near surface 

(Eschmeyer and Herald 1983); intertidal area and to depth of 100 m (328 ft) (min.: Allen 1999; max.: 

Amezcua Linares 1996). 

Tylosurus crocodilus (Péron & Lesueur, 1821). Crocodile Needlefish, Houndfish, Hound Needlefish, or 

Mexican Needlefish. To 146 cm (57.5 in) TL (Robertson and Allen 2002). Circumglobal in tropical and 

subtropical waters (Collette 2003); Japan (Aizawa in Nakabo 2002); about Isla Cedros, central Baja 

California (Grove and Lavenberg 1997) to Gulf of California (Collette in Fischer et al. 1995) and to 

northern Chile (Grove and Lavenberg 1997) and Islas Galápagos (Collette in Fischer et al. 1995). 

Tylosurus pacificus (Steindachner, 1876). Pacific Agujon. To 130 cm (51.8 in) TL (Robertson and Allen 

2002). Eastern Pacific (Collette 2003); Bahia Almejas, southern Baja California and Gulf of California 

to Cabo Blanco, Peru, including one record from Islas Galápagos (Collette and Banford 2001). Surface 

to depth of perhaps 10 m (33 ft; Robertson and Allen 2002). Previously known in the eastern North 

Pacific as Tylosurus acus or T. acus imperialis; Collette and Banford (2001) confirmed full species rank 

as T. pacificus. 

Family Scomberesocidae — Sauries 

Cololabis saira (Brevoort, 1856). Pacific Saury. To about 44 cm (17.3 in) TL (Mecklenburg et al. 2002). 

North Pacific (Collette 2004); Yellow Sea, Sea of Japan, Sea of Okhotsk, and Pacific Ocean off Japan and 

Kuril Islands (Hubbs and Wisner 1980, Yoshino in Masuda et al. 1984) to Olyutorskiy Bay in the western 

Bering Sea (Hubbs and Wisner 1980); southeastern Bering Sea (Brodeur 1988), Pacific Ocean south of 

Aleutian Islands, and offshore Gulf of Alaska (Mecklenburg et al. 2002) to Islas Revillagigedo, Mexico 

(Eschmeyer and Herald 1983). Oceanic and neritic epipelagic (Parin 1960), surface to 229 m (751 ft; 

Hart 1973), typically far offshore close to the surface at depths less than 2 m (7 ft; Collette 2004); also in 

surf zone (Suda et al. 2002), and schools sometimes wash ashore (Chapman 1943). 

Family Exocoetidae — Flyingfishes 

Cheilopogon heterurus (Rafinesque, 1810). Blotchwing Flyingfish or Mediterranean Flyingfish. To 34.8 cm 

(13.7 in) SL (Parin and Beljanina 2000). Circumglobal in tropical waters; Santa Catalina Island, southern 

California to central Baja California (Watson in Moser 1996) and Chile (Pequeño 1989). At surface, 

mainly oceanic (Eschmeyer and Herald 1983), also neritic (Watson in Moser 1996). Cypselurus hubbsi 

is a junior synonym. 

*Cheilopogon papilio (Clark, 1936). Butterfly Flyingfish. To 21 cm (8.3 in) TL (Parin in Fischer et al. 1995). 

Gulf of California to central America, including southern tip of Baja California (Parin in Fischer et al. 

1995). Surface to depth of perhaps 20 m (66 ft; Robertson and Allen 2002). 

64

Cheilopogon pinnatibarbatus (Bennett, 1831). California Flyingfish or Smallhead Flyingfish. To 48 cm 

(19 in) TL (Eschmeyer and Herald 1983). Including various subspecies, appears to be circumglobal; 

in western Pacific as far north as southern Kuril Islands (Savinykh 1998); Astoria, Oregon (Eschmeyer 

and Herald 1983) to southern Baja California (Parin in Fischer et al. 1995) and into Gulf of California 

(Robertson and Allen 2002). Oceanic (Eschmeyer and Herald 1983) and neritic (Watson in Moser 1996), 

surface to perhaps 10 m (33 ft; Robertson and Allen 2002). Cypselurus californicus (Cooper, 1863) is a 

junior synonym. 

*Cheilopogon xenopterus (Gilbert, 1890). Sparrow Flyingfish or Whitetip Flyingfish. To 22 cm (8.7 in) TL 

(Parin in Fischer et al. 1995). Tropical waters; southern tip of Baja California (Parin in Fischer et al. 1995) 

to at least Peru (Chirichigno 1974), including Islas Galápagos (Grove and Lavenberg 1997). Surface to 

depth of perhaps 5 m (17 ft; Robertson and Allen 2002). 

*Cypselurus callopterus (Günther, 1866). Beautyfin Flyingfish, Ornamental Flyingfish, or Spotted Flyingfish. 

To 28 cm (10.9 in) TL (Parin in Fischer et al. 1995). Southern tip of Baja California (Parin in Fischer et 

al. 1995) probably to northern Peru (Chirichigno and Vélez 1998), including Islas Galápagos (Grove and 

Lavenberg 1997). Surface to depth of perhaps 5 m (17 ft; Robertson and Allen 2002). 

Exocoetus monocirrhus Richardson, 1846. Barbel Flyingfish. To 23 cm (9.1 in) TL (Aizawa in Nakabo 2002). 

Pacific and Indian oceans; Japan (Aizawa in Nakabo 2002); southern Baja California (Parin in Fischer 

et al. 1995) to northern Peru (Chirichigno and Vélez 1998), including Islas Galápagos (Grove and 

Lavenberg 1997). Surface to depth of perhaps 20 m (66 ft; Robertson and Allen 2002). 

*Exocoetus volitans Linnaeus, 1758. Tropical Two-wing Flyingfish. To about 24 cm (9.4 in) TL (Parin 2003). 

Circumglobal; Japan (Aizawa in Nakabo 2002); south of Cabo San Lucas, southern Baja California (Parin 

and Shakhovskoy 2000) to Chile (Pequeño 1989), including Islas Galápagos (Grove and Lavenberg 

1997). Primarily oceanic, also neritic (Watson in Moser 1996), surface to depth of perhaps 20 m (66 ft; 


Fodiator acutus (Valenciennes, 1847). Pacific Flyingfish or Sharpchin Flyingfish. To 25 cm (9.8 in) TL 

(McEachran and Fechhelm 1998). Circumglobal in tropical waters; Goleta, southern California (Miller 

and Lea 1972) to Chile (Pequeño 1989), including Gulf of California (Parin in Fischer et al. 1995) and 

Islas Galápagos (Eschmeyer and Herald 1983). Neritic and oceanic at surface, usually in coastal waters 

(Watson in Moser 1996) and sometimes in surf zone (C. Valle, pers. comm. to M. L.). Also recently as 

Fodiator rostratus. 

Hirundichthys marginatus (Nichols & Breder, 1928). Banded Flyingfish, Bladewing Flyingfish, or Whitewing 

Flyingfish. To 21 cm (8.3 in) TL (Parin in Fischer et al. 1995). Southern Baja California (Parin in Fischer 

et al. 1995) to at least Peru (Chirichigno 1974), including Islas Galápagos (Grove and Lavenberg 1997). 

Primarily neritic (Watson in Moser 1996), surface to depth of perhaps 5 m (17 ft; Robertson and Allen 

2002). 

Hirundichthys rondeleti (Valenciennes, 1847). Blackwing Flyingfish. To about 30 cm (11.8 in) TL (Parin 

in Carpenter 2003). Circumglobal; northern Baja California (“100–200 miles S of San Diego, found on 

deck in the morning”; SIO 57-175) to Chile (42°S, 74°W; Vera S. and Pequeño R. 2002), including Islas 

Galápagos (Grove and Lavenberg 1997). Parin’s range map suggests that this species is antitropical in the 

eastern Pacific. Oceanic and neritic, at surface (Watson in Moser 1996). 

*Hirundichthys speculiger (Valenciennes, 1847). Mirrorwing Flyingfish. To about 31 cm (12.2 in) TL (Parin 

in Carpenter 2003). Circumglobal; found from just south of Cabo San Lucas, southern Baja California 

and westward well offshore (Parin in Fischer et al. 1995) to northern Peru (Chirichigno and Vélez 1998), 

including Islas Galápagos (Grove and Lavenberg 1997). Primarily oceanic (Watson in Moser 1996), 

surface to depth of perhaps 20 m (66 ft; Robertson and Allen 2002). 

65

Oxyporhamphus micropterus (Valenciennes, 1847). Smallwing Halfbeak. To 22 cm (8.7 in) TL (Robertson 

and Allen 2002). Circumglobal; Japan (Aizawa in Nakabo 2002); southern Baja California (Collette 

in Fischer et al. 1995) to northern Peru (Chirichigno and Vélez 1998), including Gulf of California 

(Collette in Fischer et al. 1995) and Islas Galápagos (Allen and Robertson 1994). Epipelagic, at surface 

(Watson in Moser 1996) to depth of perhaps 5 m (17 ft; Robertson and Allen 2002). 

Prognichthys tringa Breder, 1928. Panamic Flyingfish or Tringa Flyingfish. To 16 cm (6.3 in) TL (Parin in 

Fischer et al. 1995). Tropical and subtropical Pacific; southern Baja California (Parin in Fischer et al. 

1995) to Ecuador (Béarez 1996), including Gulf of California (Parin in Fischer et al. 1995) and Islas 

Galápagos (Grove and Lavenberg 1997). Neritic, at surface (Watson in Moser 1996) to depth of perhaps 


Family Hemiramphidae — Halfbeaks 

Euleptorhamphus viridis (van Hasselt, 1823). Ribbon Halfbeak. To 53 cm (20.9 in) TL (Collette in Fischer 

et al. 1995). Widely distributed in tropical and subtropical waters of Pacific and Indian oceans (Collette 

2004); Japan (Aizawa in Nakabo 2002); southern California (Miller and Lea 1972) to Easter Island 

(Pequeño 1989), including lower Gulf of California (Collette in Fischer et al. 1995) and Islas Galápagos 

(Eschmeyer and Herald 1983). Epipelagic, at and near surface. Euleptorhamphus longirostris (Cuvier, 

1829) is a junior synonym. 

Hemiramphus saltator Gilbert & Starks, 1904. Longfin Halfbeak. To 55 cm (21.7 in) TL (Robertson and 

Allen 2002). Tropical eastern Pacific (Collette 2004); southern Baja California (Galván-Magaña et al. 

2000) to northern Peru (Collette 2004), including Gulf of California (Collette in Fischer et al. 1995) and 

Islas Galápagos (Eschmeyer and Herald 1983). Epipelagic, near surface. 

Hyporhamphus gilli Meek & Hildebrand, 1923. Choelo Halfbeak. To 21 cm (8.3 in) TL (Robertson and 

Allen 2002). Tropical eastern Pacific (Collette 2004); Bahia Abreojos, southern Baja California (26°42'N, 

113°35'W; SIO 63-727) to Talara, northern Peru (Chirichigno and Vélez 1998), including Gulf of 

California (Robertson and Allen 2002) and Islas Galápagos (Grove and Lavenberg 1997). Epipelagic, 

near surface. 

Hyporhamphus naos Banford & Collette, 2001. Naos Halfbeak, Pacific Silverside Halfbeak, or Pacific 

Silverstripe Halfbeak. To 31 cm (12.2 in) TL (Robertson and Allen 2002). Tropical eastern Pacific 

(Collette 2004); San Diego, southern California to Paita, Peru, including Islas Galápagos (Banford 

and Collette 2001) and Gulf of California (Robertson and Allen 2002). The Galápagos fish may be an 

undescribed species (Banford and Collette 2001). Epipelagic, near surface; inshore, coastal, and estuarine 

waters (Banford and Collette 2001) to perhaps 30 m (99 ft; Robertson and Allen 2002). 

Hyporhamphus rosae (Jordan & Gilbert, 1880). California Halfbeak. To 20 cm (7.9 in) TL (Robertson and 

Allen 2002). Tropical eastern Pacific (Collette 2004); Santa Ana River, southern California (Miller and 

Lea 1972) to Gulf of California (Collette in Fischer et al. 1995) and Bahia Nonura, Peru (Chirichigno 

and Vélez 1998). Epipelagic, at and near surface near shore, including intertidal waters (Allen 1999); 

enters fresh water (Watson in Moser 1996). 

Hyporhamphus snyderi Meek & Hildebrand, 1923. Skipper Halfbeak. To 19 cm (7.5 in) TL (Robertson and 

Allen 2002). Tropical eastern Pacific (Collette 2004); Bahia Magdalena, southern Baja California (Galván- 

Magaña et al. 2000) and El Salvador to northern Peru (Chirichigno and Vélez 1998), Isla Malpelo, and 

Islas Galápagos (Robertson and Allen 2002). Epipelagic, surface to perhaps 5 m (16 ft; Robertson and 

Allen 2002). 

66

Order Cyprinodontiformes 

Family Fundulidae — Topminnows 

The species classified in the family Fundulidae were until recently in the family Cyprinodontidae; see Nelson 

et al. (2004:216 and 218) for nomenclatural history and literature. 

Fundulus parvipinnis Girard, 1854. California Killifish. To 10.8 cm (4.25 in) TL (Miller and Lea 1972). 

Morro Bay, central California (Miller and Lea 1972) to Bahia Magdalena, southern Baja California (De 

La Cruz-Agüero et al. 1994). Inshore in estuaries, coastal lagoons, and shallow bays. 

**Lucania parva (Baird & Girard, 1855). Rainwater Killifish. To 6.2 cm (2.3 in) TL (Moyle 2002). Native to 

Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of Mexico; brackish portions of Yaquina Bay, Oregon and San Francisco Bay, 

northern California (Dill and Cordone 1997). Primarily in brackish bays and estuaries (McEachran and 

Fechhelm 1998). 

Family Poeciliidae — Livebearers 

**Poecilia latipinna (Lesueur, 1821). Sailfin Molly. To 15 cm (5.9 in) TL (Moyle 2002). Native to southern 

Atlantic United States and Gulf of Mexico, now introduced into much of warmer Pacific Rim. In 

California, known from Salton Sea, Ballona Marsh (Los Angeles County), intertidal wetlands of San 

Diego Bay, southern California (Williams et al. 1998), and other sloughs and estuaries in Ventura, Los 

Angeles, and San Diego counties (Moyle 2002). Shallow marine waters and freshwaters (McEachran and 

Fechhelm 1998). 

Order Stephanoberyciformes 

Family Melamphaidae — Bigscales 

Melamphaes acanthomus Ebeling, 1962. Shoulderspine Bigscale. To 11 cm (4.3 in) SL (Ebeling 1962). 

Southern California (Ebeling 1962) to Chile (Pequeño 1989). Mesopelagic and bathypelagic, at depths 

of 320–3,500 m (1,050–11,480 ft); young fish shallower (min.: LACM 8598.000; max.: Ebeling 1962). 

Melamphaes indicus Ebeling, 1962. To 6.2 cm (2.4 in) SL (Ebeling 1962). Well off southern California (Berry 

and Perkins 1966) to northern Chile (Sielfeld et al. 1995). Mesopelagic, at 125–500 m (410–1,640 ft) or 

more (min.: Clarke and Wagner 1976; max.: Ebeling 1962). 

Melamphaes laeviceps Ebeling, 1962. To 13.4 cm (5.3 in) SL (Ebeling 1962). Mainly eastern tropical Pacific; 

far offshore central California and off northern Baja California (Berry and Perkins 1966) to Chile 

(Pequeño 1989). Adults probably below 400–500 m (1,312–1,640 ft; Ebeling 1962). 

Melamphaes longivelis Parr, 1933. Longfin Bigscale. To 10.6 cm (4.1 in) SL (Ebeling 1962). Atlantic and 

Pacific oceans; Japan (Aizawa in Nakabo 2002); southern California (Berry and Perkins 1966) to Chile 

(Pequeño 1989). Adults at 500–1,500 m (1,640–4,920 ft) (min.: Ebeling 1962; max.: Fujii in Masuda et 

al. 1984); young fish as shallow as 150 m (492 ft; Ebeling 1962). 

Melamphaes lugubris Gilbert, 1891. Highsnout Bigscale or Highsnout Ridgehead. To 8.9 cm (3.5 in) SL 

(Mecklenburg et al. 2002). Subarctic North Pacific from Japan (Fujii in Masuda et al. 1984) and Okhotsk 

Sea to Bering Sea (about 56°N) and Gulf of Alaska (Mecklenburg et al. 2002) to central Baja California 

(Ebeling 1962). Adults mesopelagic and bathypelagic, collected at depths of 150–1,500 m (492–4,921 ft; 

Mecklenburg et al. 2002); juveniles as shallow as 30 m (98 ft; ZIN 51511). Reported from nets towed as 

deep as 3,480 m (11,417 ft), but those were nonclosing nets which would allow fish to enter at any depth 

during retrieval of the net (Makushok 1970). 

67

Melamphaes macrocephalus Parr, 1931. To 11.7 cm (4.6 in) SL (Ebeling 1962). Southern Baja California 

(27°N; Ebeling 1962) to Chile (Pequeño 1989). Upper depth range of adults and half-grown fish is about 

400–500 m (1,312–1,640 ft; Ebeling 1962). 

Melamphaes parvus Ebeling, 1962. Little Bigscale. To 4.6 cm (1.8 in) SL (Ebeling 1962). Northern California 

to Baja California (Ebeling 1962). Mostly below 200 m (656 ft; Sandknop and Watson in Moser 1996). 

Melamphaes simus Ebeling, 1962. To 2.9 cm (1.1 in) SL (Ebeling 1962). Circumglobal; well off southern Baja 

California (Ebeling 1962) to Chile (Pequeño 1989). Adults mesopelagic, to 800 m (2,624 ft; Sandknop 

and Watson in Moser 1996); young fish as shallow as 35–40 m (115–131 ft). 

Melamphaes spinifer Ebeling, 1962. To 7.2 cm (2.8 in) SL (Ebeling 1962). Southern Baja California (27°N; 

Ebeling 1962) to Chile (Pequeño 1989). Adults below 400–500 m (1,312–1,640 ft); young fish down to 

about 100–200 m (328–656 ft; Ebeling 1962). 

Melamphaes suborbitalis (Gill, 1883). To 12 cm (4.7 in) SL (Fujii in Masuda et al. 1984). Circumglobal 

(Kotlyar 1999); Sea of Okhotsk (Parin and Kotlyar 1998); well off central California (Berry and Perkins 

1966). Primarily mesopelagic, 100–3,200 m (328–10,496 ft; Kotlyar 1999). 

Poromitra crassiceps (Günther, 1878). Crested Bigscale or Crested Ridgehead. To 18 cm (7.1 in) SL (Parin 

and Ebeling 1980). Nearly cosmopolitan, absent only from Arctic Ocean and Mediterranean Sea; Japan 

(Fujii in Masuda et al. 1984) to southern Bering Sea and Gulf of Alaska (Mecklenburg et al. 2002) 

to Chile (Pequeño 1989). Adults mesopelagic and bathypelagic, about 600–3,400 m (1,968–11,155 ft; 

Mecklenburg et al. 2002); juveniles shallower, one record from 150 m (492 ft; Clarke and Wagner 1976). 

Melamphaes rugosus Chapman, 1939, is a junior synonym. 

Poromitra megalops (Lütken, 1877). To 6.2 cm (2.4 in) SL (Ebeling in Smith and Heemstra 1986). 

Circumglobal; Japan (Fujii in Masuda et al. 1984); southern California (32°N, 124°W; SIO 88–62) to 

Chile (Sielfeld et al. 1995). Mesopelagic and bathypelagic, primarily 150–1,800 (495–5,940 ft) (min.: 

Sandknop and Watson in Moser 1996; max.: Aizawa in Nakabo 2002). 

Poromitra oscitans Ebeling, 1975. Sluggish Bigscale. To 8.2 cm (3.2 in) SL (Ebeling 1975). Pacific and Indian 

oceans; Japan (Fujii in Masuda et al. 1984); central California to Ecuador (Ebeling 1975). Mesopelagic 

and bathypelagic, 750–1,896 m (2,475–6,220 ft) (min.: Clarke and Wagner 1976; max.: Fujii in Masuda 

et al. 1984). 

Scopeloberyx robustus (Günther, 1887). Longjaw Bigscale. To 10 cm (3.9 in) SL (Ebeling and Weed 1973). 

Nearly cosmopolitan, absent only from Arctic Ocean and Mediterranean Sea; Japan (Fujii in Masuda et al. 

1984), Kuril Islands (Savinykh and Tuponogov 2004), and Sea of Okhotsk across subarctic North Pacific 

to northern British Columbia (G. E. Gillespie, pers. comm. to C. W. M.) and California (Mecklenburg 

et al. 2002) to Chile (Pequeño 1989). Mesopelagic and bathypelagic, 600–3,384 m (1,968–11,102 ft; 

Mecklenburg et al. 2002); juveniles shallower, down to 190 m (623 ft; LACM 38738.010). 

Scopelogadus mizolepis (Günther, 1878). Twospine Bigscale. To 10.2 cm (4 in) SL (Ebeling and Weed 1963). 

Southwest of La Perouse Bank (48°08'N, 126°36'W), British Columbia (Peden and Jamieson 1988) 

to Chile (Ebeling and Weed 1963). Mesopelagic and bathypelagic, 104–2,000 m (343–6,600 ft) (min.: 

LACM 6700.010; max.: Sandknop and Watson in Moser 1996). Scopelogadus bispinosus (Gilbert, 1915) 

is a junior synonym. 

Family Cetomimidae —Flabby Whalefishes or Whalefishes 

Cetichthys parini Paxton, 1989. To 19.6 cm (7.7 in) SL (Paxton 1989). Pacific and Indian oceans; Kuril 

Islands (Aizawa in Nakabo 2002); central California (34°49'N, 123°07'W; SIO 89-138) and southern 

California (32°50'N, 124°07'W; SIO 87-9). At depths of 2,700–3,300 m (8,858–10,827 ft) in closing nets, 

also collected in open nets fishing to 4,500 m (14,764 ft) or more (Paxton 1989). 

68

Cetostoma regani Zugmayer, 1914. Pink Flabby Whalefish. To 23 cm (9 in) TL (Eschmeyer and Herald 

1983). Circumglobal; Japan (Aizawa in Nakabo 2002); Oregon (Matarese et al. 1989) to southern Baja 

California (25°48'N, 114°46'W; SIO 51-90). At depths of 400–2,250 m (1,312–7,382 ft) (min.: Paxton 

1989; max.: Paxton in Whitehead et al. 1986) and perhaps shallower (Paxton 1989). 

Ditropichthys storeri (Goode & Bean, 1895). To 12.9 cm (5.1 in) SL (Paxton 1989). Circumglobal; western 

North Pacific east of Japan, Kuril Islands (Paxton 1989), and Kamchatka (Sheiko and Fedorov 2000); 

northern California (Paxton 1989) to southern Baja California (Pequeño 1989). At depths of about 

650–3,400 m (2,132–11,155 ft) (min.: Paxton 1989; max.: Sheiko and Fedorov 2000). 

Gyrinomimus sp. To 39 cm (15.3 in) TL (Mecklenburg et al. 2002). Circumglobal at low latitudes; as far 

south in Pacific as 39°N, including Okhotsk Sea, southern Bering Sea off Aleutian Islands, offshore 

from British Columbia and Oregon, and midocean. Primarily bathypelagic, recorded from depths of 

240–3,400 m (787–11,155 ft). This is Paxton’s (1989) “Gyrinomimus sp. nov. B2,” as yet undescribed and 

named. All in Mecklenburg et al. (2002). 

Family Mirapinnidae — Hairyfish and Ribbonbearers or Tapetails 

Eutaeniophorus festivus (Bertelsen & Marshall, 1956). Festive Ribbontail. To 5.4 cm (2.2 in) TL (McEachran 

and Fechhelm 1998). Circumglobal; Japan (Aizawa in Nakabo 2002); Oregon to Ecuador (Charter and 

Moser in Moser 1996). Probably mesopelagic (Charter and Moser in Moser 1996). 

Family Barbourisiidae — Velvet Whalefishes 

Barbourisia rufa Parr, 1945. Red Whalefish. To 41 cm (16.1 in) TL (Melendez C. et al. 1991). Circumglobal 

at low latitudes; recorded as far north as Greenland (Amaoka in Okamura et al. 1995); Japan (Amaoka 

in Masuda et al. 1984), Emperor Seamounts, Hawaii; southeastern Bering Sea north of Amlia Island 

and Pacific Ocean south of Amukta Pass, Aleutian Islands; off Washington (Mecklenburg et al. 2002) to 

northcentral California (Eschmeyer and Herald 1983) to southern Chile (44°53'S, 73°30'W; Melendez 

C. et al. 1991). Pelagic and benthopelagic, 120–2,000 m (394–6,562 ft; Mecklenburg et al. 2002). 

Family Rondeletiidae — Redmouth Whalefishes 

Rondeletia loricata Abe & Hotta, 1963. Armored Redmouth Whalefish or Redmouth Whalefish. To 15 cm 

(6 in) TL (Fitch and Lavenberg 1968). Circumglobal; Japan (Uyeno in Masuda et al. 1984); Washington 

(47°12'N; Lauth 2001) to Chile (27°04'S, 71°45'W; SIO 72-154) and Islas Galápagos (1°46'S, 89°56'W; 

SIO 52-404). At depths of 100–2,350 m (328–7,708 ft) (min.: Clarke and Wagner 1976; max.: Kotlyar 

1996), juveniles in shallower part of depth range (Kotlyar 1996). 

Order Beryciformes 

Family Anoplogastridae — Fangtooths 

Anoplogaster cornuta (Valenciennes, 1833). Fangfish, Fangtooth, or Longhorn Fangtooth. To 16 cm (6.3 in) 

SL (Mecklenburg et al. 2002). Nearly circumglobal; to 64°N in Atlantic Ocean; northern Japan (Shimizu 

1978) and Sea of Okhotsk (Kotlyar 1986) almost to New Zealand; southern British Columbia (Mecklenburg 

et al. 2002) to northern Chile (18°26'S; Kong and Melendez 1991). Mesopelagic to bathypelagic, adults at 

75–4,992 m (246–16,378 ft), juveniles as shallow as 2 m (7 ft; Mecklenburg et al. 2002). 

Family Diretmidae — Spinyfins 

Diretmoides pauciradiatus (Woods, 1973). To about 40 cm (15.75 in) TL (Eschmeyer and Herald 1983). 

Circumglobal; Kyashu–Palau Ridge, southern Japan (Hayashi in Nakabo 2002), and Washington 

(Eschmeyer and Herald 1983). About 198 m to at least 1,880 m (650–6,168 ft) (min.: Eschmeyer and 

69

Herald 1983; max.: Hayashi in Nakabo 2002). Adults mainly below 500 m (1,640 ft; Post in Whitehead et al. 

1986), juveniles as shallow as 50 m (165 ft; Post and Quéro 1981). Also seen as Diretmus pauciradiatus. 

Diretmus argenteus Johnson, 1864. Silver Discfish. To 12.5 cm (5 in) SL (Post in Whitehead et al. 1986). 

Circumglobal primarily in tropical waters; may reach southern part of Baja California (Watson in 

Moser 1996) to Chile (Pequeño 1989). Adults primarily 300–1,000 m (984–3,280 ft; Post and Quéro 

1981), young fish primarily 50–250 m (165–820 ft; Watson in Moser 1996). 

Family Anomalopidae–Flashlightfishes 

Phthanophaneron harveyi (Rosenblatt & Montgomery, 1976). Panamic Flashlightfish. To 26 cm (10.2 in) 

TL (Robertson and Allen 2002). Gulf of California (Rosenblatt and Montgomery 1976); Thetis Bank, 

southern Baja California (McCosker and Rosenblatt 1987). Surface to 36 m (118 ft) (min.: Robertson 

and Allen 2002; max.: Rosenblatt and Montgomery 1976). 

Family Holocentridae — Squirrelfishes 

*Myripristis berndti Jordan & Evermann, 1903. Bigscale Soldierfish or Blotcheye Solderfish. To 31 cm 

(12.2 in) TL (Robertson and Allen 2002). Pacific and Indian oceans; tip of Baja California, Costa Rica 

to Ecuador, and offshore islands (Robertson and Allen 2002). At depths of 1–159 m (3–522 ft) (min.: 

Robertson and Allen 2002; max.: Myers 1999). 

Myripristis leiognathus Valenciennes, 1846. Panamic Soldierfish. To 18 cm (7.1 in) TL (Allen and Robertson 

1994). Isla Cedros, and on mainland, Rocas Chester, central Baja California (M. L., unpubl. data) to 

upper Gulf of California (Schneider and Krupp in Fischer et al. 1995) to Ecuador (Grove and Lavenberg 

1997), including Islas Galápagos (Grove and Lavenberg 1997). At depths of 1–33 m (3–108 ft) (min.: 

LACM 49768.012; max.: SIO 75-513). 

*Sargocentron suborbitalis (Gill, 1863). Tinsel Squirrelfish. To 25.4 cm (10 in) TL (Schneider and Krupp in 

Fischer et al. 1995). Central Gulf of California (Schneider and Krupp in Fischer et al. 1995) to Ecuador 

(Grove and Lavenberg 1997), including southern tip of Baja California (Schneider and Krupp in Fischer 

et al. 1995) and Islas Galápagos (Grove and Lavenberg 1997). At depths of 1–25 m (3–82 ft) (min.: 

LACM 49768.014; max.: Robertson and Allen 2002). 

Order Zeiformes 

Family Oreosomatidae — Oreos 

Allocyttus folletti Myers, 1960. Oxeye Oreo. To 42 cm (16.5 in) TL. North Pacific; Honshu, Japan to Bering 

Sea and Gulf of Alaska to Point Sur, central California (Mecklenburg et al. 2002). Surface to 1,800 m 

(5,905 ft; Tokranov et al. 2003). Most adults caught near bottom at 360–860 m (1,181–2,821 ft); one 

record from 47–292 m (154–958 ft). Prejuveniles taken near surface offshore and midocean. Records of 

Allocyttus verrucosus from California are treated as identical with A. folletti (Mecklenburg et al. 2002). 

Family Zeidae — Dories 

Zenopsis nebulosa (Temminck & Schlegel, 1845). Mirror Dory. To 55 cm (21.7 in) TL (Pakhorukov 2005). 

Widespread in temperate waters of North and South Pacific; southern Japan (Nakabo in Nakabo 2002); 

central and southern California (Eschmeyer and Herald 1983) to Chile (Pequeño 1989). Off-bottom 

pelagic (Parin and Pakhorukov 2003). At depths of 30–800 m (100–2,624 ft) (min.: Fitch and Lavenberg 

1968; max.: Nakabo in Nakabo 2002). 

70

Order Gasterosteiformes 

Family Aulorhynchidae — Tubesnouts 

Aulorhynchus flavidus Gill, 1861. Tubesnout. To 18.8 cm (7.4 in) TL (Coad 1995). Pavlof Bay, southwest Alaska 

Peninsula and Kodiak Island, Gulf of Alaska to Punta Rocosa, central Baja California (Mecklenburg et al. 

2002). Record from Captains Bay, Unalaska Island, is uncertain (Mecklenburg et al. 2002). Near surface 

to 30 m (100 ft; Eschmeyer and Herald 1983), from shoreline (e.g., beach seine in less than 1 m of water; 

Mecklenburg et al. 2002) to well offshore (Eschmeyer and Herald 1983). 

Family Gasterosteidae — Sticklebacks 

Gasterosteus aculeatus Linnaeus, 1758. Threespine Stickleback. To 10.2 cm (4.0 in) TL. North Atlantic, arctic 

Europe and Asia, and North Pacific; Korean Peninsula to Seas of Japan and Okhotsk to Bering, Chukchi, 

and Beaufort seas, and Gulf of Alaska to Monterey Bay, central California. In fresh water as far south as 

Rio Rosario, northern Baja California. Anadromous and resident freshwater forms; shallow vegetated 

areas, including marshes, to depth of about 27 m (90 ft), recorded near surface as far as 805 km (500 mi) 

offshore. All in Mecklenburg et al. (2002) after McPhail and Lindsey (1970), Morrow (1980), Eschmeyer 

and Herald (1983), Page and Burr (1991), Coad (1995), and others. See Moyle (2002) for a complete 

discussion of this species in California. 

Pungitius pungitius (Linnaeus, 1758). Ninespine Stickleback. To 9 cm (3.5 in) TL. Circumboreal; Korea to 

Seas of Japan and Okhotsk to Bering, Chukchi, and Beaufort seas, and western and northern Gulf of 

Alaska coasts inland to northeastern British Columbia. Anadromous and resident freshwater forms; 

marine populations most common in marshes and estuaries, also recorded to depth of 110 m (361 ft). 

All in Mecklenburg et al. (2002) after Morrow (1980), Page and Burr (1991), Coad (1995), and others. 

Family Syngnathidae — Pipefishes 

Cosmocampus arctus (Jenkins & Evermann, 1889). Snubnose Pipefish. To 13 cm (5.1 in) TL (Allen and 

Robertson 1994). Tomales Bay, northern California (Miller and Lea 1972) to Peru (Robertson and Allen 

2002) and throughout Gulf of California (Miller and Lea 1972). Cosmocampus arctus coccineus has been 

reported from Bahia Banderas, Mexico to Punta Aguja, Peru and Islas Galápagos (Grove and Lavenberg 

1997). Cosmocampus arctus heraldi has been reported from Chile (Pequeño 1989). Intertidal and to 

20 m (60 ft) or more (min.: Fritzsche 1980; max.: Allen and Robertson 1994). 

Doryrhamphus excisus Kaup, 1856. Bluestripe Pipefish or Fantail Pipefish. To 7 cm (2.8 in) TL (Allen and 

Robertson 1994). Pacific and Indian oceans; Japan (Senou in Nakabo 2002); Bahia Magdalena, southern 

Baja California (Fritzche 1980) into Gulf of California (Thomson et al. 1979) and south to Ecuador, 

including Islas Galápagos (Fritzsche 1980). At depths of 3–45 m (10–147 ft) (min.: Robertson and Allen 

2002; max.: Allen and Robertson 1994). Also as Doryrhamphus melanopleura. 

Hippocampus ingens Girard, 1858. Pacific Seahorse. To 30.5 cm (12 in) TL (Amezcua Linares 1996). Point 

Conception, southern California (M. L., unpubl. data) to Chile (Pequeño 1989), including Gulf of 

California and Islas Galápagos (Miller and Lea 1972); old (doubtful) record from San Francisco Bay 

(Eschmeyer and Herald 1983). Usually offshore, surface (Fritzsche 1980) and 1–107 m (3–351 ft) (min.: 

Robertson and Allen 2002; max.: Amezcua Linares 1996). 

Syngnathus auliscus (Swain, 1882). Barred Pipefish. To 19 cm (7.5 in) TL (Allen and Robertson 1994). Santa 

Barbara Channel, southern California (Fritzsche 1980) to Puerto Pizarro, Peru (Chirichigno and Vélez 

1998), including Gulf of California (Fritzsche 1980). Intertidal (Allen 1999) and shallow inshore waters 

(Eschmeyer and Herald 1983) to depth of 20 m (66 ft; Robertson and Allen 2002). 

71

Syngnathus californiensis Storer, 1845. Kelp Pipefish. To 49.5 cm (19.5 in) TL (Miller and Lea 1972). Bodega 

Bay, northern California (Fritzsche 1980) to Bahia Santa Maria, southern Baja California (Miller and 

Lea 1972). Intertidal and to 15 m (48 ft) (min.: Allen 1999; max.: Eschmeyer and Herald 1983). 

Syngnathus euchrous Fritzche, 1980. Chocolate Pipefish. To 29.6 cm (11.7 in) SL. Redondo Beach, southern 

California to Bahia Ballenas, southern Baja California. Surface to 18 m (60 ft), including intertidal zone. 

All in Fritzsche (1980). 

Syngnathus exilis (Osburn & Nichols, 1916). Barcheek Pipefish. To 25 cm (9.8 in) SL (A. Groce, pers. comm. 

to M. L.). Half Moon Bay, central California to Bahia Magdalena, southern Baja California including 

offshore islands (Fritzche 1980). Surface (SIO 46-63, nightlight) to 5 m (17 ft) or more (SIO 93-188), 

including intertidal zone (Allen 1999). 

Syngnathus insulae Fritzsche, 1980. Guadalupe Pipefish. To 20.4 cm (8 in) SL. Isla Guadalupe, central Baja 

California. Surface, 22–50 m (73–165 ft). All in Fritzsche (1980). 

Syngnathus leptorhynchus Girard, 1854. Bay Pipefish. To 38.5 cm (15.2 in) TL (Bayer 1980). Prince William 

Sound (Orsi et al. 1991) to eastern Gulf of Alaska (Mecklenburg et al. 2002) to Bahia Santa Maria, 

southern Baja California (Fritzsche 1980). Intertidal area and to 3 m (10 ft) (min.: Chotkowski 1994; 

max.: Mecklenburg et al. 2002). 

Family Aulostomidae — Trumpetfishes 

*Aulostomus chinensis (Linnaeus, 1766). Chinese Trumpetfish or Pacific Trumpetfish. To 80 cm (31.5 in) TL 

(Robertson and Allen 2002). Pacific and Indian oceans; tip of Baja California and Panama to Ecuador. 

At surface (SIO 60-44, nightlight), 3–120 m (10–394 ft; Robertson and Allen 2002). 

Family Fistulariidae — Cornetfishes 

Fistularia commersonii Rüppell, 1838. Bluespotted Cornetfish, Cornetfish, or Reef Cornetfish. To 1.6 m 

(63 in) TL (Fritzche and Schneider in Fischer et al. 1995). Circumglobal; Japan (Senou in Nakabo 2002); 

Bahia Magdalena, southern Baja California (Thomson et al. 1979) to Peru (Pequeño 1989), including 

Gulf of California (Fritzche and Schneider in Fischer et al. 1995) and Islas Galápagos (Grove and 

Lavenberg 1997). Surface to 128 m (420 ft; Lieske and Myers 2002). 

Fistularia corneta Gilbert & Starks, 1904. Deepwater Cornetfish or Pacific Cornetfish. To 128 cm (50.4 in) 

TL (Myers 1999). Huntington Beach, southern California (Curtis and Herbinson 2001) to Callao, Peru 

(Chirichigno and Vélez 1998), including Gulf of California (Fritzche and Schneider in Fischer et al. 

1995) and Islas Galápagos (Grove and Lavenberg 1997). Surface to 50 m (164 ft; Robertson and Allen 

2002). 

Family Macrorhamphosidae — Snipefishes 

Classified by some authors in Centriscidae. 

Macroramphosus scolopax (Linnaeus, 1758). Longnosed Snipefish, Longspine Snipefish, or Slender 

Snipefish. To 22.8 cm (9 in) TL (Borges 2001). Circumglobal in warm waters; Japan (Senou in Nakabo 

2002); between Santa Rosa and Santa Cruz islands, southern California (M. Nishimoto, pers. comm. to 

M. L.) to Chile (Pequeño 1989). Surface (D. Schroeder, pers. comm. to M. L.), also seen near bottom 

(Parin and Pakhorukov 2003), to 600 m (1,968 ft; Fritzsche and Thiesfeld in Carpenter and Niem 1999). 

Also recently as Macroramphosus gracilis. 

72

Order Scorpaeniformes 

Family Scorpaenidae — Rockfishes or Scorpionfishes 

Some taxonomists (e.g., Ishida 1994, Eschmeyer 1998) include Adelosebastes, Sebastes, Sebastolobus, and a few 

genera not in our area in a separate family Sebastidae, while others may include only the live-bearing 

rockfishes, genus Sebastes, in Sebastidae (e.g., Smith and Wheeler 2004). Both of those alternatives are 

in need of further research. 

Adelosebastes latens Eschmeyer, Abe, & Nakano, 1979. Aleutian Scorpionfish or Emperor Rockfish. To 

41 cm (13.2 in) TL (Orr et al. 2000). North Pacific Ocean at Emperor Seamounts (Eschmeyer et al. 

1979, Barsukov et al. 1983) and south of Delarof Islands, Aleutian Islands, Alaska (Orr and Baker 1996). 

At depths of 687–1,200 m (2,253–3,937 ft) (min.: Orr and Baker 1996; max.: Amaoka in Masuda et al. 

1984). 

Pontinus furcirhinus Garman, 1899. Red Scorpionfish. To 25 cm (9.8 in) TL (Robertson and Allen 2002). 

Southern Baja California (Poss in Fischer et al. 1995) to Paita, Peru (Chirichigno 1974), including Gulf 

of California, Islas Galápagos, and Isla Cocos (Robertson and Allen 2002). At depths of 46–390 m (151– 

1,287 ft) (min.: LACM 9717.001; max.: Robertson and Allen 2002). 

Pontinus sierra (Gilbert, 1890). Speckled Scorpionfish. To 24.5 cm (9.9 in) TL (Amezcua Linares 1996). 

Southern Baja California (Poss in Fischer et al. 1995) to Peru (4°55'S, 81°19'W; Chirichigno 1974), 

including Gulf of California (Poss in Fischer et al. 1995). About 20 m (66 ft; Aguilar-Palomino et al. 

2001) to 273 m (895 ft; Robertson and Allen 2002). 

Pontinus vaughani Barnhart & Hubbs, 1946. Spotback Scorpionfish. To 57 cm (22.4 in) TL (Robertson and 

Allen 2002). Isla Cedros, central Baja California (SIO 64-275) to Peru (Zeballos et al. 1998), including 

southwest part of Gulf of California and Islas Revillagigedo (Robertson and Allen 2002). At depths of 

30–120 m (98–394 ft) (min.: SIO 71-32; max.: Zeballos et al. 1998). 

Pontinus sp. A. To at least 20 cm (7.9 in) TL. Southern Baja California, mouth of Gulf of California, and 

central Mexico to Peru. At depths of 50–150 m (164–492 ft). All in Robertson and Allen (2002). 

Scorpaena guttata Girard, 1854. California Scorpionfish. To 47 cm (18.5 in) SL (Gartman and Groce 1998). 

Santa Cruz, central California to Gulf of California (Miller and Lea 1972). Tidepools (Metz 1912) and 

surf zone to 183 m (600 ft) (min.: Carlisle et al. 1960; max.: Miller and Lea 1972). 

Scorpaena histrio Jenyns, 1840. Bandfin Scorpionfish, Darkblotch Scorpionfish, or Player Scorpionfish. To 

27 cm (10.6 in) TL (Grove and Lavenberg 1997). Isla Guadalupe (SIO 46-152), central Baja California 

(Robertson and Allen 2002) to Chile (Pequeño 1989), including Gulf of California (Robertson and Allen 

2002) and Islas Galápagos (Grove and Lavenberg 1997). At depths of 5–160 m (17–524 ft; Robertson 


Scorpaena mystes Jordan & Starks, 1895. Pacific Spotted Scorpionfish or Stone Scorpionfish. To 45 cm 

(17.7 in) TL (Amezcua Linares 1996). Redondo Beach, southern California (Swift 1986) to Chile 

(Pequeño 1989), including Gulf of California (Poss in Fischer et al. 1995), Islas Galápagos (Grove and 

Lavenberg 1997), and other offshore islands (Robertson and Allen 2002). Intertidal area and to 85 m 

(279 ft) (min.: SIO 52-117; max.: Amezcua Linares 1996). Also recently as Scorpaena plumieri mystes. 

Scorpaena russula Jordan & Bollman, 1890. Reddish Scorpionfish or Shortspine Red Scorpionfish. To at 

least 13 cm (5.1 in) TL (Robertson and Allen 2002). Bahia Abreojos (26°48'N, 113°25'W), southern Baja 

California (SIO 59-70) to Chimbote, Peru (Chirichigno and Vélez 1998), including Gulf of California 

(Allen and Robertson 1994). At depths of 7–160 m (23–525 ft) (min.: LACM 42703.023; max.: Robertson 


73

Scorpaena sonorae Jenkins & Evermann, 1889. Sonora Scorpionfish. To 18 cm (7.1 in) TL (Allen and 

Robertson 1994). Bahia Santa Maria (24°43'N, 112°11'W), southern Baja California (SIO 64-830) and 

Gulf of California (Poss in Fischer et al. 1995) to Guerrero State, Mexico (Amezcua Linares 1996). At 

depths of 1–91 m (4–298 ft) (min.: SIO 58-147; max.: SIO 70-253). 

Scorpaenodes xyris (Jordan & Gilbert, 1882). Rainbow Scorpionfish. To 15 cm (6 in) TL (Eschmeyer and 

Herald 1983). Anacapa Island and Santa Barbara Island, southern California (Richards and Engle 2001) 

to Islas Chincha, Peru (Chirichigno 1974), including Gulf of California (Poss in Fischer et al. 1995) and 

Islas Galápagos (Eschmeyer and Herald 1983). Intertidal and to about 50 m (164 ft) (min.: SIO 46-155; 

max.: Grove and Lavenberg 1997). 

Sebastes aleutianus (Jordan & Evermann, 1898). Rougheye Rockfish. To 96.5 cm (38 in) TL (Kramer and 

O’Connell 1995). North Pacific off northern Hokkaido, Japan and Kuril Islands to Bering Sea at Navarin 

Canyon, and Commander Islands and Aleutian Islands (Mecklenburg et al. 2002) to San Diego, southern 

California (Allen and Smith 1988). At depths of 25–900 m (82–2,953 ft; Mecklenburg et al. 2002). 

Molecular work has recently demonstrated that Sebastes aleutianus comprises two species (Gharrett et 

al. 2005). Description of the second species is in progress. 

Sebastes alutus (Gilbert, 1890). Pacific Ocean Perch. To 55 cm (21.6 in) TL (Orlov 1996). Southern Japan 

and Sea of Okhotsk to Bering Sea at Navarin Canyon, and Commander Islands and Aleutian Islands 

(Mecklenburg et al. 2002) to Punta Blanca (29°08'N, 115°26'W), central Baja California (Snytko 1986). 

Near surface (Mecklenburg et al. 2002) to 825 m (2,707 ft; Allen and Smith 1988). Larvae and juveniles 

may drift into the Chukchi Sea (Mecklenburg et al. 2002). We note that the southernmost record is 

hundreds of miles below the previous one (La Jolla, southern California) and is the only record from 

Baja California. While this might cast doubt on the Punta Blanca record, we note that the Baja California 

coast has been very poorly surveyed and this species may be an occasional resident there. 

Sebastes atrovirens (Jordan & Gilbert, 1880). Kelp Rockfish. To 42.5 cm (16.75 in) TL (Miller and Lea 1972). 

Albion, northern California (T. Laidig, pers. comm. to M. L.) to Bahia San Carlos (29°36'N, 115°12'W; 

Phillips 1957) and Islas San Benito (28°19'N, 115°35'W; SIO 62-279), central Baja California. Inshore to 

58 m (190 ft) (min.: Eschmeyer and Herald 1983; max.: R. N. Lea, pers. comm. to M. L.). This species 

was reportedly taken in 190–300 m (623–984 ft) by Snytko (1986). However, this is much deeper than 

any other records and we are somewhat sceptical of its validity. 

Sebastes auriculatus Girard, 1854. Brown Rockfish. To 56 cm (22 in) TL (Kramer and O’Connell 1995). 

Prince William Sound, northern Gulf of Alaska (Rosenthal 1980) to Bahia San Hipolito (26°50'N, 

113°55'W), central Baja California (Miller and Lea 1972). Surf zone to 146 m (480 ft) (min.: UW 15176 

[four juveniles]; max.: W. A. Palsson, pers. comm. to M. L.). 

Sebastes aurora (Gilbert, 1890). Aurora Rockfish. To 41 cm (16 in) TL (Kramer and O’Connell 1995). West of 

Langara Island (about 54°15'N, 133°10'W), British Columbia (Gillespie 1991) to Isla Cedros, central Baja 

California (Kramer and O’Connell 1995). Larvae have been taken off Banco Thetis (24°40'N, 112°18'W), 

southern Baja California (Moser et al. 1985), strongly implying that this species lives considerably farther 

south than its southernmost adult record. While Nelson et al. (2004) note that records of this species 

from off Baja California may be based on errors in field identification, the presence of Sebastes aurora 

larvae many hundreds of miles below the U.S.–Mexican Border strongly suggests the presence of adult 

fish in Mexican waters. If the species is not found in Mexican waters, the southernmost range is San 

Diego, southern California (Phillips 1957). At depths of 81–893 m (266–2,930 ft) (min.: Wilkins et al. 

1998; max.: Lauth 1999). 

Sebastes babcocki (Thompson, 1915). Redbanded Rockfish. To 65.5 cm (25.8 in) TL (Mecklenburg et al. 

2002 from R. N. Lea, pers. comm.). Bering Sea at Zhemchug Canyon (Allen and Smith 1988) and 

Amchitka Island, Aleutian Islands (Mecklenburg et al. 2002) to San Diego, southern California (Miller 

74

and Lea 1972). At depths of 49–1,145 m (161–3,756 ft) (min.: Allen and Smith 1988; max.: Ramsey et 

al. 2002). Between the time of its description and the early 1970s, researchers considered the Redbanded 

Rockfish to be synonymous with the Flag Rockfish, S. rubrivinctus. Work by Rosenblatt and Chen (1972) 

distinguished these species. However, this misidentification added confusion to various fishery studies 

and it is now assumed that most or all “Flag Rockfish” previously reported from Oregon to Alaska are 

Redbanded Rockfish. 

Sebastes baramenuke (Wakiya, 1917). Brickred Rockfish. To 51.7 cm (20.3 in) TL (Matsubara 1943). Sea 

of Japan off Korean Peninsula and Pacific Ocean off Honshu, Japan to Kiska Pass, western Aleutian 

Islands (51°57'N, 176°32'E), Alaska (Lindberg and Krasyukova 1987). Antonenko et al. (2003) recently 

described the first records from the northwestern part of the Sea of Japan. At depths of 100–500 m 

(Sheiko and Fedorov 2000). 

Sebastes borealis Barsukov, 1970. Shortraker Rockfish. To 120 cm (47.2 in) TL (Novikov 1974). Okhotsk 

Sea, Pacific off northern Hokkaido, Japan to Kamchatka, and western Bering Sea (Tokranov and 

Davydov 1998) to Navarin Canyon and Aleutian Islands (Mecklenburg et al. 2002) to Point Conception, 

California (Allen and Smith 1988). At depths of 25–1,200 m (82–3,937 ft) (min.: Allen and Smith 1988; 

max.: Sheiko and Fedorov 2000). 

Sebastes brevispinis (Bean, 1884). Silvergray Rockfish. To 73 cm (28.7 in) TL (S. Johnson, pers. comm. to 

M. L.). Southeastern Bering Sea (Mecklenburg et al. 2002) to Bahia de Sebastian Vizcaino, central Baja 

California (Snytko and Fedorov 1974). Surface to 441 m (1,437 ft) (min.: Mecklenburg et al. 2002; max.: 

M. L., unpubl. data). 

Sebastes carnatus (Jordan & Gilbert, 1880). Gopher Rockfish. To 39.6 cm (15.6 in) TL (Miller and Lea 1972). 

Cape Blanco, Oregon (N. Wilsman, pers. comm. to M. L.) to Punta San Roque (27°12'N, 114°26'W), 

southern Baja California (Miller and Lea 1972). Intertidal area and to 86 m (282 ft) (min.: Chotkowski 

1994; max.: Weinberg et al. 2002). 

Sebastes caurinus Richardson, 1844. Copper Rockfish. To 66 cm (26 in) TL (Mecklenburg et al. 2002 from 

W. A. Palsson, pers. comm.). Western Gulf of Alaska east of Kodiak Island (Mecklenburg et al. 2002) to 

Islas San Benito, central Baja California (Chen 1971). Intertidal zone at high tide and to 185 m (607 ft) 

(min.: Cross 1981; max.: Allen et al. 2002). 

Sebastes chlorostictus (Jordan & Gilbert, 1880). Greenspotted Rockfish. To 45.6 cm (18.2 in) FL (Moser 

1966), equivalent to about 48.1 cm (19.2 in) TL based on conversion factors in Echeverria and Lenarz 

(1984). The 50 cm fish reported in Eschmeyer and Herald (1983) is probably an error and may have 

been a Greenblotched Rockfish, S. rosenblatti. Barkley Canyon, southern Vancouver Island (H. Chang 

and M. L., unpubl. data) to southern Baja California (25°32'N, 113°04'W; Snytko 1986). At depths of 

30–379 m (98–1,243 ft) (min.: M. L., unpubl. data; max.: RACE). 

Sebastes chrysomelas (Jordan & Gilbert, 1881). Black-and-Yellow Rockfish. To 38.7 cm (15.25 in) TL (Miller 

and Lea 1972). Cape Blanco, Oregon (N. Wilsman, pers. comm. to M. L.) to Isla Natividad (27°51'N, 

115°10'W), central Baja California (Miller and Lea 1972). Intertidal (Miller and Lea 1972) and to 37 m 

(120 ft; Phillips 1957). 

Sebastes ciliatus (Tilesius, 1813). Dark Rockfish. To 47.0 cm (18.5 in) FL. Western Aleutian Islands and 

eastern Bering Sea to Johnstone Strait, British Columbia. At depths of 5–160 m (17–528 ft). All in Orr 

and Blackburn (2004). 

Sebastes constellatus (Jordan & Gilbert, 1880). Starry Rockfish. To 46 cm (18 in) TL (Phillips 1957). 

Cordell Bank, northern California (Eldridge 1994) to Banco Thetis (24°57'N, 112°35'W), southern Baja 

California (Chen 1971). Tentatively identified from photographs taken at Rocas Alijos (about 25°N, 

115°45'W; R. N. Lea, pers. comm. to M. L.). At depths of 15–274 m (50–900 ft) (min.: D. Jehl, pers. 

comm. to M. L.; max.: Miller and Lea 1972). 

75

Sebastes crameri (Jordan, 1897). Darkblotched Rockfish. To 58 cm (22.8 in) TL (Kramer and O’Connell 

1995). Eastern Bering Sea southeast of Zemchug Canyon and Aleutian Islands off Tanaga Island 

(Mecklenburg et al. 2002) to near Santa Catalina Island, southern California (Miller and Lea 1972) and 

Laguna Beach, southern California (LACM 35710.010). At depths of 29–915 m (95–2,985 ft) (min.: 

Mecklenburg et al. 2002; max.: M. L., unpubl. data). 

Sebastes dallii (Eigenmann & Beeson, 1894). Calico Rockfish. To 25.4 cm (10 in) TL (J. Phillips, unpubl. data). 

San Francisco, northern California (Miller and Lea 1972) to Bahia de Sebastian Vizcaino, central Baja 

California (Chen 1971). Intertidal and to 305 m (1,000 ft) (min.: Chotkowski 1994; max.: LACS 2002). 

Sebastes diploproa (Gilbert, 1890). Splitnose Rockfish. To 45.7 cm (18 in) TL (Phillips 1957). Sanak Islands, 

western Gulf of Alaska (Mecklenburg et al. 2002) to Isla Cedros, central Baja California (Kramer and 

O’Connell 1995). At depths of 80–894 m (262–2,932 ft) (min.: Mecklenburg et al. 2002; max.: Ramsey 

et al. 2002). Young fish often found near surface under drifting kelp (Eschmeyer and Herald 1983). 

Sebastes elongatus Ayres, 1859. Greenstriped Rockfish. To 44.1 cm (17.4 in) FL (D. Pearson, pers. comm. 

to M. L.); about 45.6 cm TL (17.9 in) based on conversion factors in Echeverria and Lenarz (1984). 

Chirikof Island, western Gulf of Alaska (Allen and Smith 1988) to Isla Cedros, central Baja California 

(Phillips 1957). At depths of 12–1,145 m (39–3,756 ft) (min.: Shaw 1999; max.: Ramsey et al. 2002). 

Sebastes emphaeus (Starks, 1911). Puget Sound Rockfish. To 18 cm (7 in) TL (Eschmeyer and Herald 1983), 

reported to 19 cm (7.5 in) TL (W. A. Palsson, pers. comm. to M. L.). Outer coast of Kenai Peninsula and 

Prince William Sound, northern Gulf of Alaska to Punta Gorda, northern California (Mecklenburg et 

al. 2002). Tentatively identified and photographed from off Monterey, central California (R. Starr, pers. 

comm. to M. L.). At depths of 3–366 m (10–1,200 ft) (min.: W. A. Palsson, pers. comm. to M. L.; max.: 

Eschmeyer and Herald 1983). 

Sebastes ensifer Chen, 1971. Swordspine Rockfish. To 30.5 cm (12 in) TL (Miller and Lea 1972). San 

Francisco, northern California (Miller and Lea 1972) to Banco Ranger (28°25'N, 115°32'W), central 

Baja California (Chen 1971). At depths of 50–433 m (164–1,420 ft) (min.: M. L., unpubl. data; max.: 

Miller and Lea 1972). 

Sebastes entomelas (Jordan & Gilbert, 1880). Widow Rockfish. To 59 cm (23.2 in) TL (Kramer and O’Connell 

1995). Albatross Bank, western Gulf of Alaska (Allen and Smith 1988) to Bahia de Todos Santos, northern 

Baja California (Miller and Lea 1972). Near surface (juveniles) to 800 m (2,625 ft) (min.: M. L., unpubl. 

data; max.: Mecklenburg et al. 2002). 

Sebastes eos (Eigenmann & Eigenmann, 1890). Pink Rockfish. To 56 cm (22 in) TL (Phillips 1957). Central 

Oregon (44°33'N; RACE) to southern Baja California (25°24'N, 113°01'W; Snytko 1986) and Isla 

Guadalupe, central Baja California (Love et al. 2002). At depths of 45–366 m (150–1,200 ft) (min.: Allen 

et al. 2002; max.: Miller and Lea 1972). 

Sebastes flavidus (Ayres, 1862). Yellowtail Rockfish. To 66 cm (26 in) TL (Phillips 1957). Eastern Aleutian 

Islands south of Unalaska Island (Mecklenburg et al. 2002) to Isla San Martin, northern Baja California 

(J. A. Rosales-Casián, pers. comm. to M. L.). Surface (Miller and Lea 1972) and to 549 m (1,801 ft; Allen 

and Smith 1988), including intertidal zone (Chotkowski 1994) . 

Sebastes gilli (Eigenmann, 1891). Bronzespotted Rockfish. To 71.2 cm (28 in) TL (R. N. Lea, pers. comm. to 

M. L.). Monterey Bay, central California (Miller and Lea 1972) to off Punta Colnett (30°53'N, 116°30'W), 

northern Baja California (M. L., unpubl. data). At depths of 75–413 m (246–1,354 ft) (min.: Eschmeyer 

and Herald 1983; max.: M. L., unpubl. data). Spelled two ways in the original description, with a double 

i and with a single i at the end of the name. In accordance with the rules of zoological nomenclature, 

Nelson et al. (2004) selected the spelling with one i as the correct original spelling. 

76

Sebastes glaucus Hilgendorf, 1880. Gray Rockfish. To 59 cm (23.2 in) TL (Mecklenburg et al. 2002). Northern 

Sea of Japan and Sea of Okhotsk (Lindberg and Krasyukova 1987) to Commander Islands (B. A. Sheiko, 

pers. comm. to C. W. M.) and western Bering Sea north to Amayan Bay, Koryak coast (about 60°50'N; 

Taranetz 1933); south of Atka Island, Aleutian Islands (Orr and Baker 1996). At depths of 2–550 m 

(7–1,804 ft) (min.: Kondrat’ev 1996; max.: Orr et al. 1998). 

Sebastes goodei (Eigenmann & Eigenmann, 1890). Chilipepper. To 59 cm (23.2 in) TL (Mecklenburg et al. 

2002 after M. L., pers. comm.). Pratt and Durgin seamounts, eastern Gulf of Alaska (Mecklenburg et al. 

2002) to off Bahia Magdalena, southern Baja California (Phillips 1957). Near surface to 491 m (1,611 ft) 

(min.: Allen and Smith 1988; max.: Wilkins et al. 1998). 

Sebastes helvomaculatus Ayres, 1859. Rosethorn Rockfish. To 41 cm (16 in) TL (Kramer and O’Connell 

1995). Western Gulf of Alaska east of Sitkinak Island (Mecklenburg et al. 2002) to Banco Ranger 

(28°33'N, 115°25'W), central Baja California (Snytko 1986). At depths of 59–1,145 m (194–3,756 ft) 

(min.: Johnson et al. 2003; max.: Ramsey et al. 2002). 

Sebastes hopkinsi (Cramer, 1895). Squarespot Rockfish. To 29 cm (11.5 in) TL (Eschmeyer and Herald 

1983). Southern Oregon (Erickson et al. 1991) to northern Baja California (30°19'N, 116°06'W; SIO 

84-229) and Isla Guadalupe, central Baja California (Chen 1971). At depths of 18–305 m (60–1,000 ft) 

(min.: Miller and Lea 1972; max.: LACS 2002). 

Sebastes jordani (Gilbert, 1896). Shortbelly Rockfish. To 35 cm (13.8 in) TL or more (Mecklenburg et al. 

2002). La Perouse Bank (48°58'N, 126°43'W), southern British Columbia to southern Baja California 

(23°28'N, 110°43'W; Snytko 1986). Granite Island, northern Gulf of Alaska record is questionable (Allen 

and Smith 1988); not known from Alaska (Mecklenburg et al. 2002). Adults at depths of about 91–491 m 

(300–1,611 ft) (min.: Eschmeyer and Herald 1983; max.: Wilkins et al. 1998). 

Sebastes lentiginosus Chen, 1971. Freckled Rockfish. To about 23 cm (9 in) TL (Miller and Lea 1972). Point 

Conception, central California (34°36'N; RACE) to Punta San Roque (27°08'N, 114°26'W), central Baja 

California (M. L., unpubl. data) and Isla Guadalupe (SIO 97-73). At depths of 22–290 m (73–951 ft) 

(min.: M. L., unpubl. data; max.: Snytko 1986). 

Sebastes levis (Eigenmann & Eigenmann, 1889). Cowcod. Reported to 100 cm (39.4 in) TL (Butler et al. 2003). 

Off Newport, Oregon (Erickson and Pikitch 1987) to Banco Ranger, central Baja California (Miller and Lea 

1972) and Isla Guadalupe, central Baja California (Miller and Lea 1972). Juveniles as shallow as 40 m (132 ft; 

Johnson 1997); adults 72–491 m (236–1,610 ft) (min.: M. L., unpubl. data; max.: Butler et al. 1999). 

Sebastes macdonaldi (Eigenmann & Beeson, 1893). Mexican Rockfish. To 66 cm (26 in) TL (Miller and 

Lea 1972). Point Sur, central California (Miller and Lea 1972) to southern Baja California (23°24'N, 

111°11'W; Chen 1971) and central Gulf of California (Poss in Fischer et al. 1995). To depths of 76– 

350 m (249–1,148 ft) (min.: M. L., unpubl. data; max.: Poss in Fischer et al. 1995). 

Sebastes maliger (Jordan & Gilbert, 1880). Quillback Rockfish. To 61 cm (24 in) TL (Phillips 1957). Kodiak 

Island, Gulf of Alaska (Mecklenburg et al. 2002) to Anacapa Passage, southern California (Love and Lea 

1997). At depths of 5–274 m (16–899 ft) (min.: Moulton 1977; max.: Phillips 1957). 

Sebastes melanops Girard, 1856. Black Rockfish. To 69 cm (27.2 in) TL (C. Worton, pers. comm. to M. L.). 

Southern Bering Sea (Orr and Blackburn 2004) and Amchitka Island, Aleutian Islands (Wilimovsky 

1964) to northern Baja California (Kramer and O’Connell 1995). Surface to 366 m (1,200 ft) (min.: 

Kramer and O’Connell 1995; max.: Eschmeyer and Herald 1983). 

Sebastes melanosema Lea & Fitch, 1979. Semaphore Rockfish. To 39 cm (15.4 in) TL (Snytko 1986). Central 

Oregon (44°41'N, 124°48'W; Snytko 1986) to Punta San Pablo (27°13'N, 114°30'W), central Baja 

California (Lea and Fitch 1979). At depths of 97–490 m (318–1,607 ft) (min.: M. L., unpubl. data; max.: 

Snytko 1986). 

77

Sebastes melanostomus (Eigenmann & Eigenmann, 1890). Blackgill Rockfish. To 61 cm (24 in) TL (Phillips 

1957). Northern British Columbia off west coast of Queen Charlotte Islands (Workman et al. 1998) 

to Isla Cedros, central Baja California (Miller and Lea 1972). Pelagic juveniles have been taken as far 

south as Punta Abreojos (26°06'N, 114°05'W), southern Baja California (Moser and Ahlstrom 1978), 

strongly implying that adults live in southern Baja California. At depths of 88–768 m (289–2,520 ft) 

(min.: RACE; max.: Eschmeyer and Herald 1983). 

Sebastes miniatus (Jordan & Gilbert, 1880). Vermilion Rockfish. To 76 cm (30 in) TL (Phillips 1957). Zaikof 

Bay, Montague Island, Prince William Sound, Alaska (O’Connell et al. 1992) to Islas San Benito, central 

Baja California (Chen 1971). Juveniles in shallow water (M. L., unpubl. data), adults 12–439 m (39– 

1,440 ft) (min.: O’Connell et al. 1992; max.: RACE). 

Sebastes moseri Eitner, 1999. Whitespeckled Rockfish or Whitespotted Rockfish. To 20.6 cm (8.3 in) TL 

(M. Nishimoto, pers. comm. to M. L.). Point Arguello (M. L., unpubl. data) to off Punta Colnett (30°53'N, 

116°30'W), northern Baja California (M. Nishimoto, pers. comm. to M. L.). At depths of 50–220 m 

(165–726 ft; M. L., unpubl. data). 

Sebastes mystinus (Jordan & Gilbert, 1881). Blue Rockfish. To 53.3 cm (21 in) TL (Phillips 1957). Chatham 

Strait and Kruzof Island, southeastern Alaska (V. M. O’Connell, pers. comm. to M. L.) to Santo Tomas 

(31°30'N), northern Baja California (Phillips 1957). The northernmost range appears to be uncertain, at 

least partially due to this species’ resemblance to the Dusky Rockfish (S. ciliatus). It is likely that all “Blue 

Rockfish” from the Bering Sea and the western Gulf of Alaska refer to the Dusky Rockfish (Mecklenburg 

et al. 2002). Surface to about 549 m (1,800 ft) (min.: Moring 1972; max.: Eschmeyer and Herald 1983), 

including intertidal zone (Moring 1972). 

Sebastes nebulosus Ayres, 1854. China Rockfish. To 45 cm (17.7 in) TL (Ueber 1989). Kodiak Island, western 

Gulf of Alaska (Mecklenburg et al. 2002) to Redondo Beach (Fitch and Schultz 1978) and San Nicolas 

Island, southern California (Mecklenburg et al. 2002 from M. L., pers. comm.). At depths of 3–128 m 

(10–420 ft) (min.: Eschmeyer and Herald 1983; max.: Phillips 1957). 

Sebastes nigrocinctus Ayres, 1859. Tiger Rockfish. To 61 cm (24 in) TL (Phillips 1957). Off Eider Point, 

Unalaska Island, Aleutian Islands (collected by D. Magone; K. L. Bush, pers. comm. with photograph 

to M. L.) to Tanner and Cortes banks, southern California (Lissner and Dorsey 1986). At depths of 

17–298 m (56–978 ft) (min.: Johnson et al. 2003; max.: M. L., unpubl. data). 

Sebastes notius Chen, 1971. Guadalupe Rockfish or Southern Rockfish. To 21.9 cm (8.6 in) SL (Chen 1971). 

This species has been collected at two sites: Isla Guadalupe (29°N; Chen 1971), central Baja California; 

and in the vicinity of Banco del Tio Sam (Uncle Sam Bank; 25°35'N), southern Baja California (Rocha- 

Olivares 1998). At depths of 165–250 m (541–820 ft; Chen 1971). 

Sebastes ovalis (Ayres, 1862). Speckled Rockfish. To 56 cm (22 in) TL (Phillips 1957). Northern Washington 

(47°38'N; Nichol et al. 1989) to Arrecife Sacramento (29°40'N, 115°47'W), central Baja California (J. 

Phillips, unpubl. data). At depths of 30–366 m (100–1,200 ft) (min.: Miller and Lea 1972; max.: Phillips 

1957). 

Sebastes paucispinis Ayres, 1854. Bocaccio. To 91.4 cm (36 in) TL (Phillips 1957). Western Gulf of Alaska 

south of Shumagin Islands and Alaska Peninsula (Mecklenburg et al. 2002) to Punta Blanca (29°05'N, 

118°13'W), central Baja California (Chen 1971). Juveniles near surface and in inshore waters, adults 

about 20–475 m (66–1,578 ft) (min.: Mecklenburg et al. 2002; max.: Allen and Smith 1988). One juvenile 

reported from tidepool (Moring 1972). 

Sebastes phillipsi (Fitch, 1964). Chameleon Rockfish. To 52 cm (20.3 in) TL (M. L., unpubl. data). Point 

St. George, northern California (41°34'N; RACE) to Nine Mile Bank (32°39'N, 117°28'W) southern 

California (J. Hyde, pers. comm. to M. L.). At depths of 174–274 m (570–900 ft; Miller and Lea 1972). 

78

Sebastes pinniger (Gill, 1864). Canary Rockfish. To 76 cm (30 in) TL (Phillips 1957). Western Gulf of Alaska south 

of Shelikof Strait (Mecklenburg et al. 2002) to Punta Colnett, northern Baja California (Phillips 1957). Young 

fish in shallow waters; adults about 18–838 m (59–2,749 ft) (min.: Mecklenburg et al. 2002; max.: M. Wilkins, 

pers. comm. to M. L.). The 838 m record is from two individuals taken in a National Marine Fisheries Service 

(NMFS) survey. The next deepest record was from 439 m (1,440 ft), also from a NMFS survey. 

Sebastes polyspinis (Taranetz & Moiseev, 1933). Northern Rockfish. To 48 cm (18.9 in) TL (D. Clausen, pers. 

comm. to M. L.). North Pacific off Kuril Islands to Bering Sea at Pervenets Canyon and Commander– 

Aleutian chain to Graham Island, northern British Columbia (Mecklenburg et al. 2002, partly after 

Allen and Smith 1988). To depths of 10–740 m (33–2,428 ft) (min.: A. Abookire, pers. comm. to M. L.; 

max.: Sheiko and Fedorov 2000). The minimum depth of 10 m is from collection of four small fish 

(8.6–9.3 cm FL) in Kalsin Bay, Kodiak Island, Alaska. 

Sebastes proriger (Jordan & Gilbert, 1880). Redstripe Rockfish. To 61 cm (24 in) TL (Kramer and O’Connell 

1995). Pribilof Canyon, southeastern Bering Sea and Amchitka Island, Aleutian Islands (Mecklenburg 

et al. 2002) to southern Baja California (26°46'N, 114°07'W; Snytko and Fedorov 1975). At depths of 

12–442 m (40–1,450 ft) (min.: Eschmeyer and Herald 1983; max.: Ramsey et al. 2002). 

Sebastes rastrelliger (Jordan & Gilbert, 1880). Grass Rockfish. To 55.9 cm (22 in) TL (Miller and Lea 1972). 

Westport, Washington (UW 47283, 47°00'N, 124°00'W; W. A. Palsson, pers. comm.) to Bahia Playa Maria 

(28°50'N), central Baja California (Phillips 1957). Intertidal area and to 46 m (150 ft) (min.: Miller and 

Lea 1972; max.: Phillips 1957). 

Sebastes reedi (Westrheim & Tsuyuki, 1967). Yellowmouth Rockfish. To about 58 cm (23 in) TL (Miller and 

Lea 1972). Sitka, southeastern Gulf of Alaska (Mecklenburg et al. 2002) to near San Francisco, northern 

California (Snytko 1986). Although occasionally reported from the western and northern Gulf of Alaska, 

and probably widespread in Gulf coastal waters, S. reedi has not been documented by voucher specimens 

beyond southeastern Alaska. At depths of 141–366 m (463–1,201 ft; Mecklenburg et al. 2002). 

Sebastes rosaceus Girard, 1854. Rosy Rockfish. To 36 cm (14 in) TL (Eschmeyer and Herald 1983). Strait 

of Juan de Fuca, Washington (T. Wyllie Echeverria, pers. comm. to M. L.) to Bahia Tortugas (27°30'N, 

114°50'W), southern Baja California (Phillips 1957). At depths of 7–263 m (24–864 ft) (min.: SCCWRP; 

max.: M. L., unpubl. data). 

Sebastes rosenblatti Chen, 1971. Greenblotched Rockfish. To about 48 cm (19 in) TL (Miller and Lea 1972). 

Point Delgada, northern California (40°04'N; RACE) to Banco Ranger, central Baja California (Chen 

1971). At depths of 55–491 m (180–1,610 ft) (min.: M. L., unpubl. data; max.: Wilkins et al. 1998). 

Sebastes ruberrimus (Cramer, 1895). Red Snapper, Turkey-Red Rockfish, or Yelloweye Rockfish. To 91.4 cm 

(36 in) TL (Miller and Lea 1972). South of Umnak Island, Aleutian Islands (Mecklenburg et al. 2002) to 

Ensenada, northern Baja California (Phillips 1957). At depths of 15–549 m (49–1,800 ft) (min.: Kramer 

and O’Connell 1995; max.: Eschmeyer and Herald 1983). 

Sebastes rubrivinctus (Jordan & Gilbert, 1880). Flag Rockfish. To 44 cm (17.2 in) TL (R. N. Lea, pers. comm. 

to M. L.). Heceta Bank, Oregon (M. Yoklavich, pers. comm. to M. L.) to off Arrecife Sacramento (29°40'N, 

115°47'W), central Baja California (S. Charter, pers. comm. to M. L.). At depths of 30–418 m (100– 

1,371 ft) (min.: Eschmeyer and Herald 1983; max.: RACE). Until recently, most researchers considered the 

Redbanded Rockfish (Sebastes babcocki) to be synonymous with S. rubrivinctus. This led to errors in both 

geographic range and maximum length statements. It is now assumed that most records of S. rubrivinctus 

from Oregon to Alaska and fish identified as S. rubrivinctus larger than about 45 cm refer to S. babcocki. 

Sebastes rufinanus Lea & Fitch, 1972. Dwarf-red Rockfish. To 17 cm (6.8 in) TL (Lea and Fitch 1972). 

Offshore banks and islands off southern California (M. L., unpubl. data) as far northwest as San Miguel 

Island (D. Schroeder, pers. comm. to M. L.). At depths of 58–167 m (363–660 ft; M. L., unpubl. data). 

79

Sebastes rufus (Eigenmann & Eigenmann, 1890). Bank Rockfish. To 55.2 cm (21.5 in) TL (D. Watters, pers. 

comm. to M. L.). Queen Charlotte Sound, British Columbia (N. Venables, pers. comm. to M. L.) to 

central Baja California (29°02'N, 118°13'W; Chen 1971) and Isla Guadalupe (Miller and Lea 1972). At 

depths of 31–454 m (102–1,489 ft) (min.: Miller and Lea 1972; max.: Wilkins et al. 1998). 

Sebastes saxicola (Gilbert, 1890). Stripetail Rockfish. To 41 cm (16.1 in) TL (Kramer and O’Connell 1995). 

Yakutat Bay, eastern Gulf of Alaska (Mecklenburg et al. 2002) to Punta Rompiente (27°41'N, 115°01'W), 

southern Baja California (LACM 32061.006). At depths of 25–547 m (82–1,795 ft; Mecklenburg et al. 

2002). 

Sebastes semicinctus (Gilbert, 1897). Halfbanded Rockfish. To 25 cm (10 in) TL (Phillips 1957). Northern 

Washington (47°33'N; RACE) to Bahia de Sebastian Vizcaino, central Baja California (Phillips 1957). At 

depths of 15–402 m (48–1,320 ft) (min.: SCCWRP; max.: Miller and Lea 1972). 

Sebastes serranoides (Eigenmann & Eigenmann, 1890). Olive Rockfish. To 61 cm (24 in) TL (Miller and Lea 

1972). Southern Oregon (M. L., unpubl. data) to Islas San Benito, central Baja California (Chen 1971). 

Surface and 2–172 m (7–564 ft) (min.: M. L., unpubl. data; max.: SCCWRP). 

Sebastes serriceps (Jordan & Gilbert, 1880). Treefish. To 41 cm (16 in) TL (Phillips 1957). San Francisco, 

northern California to Isla Cedros, central Baja California (Phillips 1957). Shallow waters to 97 m 

(320 ft; M. Nishimoto, pers. comm. to M. L.). 

Sebastes simulator Chen, 1971. Pinkrose Rockfish. To 42.1 cm (16.4 in) TL (León-Castro et al. 1993). Carmel 

Submarine Canyon, central California (R. N. Lea, pers. comm. to M. L.) to Cabo Colnett (30°53'N, 

116°30'W), northern Baja California (M. L., unpubl. data) and Isla Guadalupe, central Baja California 

(León-Castro et al. 1993). At depths of 99–450 m (325–1,476 ft) (min.: Eschmeyer and Herald 1983; 

max.: Chen 1971). 

Sebastes umbrosus (Jordan & Gilbert, 1882). Honeycomb Rockfish. To 28.5 cm (11.2 in) TL (M. L., unpubl. 

data). Point Pinos, central California (Miller and Lea 1972) to near Punta San Juanico (25°48'N), 

southern Baja California (Chen 1971). At depths of 18–270 m (60–891 ft) (min.: M. L., unpubl. data; 

max.: León-Castro 1993). 

Sebastes variabilis Pallas, 1814. Dusky Rockfish. To 59 cm (23.2 in) FL. Hokkaido, Japan; eastern Kamchatka 

to about 60°N in the Bering Sea and along the Aleutian Islands to Johnstone Strait, British Columbia; 

one record from Oregon (44°24'N, 124°47'W; V. Tuttle, pers. comm. to M. L.). At depths of 6–675 m 

(20–2,228 ft). All in Orr and Blackburn (2004) except the Oregon coordinates. 

Sebastes variegatus Quast, 1971. Harlequin Rockfish. To 38 cm (15 in) TL (Kramer and O’Connell 1995). 

Southeastern Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands at Bowers Bank (Mecklenburg et al. 2002) to 95 km (59 mi) 

southwest of Newport, Oregon (44°32'N, 124°39'W; Orr and Baker 1996). At depths of 6–558 m (20– 

1,831 ft). The 6 m record is from a juvenile; the shallowest adult is 49 m (161 ft) (min.: Gillespie et al. 

1993; max.: Allen and Smith 1988). 

Sebastes wilsoni (Gilbert, 1915). Pygmy Rockfish. To 23 cm (9 in) TL (Kramer and O’Connell 1995). Outer 

coast of Kenai Peninsula, northern Gulf of Alaska (Mecklenburg et al. 2002) to Cortes Bank, southern 

California (Miller and Lea 1972). At depths of 29–383 m (95–1,256 ft) (min.: Mecklenburg et al. 2002; 

max.: Wilkins et al. 1998). 

Sebastes zacentrus (Gilbert, 1890). Sharpchin Rockfish. To 45 cm (18 in) TL (Shaw 1999). Attu Island, 

Aleutian Islands (Mecklenburg et al. 2002) to San Diego, southern California (Phillips 1957). At depths 

of 25 to 610–660 m (83 to 2,001–2,164 ft) (min.: Allen and Smith 1988; max.: Snytko 1986). 

Sebastolobus alascanus Bean, 1890. Shortspine Thornyhead. To 80 cm (31.5 in) SL (Amaoka in Masuda 

et al. 1984). Seas of Okhotsk and Japan to Pacific Ocean and Bering Sea off Kamchatka (Tokranov and 

80

Novikov 1997) to Navarin Canyon and Aleutian Islands (Mecklenburg et al. 2002) to Pacific off Boca de 

Santo Domingo (25°32'N, 113°04'W), southern Baja California (Snytko 1987). At depths of 17–1,524 m 

(56–5,000 ft) (min.: Sheiko and Fedorov 2000; max.: Eschmeyer and Herald 1983). 

Sebastolobus altivelis Gilbert, 1896. Longspine Thornyhead. To 38 cm (15 in) TL (Phillips 1957). Shumagin 

Islands, western Gulf of Alaska to Cabo San Lucas, southern Baja California (Mecklenburg et al. 2002). 

Reports from Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands are undocumented and of doubtful validity (Mecklenburg 

et al. 2002). At depths of 201–1,756 m (660–5,760 ft; Kramer and O'Connell 1995). 

Sebastolobus macrochir (Günther, 1877). Broadbanded Thornyhead or Broadfin Thornyhead. To 38 cm 

(15 in) TL (Orlov 1996). Seas of Japan and Okhotsk to Commander Islands, Pacific Ocean south of 

Aleutian Islands, and Bering Sea south of Cape Navarin to eastern Bering Sea (Mecklenburg et al. 2002). 

At depths of 100–1,504 m (328–4,934 ft) (min.: Orlov and Kochkin 1995; max.: Mecklenburg et al. 

2002). Many of the earlier records for this species in the eastern Bering Sea pertain to S. alascanus. The 

vernacular “broadbanded thornyhead” may have originated as a typographical error for broadhanded 

(translation of macrochir), in reference to the pectoral fins (Mecklenburg et al. 2002); the fish does not 

have any bands of color. The AFS–ASIH list of North American fish names (Nelson et al. 2004) now 

gives the name Broadfin Thornyhead for this species. 

Family Triglidae — Searobins 

Bellator gymnostethus (Gilbert, 1892). Nakedbelly Searobin or Short-Spine Searobin. To 15 cm (5.9 in) TL 

(Robertson and Allen 2002). South of Punta Redonda (24°28'N, 112°02'W), southern Baja California 

(Black 1977) to Isla San Lorenzo, Callao, Peru (Chirichigno 1974), including Gulf of California (Galván- 

Magaña et al. 1996). At depths of 30–200 m (98–656 ft; Robertson and Allen 2002). 

Bellator loxias (Jordan, 1897). Barred Searobin or Chevron Searobin. To 15 cm (5.9 in) TL (Bussing in 

Fischer et al. 1995). Bahia Magdalena, southern Baja California (De La Cruz-Agüero et al. 1994) to 

Isla San Lorenzo, Callao, Peru (Chirichigno 1974), including Gulf of California (Bussing in Fischer et 

al. 1995) and Islas Galápagos (Grove and Lavenberg 1997). About 20 m (66 ft; Aguilar-Palomino et al. 

2001) to 191 m (626 ft; SIO 84-81). 

Bellator xenisma (Jordan & Bollman, 1890). Splitnose Searobin. To 12.5 cm (4.9 in) TL (Amezcua Linares 

1996). Punta Gorda (23°05'N, 109°25'W; SIO 84-77), near tip of Baja California and Gulf of California 

(Bussing in Fischer et al. 1995) to northern Peru (Chirichigno and Vélez 1998). One reported off Santa 

Barbara, southern California (Eschmeyer and Herald 1983). At depths of 17–200 m (55–656 ft) (min.: 

SIO 60-106; max.: Amezcua Linares 1996). 

Prionotus albirostris Jordan & Bollman, 1890. Whitesnout Searobin. To 22 cm (8.7 in) TL (Amezcua Linares 

1996). Bahia San Hippólito (26°57'N, 113°53'W), southern Baja California (González-Acosta et al. 1999) 

and Gulf of California (Bussing in Fischer et al. 1995) to northern Peru (Chirichigno and Vélez 1998), 

including Islas Galápagos (Grove and Lavenberg 1997). At depths of 19–100 m (63–328 ft) (min.: SIO 

64-270; max.: Amezcua Linares 1996). 

Prionotus birostratus Richardson, 1844. Twobeak Searobin. To 18 cm (7.1 in) TL (Bussing in Fischer et al. 

1995). Bahia Magdalena, southern Baja California (De La Cruz-Agüero et al. 1994) to Playas, Ecuador 

(Bussing in Fischer et al. 1995), including Gulf of California (Bussing in Fischer et al. 1995). At depths 

of 18–60 m (60–197 ft) (min.: SIO 62-707; max.: Robertson and Allen 2002). 

Prionotus horrens Richardson, 1844. Bristly Searobin. To 35 cm (13.8 in) TL (Bussing in Fischer et al. 1995). 

Bahia Magdalena, southern Baja California (LACM 38091.008) to Peru (Bussing in Fischer et al. 1995), 

including Gulf of California (Robertson and Allen 2002). At depths of 7–105 m (23–344 ft) (min.: 

LACM 42703.010; max.: Amezcua Linares 1996). 

81

Prionotus ruscarius Gilbert & Starks, 1904. Common Searobin or Rough Searobin. To 30 cm (11.8 in) TL 

(Bussing in Fischer et al. 1995). Bahia Magdalena, southern Baja California (De La Cruz-Agüero et 

al. 1994) into northern Gulf of California to Chile (Pequeño 1989). At depths of 4–107 m (13–351 ft) 

(min.: LACM 47878.011; max.: Amezcua Linares 1996). 

Prionotus stephanophrys Lockington, 1881. Lumptail Searobin. To 43 cm (16.9 in) TL (Robertson and Allen 

2002). Columbia River, Washington (Eschmeyer and Herald 1983) to Chile (Pequeño 1989), including 

Gulf of California (Bussing in Fischer et al. 1995). At depths of 2–255 m (7–836 ft) (min.: M. Shane, 

pers. comm. to M. L.; max.: Robertson and Allen 2002). Prionotus quiescens Jordan & Bollman, 1890, is 

a junior synonym. 

Family Anoplopomatidae — Sablefishes 

Anoplopoma fimbria (Pallas, 1814). Blackcod or Sablefish. To 114 cm (45 in) TL (Mecklenburg et al. 2002). 

Pacific Ocean off central Honshu, Japan (Sasaki 1985) to Aleutian Islands and Bowers Bank to Bering 

Sea south of St. Lawrence Island, Alaska (Allen and Smith 1988) and to Islas San Benito and Isla Cedros, 

central Baja California (Knaggs et al. 1975). Adults near bottom to 2,740 m (8,989 ft; McFarlane and 

Beamish 1983), juveniles often near shore and shallower (Mecklenburg et al. 2002). 

Erilepis zonifer (Lockington, 1880). Priestfish or Skilfish. To 183 cm (72 in) TL (Miller and Lea 1972). Sagami 

Bay, Pacific coast of central Honshu, Japan (Mecklenburg 2003) to south of Commander–Aleutian chain 

and southern Gulf of Alaska (Mecklenburg et al. 2002) to Monterey Bay, central California (Eschmeyer 

and Herald 1983). Adults close to bottom at depths of 200–1,030 m (656–3,379 ft), usually far from 

shore (min.: Mecklenburg et al. 2002; max.: Mitani et al. 1986); juveniles and young adults to about 

110 cm TL (43 in) collected near surface, sometimes close to shore (Mecklenburg et al. 2002). 

Family Hexagrammidae — Greenlings 

Hexagrammos decagrammus (Pallas, 1810). Kelp Greenling. To 53 cm (21 in) TL (Eschmeyer and Herald 

1983). Attu Island, Aleutian Islands to Gulf of Alaska coasts (Mecklenburg et al. 2002) to La Jolla, 

southern California (Miller and Lea 1972). Intertidal (Miller and Lea 1972; M. L., unpubl. data) and to 

130 m (426 ft; M. L., unpubl. data); reported but not confirmed to 242 m (794 ft; Lauth 2000). 

Hexagrammos lagocephalus (Pallas, 1810). Rock Greenling. To 61 cm (24 in) TL (Miller and Lea 1972). 

Yellow, Japan, and Okhotsk seas to Commander–Aleutian chain and northern Bering Sea (Mecklenburg 

et al. 2002) to Point Conception, central California (Miller and Lea 1972). A few larvae have been 

collected in southern California, as far south as Santa Monica Bay (Moser et al. 2002). Intertidal area 

(Miller and Lea 1972) and shallow waters (Eschmeyer and Herald 1983), recorded to depth of 80 m 

(262 ft) in eastern Pacific (Mecklenburg et al. 2002) and to 596 m (1,955 ft) in western Pacific (Orlov 

1998). Following Mecklenburg et al. (2002), Mecklenburg and Eschmeyer (2003), and some earlier 

authors, treatment here includes Hexagrammos superciliosus (Pallas, 1810), which is classified by some 

authors as a distinct species. Molecular evidence presented by Crow et al. (2004) supports the existence 

of a single, widely distributed species. 

Hexagrammos octogrammus (Pallas, 1814). Masked Greenling. To 28 cm (11 in) TL (Eschmeyer and Herald 

1983). Okhotsk and Japan seas to Commander–Aleutian chain and St. Lawrence Island, northern Bering 

Sea (Mecklenburg et al. 2002) to Banks Island, northern British Columbia (Peden and Wilson 1976). At 

depths of 6–31 m (20–102 ft; Mecklenburg et al. 2002). 

Hexagrammos stelleri Tilesius, 1810. Whitespotted Greenling. To about 48 cm (19 in) TL (Miller and 

Lea 1972). Japan Sea to Commander–Aleutian chain and Chukchi and Bering seas to Puget Sound, 

Washington; one unconfirmed report from Simpson Cove, Beaufort Sea (Mecklenburg et al. 2002). 

Intertidal waters and to depth of 175 m (574 ft; Allen and Smith 1988). 

82

Ophiodon elongatus Girard, 1854. Lingcod. To 152 cm (60 in) TL (Wilby 1937). Shumagin Islands, southwestern 

Gulf of Alaska to Pacific Ocean off Punta San Carlos, northern Baja California (Mecklenburg 

et al. 2002). Intertidal waters and to depth of 475 m (1,558 ft; Allen and Smith 1988; min. confirmed by 

M. L., unpubl. data). 

Oxylebius pictus Gill, 1862. Painted Greenling. To 25.4 cm (10 in) TL (Miller and Lea 1972). Kachemak Bay 

(Abookire 2002) and Prince William Sound (Orsi et al. 1991), northern Gulf of Alaska to Bahia San 

Carlos (29°36'N, 115°35'W; SIO 84-237), central Baja California. Existing statements of range to Bering 

Sea are based on older reports that have been discounted (Mecklenburg et al. 2002). Larvae have been 

taken into southern Baja California at about 27°N (Moser et al. 1994). Although the Kachemak Bay 

report lacks a voucher specimen, this species is distinctive and not likely to be misidentified. Intertidal 

and to depth of 225 m (738 ft) (min.: Eschmeyer and Herald 1983; max.: SIO 01-193), reported to 

249 m (816 ft; D. Schroeder, pers. comm. to M. L.); typically shallower than 50 m (164 ft). 

Pleurogrammus monopterygius (Pallas, 1810). Atka Mackerel or Northern Atka Mackerel. To 51 cm (20.1 in) 

TL (Mecklenburg et al. 2002:391 [see note on size therein]). Sea of Japan (Antonenko et al. 2003) and 

Sea of Okhotsk (Chereshnev and Nazarkin 2004) to Commander–Aleutian chain and northern Bering 

Sea (Mecklenburg et al. 2002) to Redondo Beach, southern California (Eschmeyer and Herald 1983); 

rare in eastern North Pacific south of Alaska (Mecklenburg et al. 2002). Lower intertidal and to 720 m 

(2,362 ft; Hoff and Britt 2003). Following Mecklenburg and Eschmeyer (2003) we treat Pleurogrammus 

azonus Jordan & Metz, 1913, a western Pacific form sometimes classified as a junior synonym of P. 

monopterygius (e.g., Nelson 1994, Mecklenburg et al. 2002), as a distinct species with common name 

Southern Atka Mackerel or Arabesque Greenling. Molecular evidence recently presented by Crow et al. 

(2004) supports the existence of two distinct species. 

Zaniolepis frenata Eigenmann & Eigenmann, 1889. Shortspine Combfish. To 25 cm (10 in) TL (Eschmeyer 

and Herald 1983). Southern Oregon (Miller and Lea 1972) to Bahia San Cristobal (27°22'N, 114°37'W), 

southern Baja California (Knaggs et al. 1975) and in Gulf of California (Castro-Aguirre 1991). On bottom 

at depths of 55–244 m (180–800 ft; Eschmeyer and Herald 1983); reported but not confirmed at 7–450 m 

(23–1,476 ft) (min.: SCCWRP; max.: RACE). The species name is correctly spelled frenata to agree in gender 

(feminine) with the genus name, not frenatus as originally spelled (Mecklenburg and Eschmeyer 2003). 

Zaniolepis latipinnis Girard, 1858. Longspine Combfish. To 30.5 cm (12 in) TL (Miller and Lea 1972). 

Vancouver Island, southern British Columbia (Miller and Lea 1972) to southern Baja California 

(25°45'N, 112°23'W; LACM 31762.017). On bottom at depths of 37–201 m (120–660 ft; Eschmeyer and 

Herald 1983); reported but not confirmed at 7–421 m (23–1,381 ft) (min.: SCCWRP; max.: RACE). 

Note: Some authors classify Zaniolepis in a separate family Zaniolepididae, the combfishes. Other arrangements 

have been proposed (see Mecklenburg and Eschmeyer 2003, Crow et al. 2004). 

Family Rhamphocottidae — Grunt Sculpins 

Rhamphocottus richardsonii Günther, 1874. Grunt Sculpin. To 9.3 cm (3.7 in) TL (SIO 01-79; H. J. Walker, 

pers. comm. to C. W. M.). Japan (Yabe in Masuda et al. 1984); western Gulf of Alaska near Unimak 

Pass (UW 22721), Sanak Islands (UW 111429), and Semidi Islands (C. W. M., unpubl. data) to Santa 

Monica Bay, southern California (Eschmeyer and Herald 1983) and Tanner Bank (32°38'N, 119°09'W; 

SIO 79-60). Reported to Bering Sea by Clemens and Wilby (1946; “northwestern Alaska”), Wilimovsky 

(1954), and subsequent authors, but specific documentation has not been found (Mecklenburg et al. 

2002:397). However, occurrence near Unimak Pass in the southwesternmost part of the Gulf of Alaska 

(UW 22721) is well documented, and indicates the species likely does occur in the southern area of the 

Bering Sea. Tidepools and shallow water (Clemens and Wilby 1946) and to depth of 258 m (846 ft; SIO 

00-49), possibly deeper (SIO 79-60, collected by semipelagic trawl at 183–293 m). 

83

Family Cottidae — Sculpins 

Archistes biseriatus (Gilbert & Burke, 1912). Scaled Sculpin. To 16 cm (6.3 in) SL (Orlov et al. 2001). Central 

and northern Kuril Islands (Yabe and Soma 2000, Orlov et al. 2001) and southern Bering Sea north 

of Petrel Bank and Seguam Island (Orlov et al. 2001). Bottom or near bottom at depths of 75–145 m 

(246–476 ft) (min.: ZIN 49280; max.: Orlov et al. 2001). Recently called Archaulus biseriatus. 

*Archistes plumarius Jordan & Gilbert, 1898. Plumed Sculpin. To 7.2 cm (2.8 in) TL. Two records known, 

each of a single fish: Ushishir Island, Kuril Islands and Medny Island, Commander Islands. On bottom at 

depth of 40 m (131 ft) was reported for the Medny Island specimen. All in Mecklenburg et al. (2002). 

Artediellichthys nigripinnis (Schmidt, 1937). Blackfin Hookear Sculpin. To 15.9 cm (6.3 in) TL (Tokranov 

2001). Okhotsk Sea and Pacific Ocean off Kuril Islands to Cape Navarin, western Bering Sea; southern 

Bering Sea north of Rat Islands, western Aleutian Islands; eastern Gulf of Alaska (Mecklenburg et al. 

2002). Bottom at depths of 200–800 m (656–12,625 ft) (min.: Neyelov 1979; max.: Tokranov 2001); 

sometimes in water column, e.g., at about 200 m over bottom depth of 3,730 m (Neyelov 1979). 

*Artediellus camchaticus Gilbert & Burke, 1912. Clownfin Sculpin. To 16 cm (6.3 in) TL (Tokranov 1988). 

Okhotsk Sea coast of Hokkaido to Pacific Ocean off Kuril Islands and southeastern Kamchatka, to 

Commander Islands and western Bering Sea north to Cape Navarin, Russia not far from Alaska border 

(International Dateline) (Mecklenburg et al. 2002). Bottom at depths of 35–520 m (115–1,706 ft; Sheiko 

and Fedorov 2000). 

Artediellus gomojunovi Taranetz, 1933. Spinyhook Sculpin. To 7.6 cm (3.0 in) TL. Kuril Islands to northern 

Bering Sea. One record, unconfirmed, from Point Barrow, Alaska. Benthic, at depths of 37–380 m (121– 

1,246 ft). All in Mecklenburg et al. (2002). 

*Artediellus miacanthus Gilbert & Burke, 1912. Northern Hookear Sculpin or Smallhook Sculpin. To 7.2 cm 

(2.8 in) TL. Paramushir Island, northern Kuril Islands to western Bering Sea off Cape Navarin, and 

unconfirmed or unverifiable records from Gulf of Anadyr, Russia and southeast of St. Lawrence Island, 

Alaska. Bottom at depths of 33–293 m (108–961 ft). All in Mecklenburg et al. (2002). 

Artediellus ochotensis Gilbert & Burke, 1912. Okhotsk Hookear Sculpin. To 10.2 cm (4.0 in) TL. Japan Sea at 

Peter the Great Bay to Okhotsk Sea, Kuril Islands, and Commander Islands, to Gulf of Anadyr, western 

Bering Sea; northeastern Chukchi Sea. Bottom at depths of 4–100 m (12–328 ft). All in Mecklenburg et 

al. (2002). 

Artediellus pacificus Gilbert, 1896. Hookhorn Sculpin, Pacific Hookear Sculpin, or Paddled Sculpin. To 

8.7 cm (3.4 in) SL, about 10.5 cm (4.1 in) TL. Northern Japan Sea and Okhotsk Sea to northern Bering 

Sea to Limestone Inlet, southeastern Alaska; one record, unconfirmed, from eastern Chukchi Sea 

(Mecklenburg et al. 2002). Benthic, at depths of 15–250 m (50–820 ft) (min.: Eschmeyer and Herald 

1983; max.: Mecklenburg et al. 2002). 

Artediellus scaber Knipowitsch, 1907. Hamecon. To 8.9 cm (3.5 in) TL (Mecklenburg et al. 2002). Bering Sea 

south of St. Lawrence Island and Cape Navarin to Chukchi and Beaufort seas, east through Arctic Ocean 

to Somerset Island, Canada, and west to Barents and Kara seas; Cook Inlet, northern Gulf of Alaska 

(Mecklenburg et al. 2002). At depths of 10–100 m (33–328 ft) (min.: Mecklenburg et al. 2002; max.: 

Fedorov in Whitehead et al. 1986). Although there is one Cook Inlet record this is a disjunct record and 

could represent contamination of samples (A. E. Peden, pers. comm. to C. W. M.). 

Artedius corallinus (Hubbs, 1926). Coralline Sculpin. To 14 cm (5.5 in) TL (Miller and Lea 1972). Orcas 

Island, Washington to Isla San Martin, northern Baja California (Miller and Lea 1972). Lower intertidal 

area (Bolin 1944) and to 70 m (230 ft; D. Schroeder, pers. comm. to M. L.). 

84

Artedius fenestralis Jordan & Gilbert, 1883. Padded Sculpin. To 14 cm (5.5 in) TL (Miller and Lea 1972). 

Unalaska Island, Aleutian Islands to north side of Alaska Peninsula at Herendeen Bay (UW 22140) and 

to Diablo Cove, central California (Miller and Lea 1972). Intertidal, including tidepools (Gilbert and 

Burke 1912), and to 55 m (180 ft; Eschmeyer and Herald 1983), reported to 122 m (402 ft; W. A. Palsson, 


Artedius harringtoni (Starks, 1896). Scalyhead Sculpin. To 10.2 cm (4 in) TL (Miller and Lea 1972). Unalaska 

Island, Aleutian Islands; Kodiak Island, western Gulf of Alaska (Mecklenburg et al. 2002) to San Miguel 

Island, southern California (Miller and Lea 1972). Intertidal, including tidepools (Bolin 1944), and to 

21 m (70 ft; Miller and Lea 1972). 

Artedius lateralis (Girard, 1854). Smoothhead Sculpin. To 14 cm (5.5 in) TL (Peden and Wilson 1976). 

Sanak Island, western Gulf of Alaska (Mecklenburg et al. 2002) to Punta Baja (29°58'N, 115°49'W; SIO 

51-401). Intertidal zone (Bolin 1944), including tidepools (Mecklenburg et al. 2002), and to 15 m (49 ft; 

Eschmeyer and Herald 1983), reported to 70 m (228 ft; W. A. Palsson, pers. comm. to M. L.). 

Artedius notospilotus Girard, 1856. Bonehead Sculpin or Bonyhead Sculpin. To 25.4 cm (10 in) TL (Miller 

and Lea 1972). Puget Sound, Washington (Miller and Lea 1972) to Punta Rocosa (28°45'N, 114°24'W), 

central Baja California (SIO 52-164). Reports of occurrence in Alaska are incorrect (Mecklenburg et 

al. 2002; C. W. M., unpubl. data). Intertidal (Bolin 1944) and to depth of 52 m (170 ft; Eschmeyer and 

Herald 1983). 

Ascelichthys rhodorus Jordan & Gilbert, 1880. Rosylip Sculpin. To 15.0 cm (5.9 in) TL (Miller and Lea 1972). 

Olsen Bay, Prince William Sound, northern Gulf of Alaska (Mecklenburg et al. 2002) to Pillar Point, 

central California (Eschmeyer and Herald 1983). Intertidal zone, typically in tidepools (Bolin 1944), 

and to depth of 15.2 m (50 ft; Mecklenburg et al. 2002 [UW 1492]). 

Bolinia euryptera Yabe, 1991. Broadfin Sculpin. To 18.9 cm (7.4 in) SL (Yabe 1991). Off Aleutian Islands 

from Near Strait (52°11'N, 175°16'E; UW 46561) to Akutan Pass (54°14'N, 165°54'W; UW 49554). At 

depths of 61–410 m (232–1,345 ft) (min.: UW 48490; max.: Yabe 1991). Described by Yabe (1991) from 

depths of 201 m and more, B. euryptera has since been collected at shallower depths of 61 m (UW 

49554), 110 m (UW 48490), and 148 m (UW 45600) on the shelf off the Aleutian Islands. 

Chitonotus pugetensis (Steindachner, 1876). Roughback Sculpin. To 22.9 cm (9 in) TL (Miller and Lea 

1972). Mears Pass (55°17'N, 133°11'W; AB 03-15) and Coco Harbor (55°03'N, 133°02'W; AB 03-16), 

southeastern Alaska (B. L. Wing, pers. comm. to C. W. M.) to Bahia Santa Maria, southern Baja California 

(Miller and Lea 1972). Intertidal area and to 144 m (474 ft) (min.: Miller and Lea 1972; max.: M. L., 

unpubl. data). 

Clinocottus acuticeps (Gilbert, 1896). Sharpnose Sculpin. To 6.4 cm (2.5 in) TL (Miller and Lea 1972). Attu 

Island, Aleutian Islands (Gilbert and Burke 1912) to Big Sur River, central California (Miller and Lea 

1972). Intertidal area and to 20 m (66 ft; Mecklenburg et al. 2002), including tidepools (Green 1971). 

Often in brackish water, occasionally in fresh water (Morrow 1980). 

Clinocottus analis (Girard, 1858). Woolly Sculpin. To 17.8 cm (7 in) TL (Miller and Lea 1972). Cape 

Mendocino, northern California (Eschmeyer and Herald 1983) to Punta Ascuncion, central Baja 

California (Miller and Lea 1972) and Isla Cedros, central Baja California (LACM 32014.013). Intertidal 

area and to 18 m (60 ft; Miller and Lea 1972). 

Clinocottus embryum (Jordan & Starks, 1895). Calico Sculpin. To 7.0 cm (2.75 in) TL (Miller and Lea 1972). 

Attu Island, Aleutian Islands (Gilbert and Burke 1912) to Punta Banda, northern Baja California (Miller and 

Lea 1972). Intertidal and shallow subtidal areas (Miller and Lea 1972), typically in tidepools (Bolin 1944). 

85

Clinocottus globiceps (Girard, 1858). Mosshead Sculpin. To 19.0 cm (7.5 in) TL (Miller and Lea 1972). 

Chernabura and Kodiak islands, western Gulf of Alaska (Mecklenburg et al. 2002) to Gaviota, southern 

California (Miller and Lea 1972). Intertidal and shallow subtidal areas (Miller and Lea 1972), common 

in tidepools (Bolin 1944). 

Clinocottus recalvus (Greeley, 1899). Bald Sculpin. To 13.0 cm (5.12 in) TL (Miller and Lea 1972). Mill Beach 

near Brookings, southern Oregon to Punta Rompiente, central Baja California (Miller and Lea 1972). 

Intertidal and shallow subtidal areas (Eschmeyer and Herald 1983). 

Cottus aleuticus Gilbert, 1896. Coastrange Sculpin. To 17.2 cm (6.8 in) TL (Hubbs 1921). Kobuk River 

(drains to Kotzebue Sound, eastern Chukchi Sea) (Morrow 1980); Bristol Bay, Alaska Peninsula, and 

Aleutian Islands drainages (Mecklenburg et al. 2002) to Oso Flaco Creek, Santa Barbara County, 

central California (Swift et al. 1993). Fresh and brackish waters (Wydoski and Whitney 1979); migrate 

downstream to estuaries and lower reaches of rivers in spring to spawn (Morrow 1980). 

Cottus asper Richardson, 1836. Prickly Sculpin. To 19.2 cm (7.7 in) SL (Coad 1995). Seward, Alaska (coast of 

northern Gulf of Alaska) to Ventura River, southern California (Morrow 1980). Usually in fresh water, 

occasionally in estuaries and nearshore marine waters (Mecklenburg et al. 2002). 

Enophrys bison (Girard, 1854). Buffalo Sculpin. To 37.1 cm (14.6 in) TL (Miller and Lea 1972). Uyak Bay, 

Kodiak Island, western Gulf of Alaska (Mecklenburg et al. 2002) to Monterey Bay, central California 

(Miller and Lea 1972). Benthic; intertidal and to 26 m (85 ft) (min.: Sandercock and Wilimovsky 1968; 

max.: LACM 35699.003), reported to 137 m (450 ft; W. A. Palsson, pers. comm. to M. L.). 

Enophrys diceraus (Pallas, 1788). Antlered Sculpin. To 28 cm (11.2 in) TL (Neyelov 1979). Japan and Okhotsk 

seas to Commander–Aleutian chain, Bering Sea, and Chukchi Sea to Point Barrow, to Fort Tongass, 

southeastern Alaska (Mecklenburg et al. 2002). Benthic, at depths of 11–120 m (36–394 ft) (min.: UW 

1496; max.: UW 22364, UW 42655), reported to 395 m (1,296 ft) in the Sea of Okhotsk in winter when 

it moves down from the shelf (B. A. Sheiko, pers. comm. to C. W. M.). 

Enophrys lucasi (Jordan & Gilbert, 1898). Leister Sculpin. To about 25 cm (9.8 in) TL (Mecklenburg et al. 

2002). Bering Strait, Alaska and Commander–Aleutian chain (Sandercock and Wilimovsky 1968) to 

northern British Columbia near Port McNeill (Peden and Wilson 1976). Benthic, at shallow subtidal 

depths of 17 m (56 ft) and less to 198 m (650 ft) (min.: Peden and Wilson 1976; max.: UW 25673). 

Enophrys taurina Gilbert, 1914. Bull Sculpin. To 17 cm (6.75 in) TL (Eschmeyer and Herald 1983). San 

Francisco, northern California (Miller and Lea 1972) to Santa Catalina and San Nicolas islands, southern 

California (Sandercock and Wilimovsky 1968). Benthic, at depths of 11–256 m (36–840 ft; Miller and 

Lea 1972). 

Gymnocanthus detrisus Gilbert & Burke, 1912. Purplegray Sculpin. To 40 cm (15.7 in) TL (Tokranov 1981). 

Pacific and Okhotsk coasts of Hokkaido, Japan (Nakabo in Nakabo 2002) to eastern Bering Sea, Alaska 

(Mecklenburg et al. 2002). Benthic, at depths of 15–450 m (49–1,476 ft; Sheiko and Fedorov 2000). 

Gymnocanthus galeatus Bean, 1881. Armorhead Sculpin. To about 36 cm (14 in) TL (Eschmeyer and Herald 

1983). Northern Japan Sea off Hokkaido to Commander–Aleutian chain and Bering Sea (Mecklenburg 

et al. 2002) to Wales Island, British Columbia (Peden and Wilson 1976). Bottom in shallow water near 

shore (Mecklenburg et al. 2002) to 579 m (1,900 ft; Orlov 1998), possibly to 625 m (2,050 ft; Allen and 

Smith 1988), and most common at 50–165 m (164–541 ft; Mecklenburg et al. 2002). The author and 

publication date are sometimes given in parentheses, which would indicate the species is classified in 

a genus other than that in which it was originally described. However, Gymnocanthus was misspelled 

Gymnacanthus in the original species description and changing from the incorrect to the correct spelling 

is just a correction, not a move to another genus. 

86

Gymnocanthus pistilliger (Pallas, 1814). Threaded Sculpin. To 29.2 cm (11.5 in) TL (Wilson 1973). Southern 

Japan Sea off South Korea and Okhotsk Sea to Commander–Aleutian chain, Bering Sea to Port Clarence 

(Bering Strait), and to Oliver Inlet, Stephens Passage, southeastern Alaska (Mecklenburg et al. 2002). 

Bottom, often in shallow water (e.g., UW 25681 and UW 26359, taken by beach seine), reported to 

325 m (1,073 ft) but rarely found deeper than 150 m (492 ft; Allen and Smith 1988). 

Gymnocanthus tricuspis (Reinhardt, 1830). Arctic Staghorn Sculpin. To 29.9 cm (11.8 in) TL (Mecklenburg 

et al. 2002). Circumpolar; Beaufort and Chukchi seas to northern Bering Sea (Mecklenburg et al. 2002). 

Bottom in shallow water close to shore (7.6 m or less; Mecklenburg et al. 2002) and to depth of 451 m 

(1,480 ft; Yabe in Okamura et al. 1995). 

*Hemilepidotus gilberti Jordan & Starks, 1904. Banded Irish Lord. To about 43 cm (16.9 in) TL (Mecklenburg 

et al. 2002). Japan Sea off North Korea (Lindberg and Krasyukova 1987) and Pacific Ocean off northern 

Honshu (Shinohara et al. 1996) to Okhotsk Sea, to western Bering Sea off Commander Islands (Peden 

1978) to Cape Olyutorskiy (59°44'N, 170°20'E; ZIN 17740). Intertidal area, including tidepools, and to 

depth of 604 m (1,982 ft) (min.: UW 41395, a juvenile from an upper intertidal tidepool; max.: B. A. 

Sheiko, pers. comm. to C. W. M.), typically at less than 200 m (Mecklenburg et al. 2002). 

Hemilepidotus hemilepidotus (Tilesius, 1811). Red Irish Lord. To 50.8 cm (20 in) TL (Miller and Lea 1972). 

Commander–Aleutian chain and southeastern Bering Sea (Mecklenburg et al. 2002) to Mussel Point, 

Monterey Bay, central California (Bolin 1944, Peden 1978). Intertidal area, including tidepools, to 88 m 

(289 ft) (min.: Peden 1978; max.: UW 48809), reported to 168 m (552 ft; W. A. Palsson, pers. comm. to 

M. L.). A Diablo Cove, central California, observation (Burge and Schultz 1973) predates the revision 

of this group by Peden (1978) and cannot be confirmed. Contrary to previous reports, has not been 

documented from the Pacific Ocean off southeastern Kamchatka or the western Bering Sea except off 

the Commander Islands (Tokranov et al. 2003). 

Hemilepidotus jordani Bean, 1881. Yellow Irish Lord. To about 52 cm (20.5 in) TL (Zenger 2004); at least one 

other fish of similar size was recently caught near Kasatochi Island, Aleutian Islands, Alaska (C. W. M., 

unpubl. data). Okhotsk Sea off Hokkaido to Commander–Aleutian chain, Bering Sea, and southern 

Chukchi Sea to Port Conclusion, southeastern Alaska (Mecklenburg et al. 2002). Shallow water near 

shore (e.g., UW 1359, UW 3097, and UW 26663, taken in beach seines) and to depth of 917 m (3,008 ft; 

UW 49511), typically at less than 250 m (820 ft; Allen and Smith 1988); juveniles occasionally in rocky 

tidepools (Mecklenburg et al. 2002). 

Hemilepidotus papilio (Bean, 1880). Butterfly Sculpin. To about 37 cm (14.6 in) TL (Mecklenburg et al. 

2002). Japan Sea off Hokkaido and Okhotsk Sea to Chukchi Sea, eastern Bering Sea, and Aleutian 

Islands (Mecklenburg et al. 2002) west to Buldir Island (Allen and Smith 1988). Intertidal, frequently in 

tidepools, and to 320 m (1,050 ft) (min.: Bean 1880; max.: Mecklenburg et al. 2002 [from B. A. Sheiko, 

pers. comm.]), typically at less than 150 m (Allen and Smith 1988). Originally named Melletes papilio. 

Most authors treat Melletes as a subgenus. 

Hemilepidotus spinosus Ayres, 1854. Brown Irish Lord. To 29 cm (11.25 in) TL (Eschmeyer and Herald 

1983). Southern Bering Sea (Matarese et al. 2003) and northern Gulf of Alaska (Mecklenburg et al. 

2002) to Santa Barbara Islands, southern California (Bolin 1944); on mainland to Ventura, southern 

California (Miller and Lea 1972). Tidepools and to depth of 102 m (335 ft) (min.: Mecklenburg et al. 

2002 [e.g., UW 900, UW 2307]; max.: UW 47501); reported to 113 m (371 ft; Shaw et al. 2002). Since 

the species has not been moved from the genus in which it was placed when first described, the author 

name and date of publication should not be in parentheses (as recently seen in literature). 

Hemilepidotus zapus Gilbert & Burke, 1912. Longfin Irish Lord. To 28.7 cm (11.3 in) TL (Mecklenburg et 

al. 2002). Northern Kuril Islands and Commander Islands (Tokranov et al. 2003); Attu Island, Aleutian 

Islands to southwestern Gulf of Alaska off Chernabura Island (Mecklenburg et al. 2002) and northern 

87

Gulf of Alaska at Prince William Sound (UW 49774). Larvae have been collected from southcentral and 

southeastern Bering Sea (Matarese et al. 2003; e.g., UW 65826, UW 65877). Benthic, adults at depths of 

25–530 m (82–1,739 ft) (min.: UW 49774; max.: Tokranov et al. 2003). 

Icelinus borealis Gilbert, 1896. Northern Sculpin. To 10.1 cm (4 in) TL. Bristol Bay, southeastern Bering Sea 

and Attu Island, Aleutian Islands to southern Puget Sound, Washington. Benthic, at depths of 4.6–247 m 

(2–815 ft). All in Mecklenburg et al. (2002). 

Icelinus burchami Evermann & Goldsborough, 1907. Dusky Sculpin. To 12.9 cm (5.1 in) TL (Miller and Lea 

1972). Behm Canal, southeastern Alaska (Evermann and Goldsborough 1907) to La Jolla, southern California 

(Miller and Lea 1972). Benthic, at depths of 61–567 m (200–1,860 ft; Eschmeyer and Herald 1983). 

Icelinus cavifrons Gilbert, 1890. Pit-head Sculpin. To 8.9 cm (3.5 in) TL (Miller and Lea 1972). Monterey 

Bay, central California (Miller and Lea 1972) almost to southern tip of Baja California (22°54'N; Castro- 

Aguirre et al. 1993). Benthic, at depths of 11–110 m (36–361 ft) (min.: Miller and Lea 1972; max.: LACM 

35701.007). 

Icelinus filamentosus Gilbert, 1890. Threadfin Sculpin. To 27.0 cm (10.62 in) TL (Miller and Lea 1972). 

Near Chirikof Island, western Gulf of Alaska (Allen and Smith 1988) to Cortes Bank (Miller and Lea 

1972) and Point Loma, southern California (Allen and Smith 1988). Benthic, at depths of 18–373 m 

(60–1,224 ft; Miller and Lea 1972), reported to 1,145 m (3,756 ft; Ramsey et al. 2002) and 1,201 m 

(3,940 ft; Lauth 1999). 

Icelinus fimbriatus Gilbert, 1890. Fringed Sculpin. To 16.2 cm (6.4 in) SL. Pendrell Sound, southern British 

Columbia to San Diego, California. Benthic, at depths of 30–265 m (98–869 ft). All in Peden (1984). 

Icelinus limbaughi Rosenblatt & Smith, 2004. To 8.2 cm (3.2 in) SL. Anacapa Island area to San Diego and 

at Cortes Bank, southern California. Benthic, at depths of 20–86 m (66–282 ft). All in Rosenblatt and 

Smith (2004). 

Icelinus oculatus Gilbert, 1890. Frogmouth Sculpin. To 15.2 cm SL (6.0 in). Southern California, known 

from a few records between 32°44'N and 36°45'N. Bottom at depths of 110–274 m (360–900 ft). All in 

Peden (1984). 

Icelinus quadriseriatus (Lockington, 1880). Yellowchin Sculpin. To 10 cm (4 in) TL (Groce and Gartman 2001). 

Sonoma County, northern California (Eschmeyer and Herald 1983) to Cabo San Lucas, southern Baja 

California (Miller and Lea 1972). Intertidal and to 201 m (660 ft) (min.: Feeney 1987; max.: Eschmeyer 


Icelinus tenuis Gilbert, 1890. Spotfin Sculpin. To 15.9 cm (6.3 in) TL (Mecklenburg et al. 2002). Near 

Ketchikan (USNM 131264) and west of Noyes Island (NMC 65-412; 55°24'N, 134°48'W), southeastern 

Alaska (Mecklenburg et al. 2002) to Islas San Benito, central Baja California (Miller and Lea 1972). At 

55°36'N, 133°49'W, lot UW 43261 may represent an extension of known range northward by a few 

kilometers, but the exact collection locality for USNM 131264 (“Behm Canal near Ketchikan”) is not 

known and could have been farther north. Benthic, at depths of 7–373 m (23–1,224 ft) (min.: Fay et al. 

1978; max.: Miller and Lea 1972). 

Icelus bicornis (Reinhardt, 1840). Twohorn Sculpin. To 11.6 cm (4.6 in) TL (Andriashev 1954). Nearly 

circumpolar in Arctic Ocean; Beaufort Sea off Alaska and Canada; not recorded from Chukchi Sea or 

East Siberian Sea. Benthic, at depths of 17–560 m (56–1,837 ft; D. W. Nelson 1984). 

Icelus canaliculatus Gilbert, 1896. Blacknose Sculpin. To 23.2 cm (9.1 in) TL. Okhotsk Sea off Hokkaido to 

Bering Sea at Navarin Canyon, southeast along continental slope and in Bristol Bay to Akutan Island, 

Aleutian Islands and west to Commander Islands. Benthic, at depths of 20–1,005 m (66–3,297 ft). All in 


88

Icelus euryops Bean, 1890. Wide-eye Sculpin. To 16.4 cm (6.5 in) TL (Mecklenburg et al. 2002). Bering Sea 

from Navarin Canyon along continental slope to Unimak Pass (Mecklenburg et al. 2002) and in western 

Gulf of Alaska near Trinity Islands (Bean 1890). Benthic, at depths of 200–740 m (656–2,428 ft; D. W. 

Nelson 1984). 

Icelus spatula Gilbert & Burke, 1912. Spatulate Sculpin. To about 21 cm (7.1 in) TL (Tokranov and Orlov 

2005). Okhotsk Sea (Schmidt 1950), Kuril Islands (Tokranov and Orlov 2005), and western North 

Pacific off Kamchatka (Gilbert and Burke 1912) to Arctic seas off Russia, Alaska (Chukchi and Beaufort 

seas), and Canada to western Greenland and Labrador (D. W. Nelson 1984); and to Bering Sea, Aleutian 

Islands west to Atka Island (UW 46902), and eastern Gulf of Alaska at Glacier Bay (Quast and Hall 

1972). Benthic, at depths of 12–365 m (39–1,197 ft; Sheiko and Fedorov 2000). Reported to 859 m 

(2,818 ft) off Greenland (Yabe in Okamura et al. 1995), but this was the maximum depth of the tow and 

not necessarily the depth at which the fish entered the net. Ten years (1993–2002) of intensive sampling 

off the Kuril Islands found I. spatula at 100–300 m (328–984 ft; Tokranov and Orlov 2005). 

Icelus spiniger Gilbert, 1896. Thorny Sculpin. To 28 cm (11 in) TL. Okhotsk Sea to Commander–Aleutian 

chain and Bering Sea to Cape Navarin, to La Perouse Bank, southern British Columbia. Benthic, at 

depths of 30–770 m (98–2,526 ft). All in Mecklenburg et al. (2002). 

Icelus uncinalis Gilbert & Burke, 1912. Uncinate Sculpin. To 16.1 cm (6.3 in) TL (UW 45701). Commander 

Islands (Gilbert and Burke 1912); Aleutian Islands from Attu Island (Gilbert and Burke 1912) to Unalaska 

Island (54°14'N, 165°54'W; UW 49544), and southeastern Bering Sea east of Pribilof Islands (UW 45903). 

Benthic, at depths of 70–389 m (230–1,276 ft) (min.: Sheiko and Fedorov 2000; max.: UW 46629). 

Jordania zonope Starks, 1895. Longfin Sculpin. To 15 cm (6 in) TL (Eschmeyer and Herald 1983). Danger 

Island, Prince William Sound (Mecklenburg et al. 2002) to Diablo Canyon, central California (Eschmeyer 

and Herald 1983). Intertidal area, including tidepools (e.g., UW 1250), and to 38 m (126 ft; Miller and 

Lea 1972); reported to 93 m (306 ft) (W. A. Palsson, pers. comm. to M. L.). 

Leiocottus hirundo Girard, 1856. Lavender Sculpin. To 25.4 cm (10 in) TL (Miller and Lea 1972). Gaviota 

Pier, southern California to Punta Banda, northern Baja California (Miller and Lea 1972). Inshore to 

2–37 m (8–120 ft) (min.: Limbaugh 1955; max.: Miller and Lea 1972). 

Leptocottus armatus Girard, 1854. Pacific Staghorn Sculpin. To 48 cm (18.9 in) TL (Coad 1995). Port Moller, 

southeastern Bering Sea (Mecklenburg et al. 2002 [a voucher, believed to be lacking, has since been found: 

UW 22137]) to Bahia San Quintin, northcentral Baja California (Miller and Lea 1972). Intertidal area, 

including tidepools (Clemens and Wilby 1946), and to depth of 91 m (300 ft; Bolin 1944), reported to 188 m 

(618 ft) (W. A. Palsson, pers. comm. to M. L.). Present year-round in nearshore marine waters and seasonally 

in brackish water and fresh water, including lower portions of coastal rivers and streams (Jones 1962). 

Megalocottus platycephalus (Pallas, 1814). Belligerent Sculpin. To 42 cm (16.5 in) TL (Tokranov 1994). Japan 

Sea at Peter the Great Bay to Okhotsk Sea and western Bering Sea, to Chukchi Sea off Chukchi Peninsula 

and Point Barrow, and south to Herendeen Bay, eastern Bering Sea (Mecklenburg et al. 2002). Coastal 

brackish waters to depth of 30 m (98 ft), often entering lower reaches of rivers (Mecklenburg et al. 2002). 

Microcottus sellaris (Gilbert, 1896). Brightbelly Sculpin. To 12.5 cm (4.9 in) TL. Northern Japan Sea, 

southern Okhotsk Sea, Kuril Islands to Commander–Aleutian chain, to northern Chukchi Sea. Coastal 

and shallow waters of continental shelf to depth of 50 m (164 ft), often in brackish water. All in 


Myoxocephalus jaok (Cuvier, 1829). Plain Sculpin. To 70 cm (27.6 in) TL (Tokranov 1992c). Japan Sea off 

North Korea and Okhotsk Sea to eastern Chukchi Sea at least as far north as Point Belcher, to eastern Gulf 

of Alaska at Limestone Inlet (Mecklenburg et al. 2002) and Glacier Bay (M. L. Arimitsu and C. W. M., 

unpubl. data). Intertidal zone and to 680 m (2,231 ft; Sheiko and Fedorov 2000). 

89

Myoxocephalus niger (Bean, 1881). Warthead Sculpin. To 27 cm (10.6 in) TL. Coasts of Okhotsk Sea and 

northern Japan Sea to Commander–Aleutian chain and Pribilof Islands, southern Bering Sea to Sanak 

and Shumagin islands, western Gulf of Alaska. Intertidal, typically in rocky pools and crevices. All in 


Myoxocephalus polyacanthocephalus (Pallas, 1814). Great Sculpin. To at least 76 cm (30 in) TL (Eschmeyer 

and Herald 1983). Okhotsk Sea and eastern Japan Sea to Commander–Aleutian chain to Bering Strait 

(Mecklenburg et al. 2002), to southern Puget Sound, Washington (Eschmeyer and Herald 1983). Benthic; 

intertidal and to 825 m (2,707 ft) (min.: Eschmeyer and Herald 1983; max.: Kim Sen Tok 2001). 

Myoxocephalus quadricornis (Linnaeus, 1758). Fourhorn Sculpin. To 36.5 cm (14.4 in) TL. Circumpolar; Arctic 

coasts of Russia to Gulf of Anadyr; Alaska from Beaufort Sea to St. Lawrence Island and Norton Sound, 

northern Bering Sea. Intertidal and to 47 m (154 ft; UW 27739). Coastal marine and estuarine waters; 

ascends rivers as far as 100 km (62 mi). All in Mecklenburg et al. (2002) except the new maximum depth. 

Myoxocephalus scorpioides (Fabricius, 1780). Arctic Sculpin. To 23.8 cm (9.4 in) TL (Mecklenburg et al. 

2002). Coasts of East Siberian and Chukchi seas to Gulf of Anadyr and Norton Sound, Bering Sea, 

to Beaufort Sea and along Arctic Canada coasts to Greenland and Gulf of St. Lawrence in Atlantic 

(Mecklenburg et al. 2002). Bottom in shallow waters near shore; to depth of 25 m (82 ft) off Alaska 

(Mecklenburg et al. 2002), reported to 40 m (131 ft) elsewhere (Fedorov in Whitehead et al. 1986). Male 

M. scorpius in breeding coloration have often been incorrectly identified (e.g., in museum collections) 

as M. scorpioides (C. W. M., unpubl. data). 

Myoxocephalus scorpius (Linnaeus, 1758). Shorthorn Sculpin or Warty Sculpin. To 60 cm (23.6 in) TL. 

Circumpolar; Laptev Sea to East Siberian, Chukchi, and Beaufort seas to Greenland and northern North 

Atlantic and Arctic seas of Europe; Chukchi Sea through Bering Sea and Commander–Aleutian chain to 

Kamchatka Bay, Russia and northern British Columbia. Benthic, in shallow waters to 550 m (1,804 ft). 

Includes records formerly attributed to Myoxocephalus verrucosus (Bean, 1881), which we regard as a 

junior synonym of M. scorpius. All in Mecklenburg et al. (2002). 

Myoxocephalus stelleri Tilesius, 1811. Frog Sculpin. To 58 cm (22.8 in) TL. Japan Sea coast of South Korea 

to Okhotsk Sea, east coast of Kamchatka, and Commander Islands; Unalaska Island, Aleutian Islands, 

to Port Conclusion, southeastern Alaska. Intertidal area and to 55 m (180 ft), often in lower reaches of 

streams. All in Mecklenburg et al. (2002). Specimens recently archived confirm occurrence in tidepools 

(e.g., UW 43522) and shallow grassy tidal areas at depths of 1 m and less (e.g., UW 42674). 

Oligocottus maculosus Girard, 1856. Tidepool Sculpin. To 8.9 cm (3.5 in) TL (Miller and Lea 1972). Pribilof 

Islands, southeastern Bering Sea; Shumagin Islands, western Gulf of Alaska (Mecklenburg et al. 2002) 

to Palos Verdes Peninsula, southern California (Miller and Lea 1972). Intertidal and shallow rocky areas 

(Miller and Lea 1972), including tidepools (Hart 1973). 

Oligocottus rimensis (Greeley, 1899). Saddleback Sculpin. To 6.5 cm (2.56 in) TL (Miller and Lea 1972). 

Kakul Narrows, southeastern Alaska (Peden and Wilson 1976) to northern Baja California (Eschmeyer 

and Herald 1983). Tidepools and shallow rocky areas (Peden and Wilson 1976, Cross 1981) to 8 m 

(26 ft; LACM 32671.009). 

Oligocottus rubellio (Greeley, 1899). Rosy Sculpin. To 10 cm (4 in) TL (Eschmeyer and Herald 1983). Fort 

Bragg, northern California to Isla San Martin, northern Baja California (Miller and Lea 1972). Pools in 

the lower intertidal zone (Bolin 1944) and shallow rocky reefs (online museum records) to depths of 

3–3.7 m (10–12 ft; SIO 67-151). 

Oligocottus snyderi Greeley, 1898. Fluffy Sculpin. To 7.6 cm SL (Bolin 1944); this would equate to about 

9.2 cm (3.6 in) TL (C. W. M., unpubl. data), and Gotshall et al. (1974) reported collecting another of 

this size. Chernabura Island, western Gulf of Alaska (Mecklenburg et al. 2002); Samsing Cove, near 

90

Sitka, southeastern Alaska (Quast 1968) to Punta Cono (29°06'N, 114°42'W), central Baja California 

(SIO 52-201). Tidepools (Bolin 1944, Cross 1961) and shallow rocky areas (Eschmeyer and Herald 

1983), typically less than 2 m deep (online museum records) but also subtidal (Miller and Lea 1972), 

reported to 6 m (20 ft) or more (Burge and Schultz 1973). 

Orthonopias triacis Starks & Mann, 1911. Snubnose Sculpin. To 9.6 cm (4 in) TL (Miller and Lea 1972). 

Farallon Islands, northern California (Long 1992) to Bahia Tortugas (27°38'N, 114°51'W), central Baja 

California (SIO 48-52). Intertidal and to 30 m (100 ft; Miller and Lea 1972). 

Paricelinus hopliticus Eigenmann & Eigenmann, 1889. Thornback Sculpin. To 19.4 cm (7.65 in) TL (Miller 

and Lea 1972). Hecate Strait near Banks Island, northern British Columbia (Barraclough and Ketchen 

1963) to northwest of Cortes Bank, southern California (Miller and Lea 1972). Near shore and to 183 m 

(600 ft) (min.: Eschmeyer and Herald 1983; max.: Miller and Lea 1972), typically deeper than 20 m 

(Mecklenburg et al. 2002). 

Phallocottus obtusus Schultz, 1938. Spineless Sculpin. To 6.9 cm (2.7 in) TL (Mecklenburg et al. 2002). 

Central Kuril Islands (Fedorov 2000; ZIN 48872); Amchitka and Igitkin islands, Aleutian Islands, Alaska. 

Close to shore, collected in beach seine and off a wharf in Alaska (Mecklenburg et al. 2002); at depth of 

50 m (164 ft) off Kuril Islands (Fedorov 2000; ZIN 48872). 

Porocottus mednius (Bean, 1898). Aleutian Fringed Sculpin. To 8.2 cm (3.2 in) TL. Coasts of Kuril Islands 

and southeastern Kamchatka to Commander–Aleutian chain and western Bering Sea to Chukchi 

Peninsula at Bering Strait, Pribilof Islands, and Gulf of Alaska to Frederick Sound, southeastern Alaska. 

Intertidal, including tidepools. All in Mecklenburg et al. (2002). Porocottus bradfordi Rutter, 1898, is 

treated as a junior synonym. 

*Porocottus quadrifilis Gill, 1859. Gill’s Fringed Sculpin. To about 5.1 cm (2 in) TL. One record; catch locality 

uncertain, probably Bering Strait but could be either Russian or Alaskan coast. All in Mecklenburg et al. 

(2002; see pages 405, 484 for discussion of taxonomy and locality problems). 

Radulinus asprellus Gilbert, 1890. Slim Sculpin. To 15.2 cm (6 in) TL (Clemens and Wilby 1961). Aleutian 

Islands off Amchitka Island; southwestern Gulf of Alaska at Semidi Islands (C. W. M., unpubl. data) 

to Islas Coronados, northern Baja California (Bolin 1944). Benthic, at depths of 9–283 m (30–930 ft) 

(min.: Levings 1973; max.: Clemens and Wilby 1961); reported to 346 m (1,135 ft; Lauth 1999). 

Radulinus boleoides Gilbert, 1898. Darter Sculpin. To 12.7 cm (5 in) SL, about 14.9 cm TL (5.9 in; Mecklenburg 

et al. 2002). Western Gulf of Alaska east of Kodiak Island (Mecklenburg et al. 2002); Langara Island, 

northern British Columbia (Peden 1972) to Santa Catalina Island, southern California (Bolin 1944). 

Benthic, at depths of 15–146 m (50–479 ft) (min.: McPhail 1969; max.: Bolin 1944); reported to 182 m 

(597 ft; SCCWRP). 

Radulinus taylori (Gilbert, 1912). Spinynose Sculpin. To 7.4 cm (3 in) TL (Peden and Wilson 1976). At 

junction of Sumner and Clarence straits off Strait Creek (56°12'N, 133°15'W; AB 05-19), Warm Chuck 

Inlet (55°46'N, 133°32'W; AB 05-16), and Sombrero Island (55°35'N, 133°12'W; AB 05-13), southeastern 

Alaska (B. L. Wing, pers. comm. to C. W. M.) to San Juan Islands, southern Strait of Georgia, Washington 

(Mecklenburg et al. 2002 [e.g., UW 20724, Shaw Island, 48°35'N, 122°55'W]). Reported occasionally 

from other sites in Gulf of Alaska, but these have turned out to be R. asprellus or not verifiable. Benthic, 

at depths of 5–18 m (16–60 ft; Peden and Wilson 1976), reported to 49 m (162 ft) (W. A. Palsson, pers. 

comm. to M. L.). Classified by some authors in Asemichthys, as it was originally named, and others in 

Radulinus. 

Radulinus vinculus Bolin, 1950. Smoothgum Sculpin. To 6.4 cm (2.5 in) TL. Diablo Cove, central California 

to between Santa Cruz and Anacapa islands, southern California. At depths of 21–27 m (70–90 ft). All 

in Miller and Lea (1972). 

91

Rastrinus scutiger (Bean, 1890). Roughskin Sculpin. To 8.6 cm (3.4 in) SL, about 10 cm (3.9 in) TL 

(Mecklenburg et al. 2002). Commander Islands and Aleutian Islands, southern Bering Sea to Trinity 

Islands, western Gulf of Alaska (Mecklenburg et al. 2002). Benthic, at depths of 117–512 m (384–1,680 ft) 

(min.: Gilbert and Burke 1912; max.: D. W. Nelson 1984). 

Ruscarius creaseri (Hubbs, 1926). Roughcheek Sculpin. To 7.6 cm (3 in) TL (Miller and Lea 1972). Carmel 

Bay, central California (Eschmeyer and Herald 1983) to Punta San Pablo (Miller and Lea 1972), Islas San 

Benito (LACM 37006.011), and Isla Cedros (LACM 32041.009), central Baja California. Intertidal and 

to 27 m (90 ft; Miller and Lea 1972). Originally named and still sometimes seen as Artedius creaseri. 

Ruscarius meanyi Jordan & Starks, 1895. Puget Sound Sculpin. To 5.9 cm (2.3 in) TL (Eschmeyer and 

Herald 1983). Fillmore Island, southeastern Alaska (Peden and Wilson 1976) to Arena Cove, northern 

California (Eschmeyer and Herald 1983). Larvae have been collected from the eastern Aleutian Islands 

and western Gulf of Alaska, suggesting a wider distribution of adults (Matarese et al. 2003). Intertidal 

and subtidal, at depths of 1.5–82 m (5–269 ft) (min.: Eschmeyer and Herald 1983; max.: Peden 1972). 

Classified by some authors in Artedius. 

Scorpaenichthys marmoratus (Ayres, 1854). Cabezon or Giant Marbled Sculpin. To 99 cm (39 in) TL (Miller 

and Lea 1972). Southeastern Alaska near Sitka to Punta Abreojos, central Baja California (Miller and Lea 

1972). Larvae have been collected from the western Gulf of Alaska along the shelf east of Kodiak Island 

(Matarese et al. 2003). Intertidal to 110 m (360 ft) (min.: Miller and Lea 1972; max.: M. L., unpubl. data). 

Sigmistes caulias Rutter, 1898. Kelp Sculpin. To 7.6 cm (3 in) TL. Southeastern Bering Sea at Pribilof Islands, 

Aleutian Islands from Attu Island to Tigalda Island, and Kodiak Island, western Gulf of Alaska. Intertidal 

area, including tidepools. All in Mecklenburg et al. (2002). 

Sigmistes smithi Schultz, 1938. Arched Sculpin. To about 5.5 cm (2.2 in) TL (Mecklenburg et al. 2002). 

Urup Island, southern Kuril Islands (Yabe et al. 2001); Attu Island to Chagulak Island, Aleutian Islands 

(Mecklenburg et al. 2002). Intertidal area, including tidepools (Mecklenburg et al. 2002). 

Stelgistrum beringianum Gilbert & Burke, 1912. Smallplate Sculpin. To about 9.4 cm (3.7 in) TL. Cape 

Olyutorskiy, western Bering Sea; Commander Islands; western Aleutian Islands at Attu Island and Petrel 

Bank, Alaska. Benthic, at depths of 32–95 m (105–312 ft). All in Mecklenburg et al. (2002). 

Stelgistrum concinnum Andriashev, 1935. Largeplate Sculpin. To about 6.2 cm (2.4 in) TL. Cape Olyutorskiy, 

western Bering Sea; Pribilof Islands, southeastern Bering Sea; and Near Islands and Unalaska Island, 

Aleutian Islands, Alaska. Benthic, near shore to depth of 32 m (105 ft). All in Mecklenburg et al. (2002). 

Stlegicottus xenogrammus Bolin, 1936. Strangeline Sculpin. Known from one specimen, 2.91 cm (1.15 in) 

SL. Bering Sea north of Rat Islands, Aleutian Islands, Alaska. Bottom at depth of 494 m (1,620 ft). All in 

Mecklenburg et al. (2002) after Bolin (1936). 

Synchirus gilli Bean, 1890. Manacled Sculpin. To 6.9 cm (2.7 in) TL (Mecklenburg et al. 2002). Unalaska 

Island, Aleutian Islands; Kodiak Island, western Gulf of Alaska (Mecklenburg et al. 2002) to San Miguel 

Island, southern California (Miller and Lea 1972). Intertidal area and shallow water (Miller and Lea 

1972) to 14 m (46 ft) or more (Peden and Wilson 1976). 

Thyriscus anoplus Gilbert & Burke, 1912. Sponge Sculpin. To 14.5 cm (5.7 in) TL. Northern Kuril Islands to 

Commander Islands, Russia and Aleutian Islands, Alaska east to Islands of Four Mountains. Benthic, at 


Trichocottus brashnikovi Soldatov & Pavlenko, 1915. Hairhead Sculpin. To 22.5 cm (8.9 in) TL. Sea of 

Okhotsk and Tatar Strait, Sea of Japan, to northern Bering Sea south of Bering Strait; one record (UAM 

4525) from northeastern Chukchi Sea at 69°55'N, 168°00'W. Benthic, at depths of 7–87 m (23–285 ft). 

All in Mecklenburg et al. (2002) except the Chukchi Sea record (C. W. M., unpubl. data). 

92

Triglops forficatus (Gilbert, 1896). Scissortail Sculpin. To 27.5 cm (10.8 in) SL, about 32.3 cm TL (12.7 in; 

Mecklenburg et al. 2002). Northern Kuril Islands to Commander Islands, Aleutian Islands, and Bering 

Sea off Cape Navarin to Cook Inlet, northwestern Gulf of Alaska; single record from False Point Retreat, 

eastern Gulf of Alaska (Mecklenburg et al. 2002). Benthic, at depths of 20–425 m (66–1,394 ft; Allen and 

Smith 1988). 

*Triglops jordani (Jordan & Starks, 1904). Sakhalin Sculpin. To 16.8 cm (6.6 in) SL, about 19.8 cm TL (7.8 in). 

Japan Sea off South Korea to Okhotsk Sea to western Pacific at Avacha Bay, southeastern Kamchatka. 

Reports of occurrence in eastern Bering Sea are doubtful and not verifiable. Benthic, at depths of 22– 

348 m (72–1,142 ft). All in Mecklenburg et al. (2002). 

Triglops macellus (Bean, 1884). Roughspine Sculpin. To about 30 cm (11.8 in) TL (Mecklenburg et al. 2002). 

Kiska and Amchitka islands, Aleutian Islands to eastern Bering Sea north of St. Matthew and Nunivak 

islands, Alaska to Washington (Mecklenburg et al. 2002); reported from central Oregon (44°23'N; 

Weinberg et al. 2002). Benthic, at depths of 18–275 m (59–902 ft; Mecklenburg et al. 2002). 

Triglops metopias Gilbert & Burke, 1912. Highbrow Sculpin. To 19.4 cm (7.6 in) TL (UW 46544). Amchitka 

and Semisopochnoi islands, Aleutian Islands to Auke Bay, southeastern Alaska (Mecklenburg et al. 2002). 

Benthic, at depths of 13–136 m (43–446 ft) (min.: UW 20918; max.: UW 46635). 

*Triglops nybelini Jensen, 1944. Bigeye Sculpin. To 17 cm (6.7 in) TL. Arctic Ocean, practically circumpolar; 

known to occur in the Beaufort Sea not far from Alaska north of the Mackenzie River Delta, western 

Canada. Benthic, at depths of 9–930 m (29–3,051 ft), usually deeper than 200 m (656 ft). All in 


Triglops pingelii Reinhardt, 1837. Ribbed Sculpin. To 20.2 cm (8.1 in) SL, about 23.3 cm TL (9.3 in); reported 

but not verifiable to 24.2 cm TL (9.5 in; Mecklenburg et al. 2002). Circumpolar in Arctic Ocean; Beaufort 

and Chukchi seas to Bering Sea and Commander–Aleutian chain to Japan Sea off North Korea and to 

Puget Sound, Washington (Mecklenburg et al. 2002). Benthic, at depths of 4–482 m (13–1,581 ft; Allen 

and Smith 1988), unusual deeper than 150 m. 

Triglops scepticus Gilbert, 1896. Spectacled Sculpin. To 30.8 cm (12.1 in) SL, about 35.4 cm TL (13.9 in; 

Mecklenburg et al. 2002). Japan Sea off North Korea and Pacific Ocean off Honshu, Japan to southern 

Sea of Okhotsk, to Commander–Aleutian chain and Bering Sea to Cape Navarin, and to Cape Ommaney, 

southeastern Alaska (Mecklenburg et al. 2002). Benthic, at depths of 25–925 m (82–3,034 ft; Allen and 

Smith 1988), rarely deeper than 400 m. 

Triglops xenostethus Gilbert, 1896. Scalybreasted Sculpin. To 9.7 cm (3.8 in) SL, about 11.4 cm TL (4.5 in). 

Kuril Islands and Commander Islands; Aleutian Islands; reported but not confirmed from Pribilof 

Islands, southeastern Bering Sea. Benthic, at depths of 62–178 m (203–584 ft). All in Mecklenburg et 

al. (2002). 

Zesticelus profundorum (Gilbert, 1896). Flabby Sculpin. To 6.4 cm (2.5 in) TL (Eschmeyer and Herald 1983). 

Okhotsk Sea, northern Kuril islands (Sheiko and Fedorov 2000), and Pacific Ocean off southeastern 

Kamchatka (Bolin 1944) to southeastern Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands (Mecklenburg et al. 2002) and 

off Vancouver Island, southern British Columbia (G. E. Gillespie, pers. comm. to M L. and C. W. M.) to 

northern Baja California (Bolin 1944). At depths of 587–2,580 m (1,926–8,465 ft) (min.: UW 46031; 

max.: Eschmeyer and Herald 1983). A reported minimum depth of 88 m (289 ft; Eschmeyer and Herald 

1983) is evidently a printer’s error (Mecklenburg et al. 2002; W. N. Eschmeyer and R. N. Lea, pers. 

comms. to C. W. M.). Specimens recently archived (e.g., UW 46039; 58°31'N, 176°13'W, 884 m) help fill 

the records gap along the continental slope between Cape Navarin and southeastern Bering Sea reported 

by Mecklenburg et al. (2002). 

93

Family Hemitripteridae — Sailfin Sculpins or Sea Ravens 

Blepsias bilobus Cuvier, 1829. Crested Sculpin. To 27 cm (10.6 in) TL (Mecklenburg et al. 2002). Okhotsk 

and Japan seas to eastern Chukchi Sea, Bering Sea, and Commander–Aleutian chain (Mecklenburg et 

al. 2002) to southern British Columbia near Port Hardy (W. van Orden, pers. comm. with photograph 

to C. W. M.). Adults at depths of 4–225 m (12–738 ft) (min.: UW 25338; max.: UW 25342). Juveniles 

collected at the shallower depths and near surface (e.g., 60 cm [2 ft] depth by neuston net, UW 110284). 

Blepsias cirrhosus (Pallas, 1814). Silverspot Sculpin or Silverspotted Sculpin. To 20.0 cm (7.9 in) SL (Coad 

1995). Okhotsk and Japan seas to western Bering Sea near Cape Olyutorskiy (59°44'N, 170°20'E; ZIN 

17737) and Commander–Aleutian chain and Pribilof Islands, Bering Sea, Alaska (Mecklenburg et al. 

2002) to San Simeon, central California (Miller and Lea 1972). Intertidal area and to depth of 95 m 

(312 ft) (min.: Bolin 1944; max.: ZIN 44192). Reported to 150 m (492 ft; Sheiko and Fedorov 2000), but 

voucher or other documentation not found in 2004 (B. A. Sheiko, pers. comm. to C. W. M.). 

Hemitripterus bolini (Myers, 1934). Bigmouth Sculpin. To 73.4 cm (28.9 in) TL (Mecklenburg et al. 2002). 

Eastern Sea of Okhotsk (Vinnikov et al. 2004) and northern Kuril Islands to Commander–Aleutian 

chain, Bering Sea to Cape Navarin, to north side of Alaska Peninsula (Mecklenburg et al. 2002) to 

Eureka, northern California (Allen and Smith 1988). At depths of 25–925 m (82–3,034 ft; Allen and 

Smith 1988); mean depth of capture given as 364 m by Hoff and Britt (2003). Classified by some authors 

in Ulca. 

Hemitripterus villosus (Pallas, 1814). Shaggy Sea Raven. To 54 cm (21.3 in) TL (Tokranov 1992c). Japan Sea 

off South Korea to Okhotsk Sea, to Commander Islands, western Bering Sea to Cape Olyutorskiy; one 

record from Kodiak Island, western Gulf of Alaska (Mecklenburg et al. 2002). At depths of 0.7–525 m 

(2–1,722 ft) (min.: Markevich 2000; max.: Kim Sen Tok 2001), abundant to depth of 50 m (164 ft; 

Vinnikov et al. 2004). 

Nautichthys oculofasciatus (Girard, 1858). Sailfin Sculpin. To 20.3 cm (8 in) TL (Mecklenburg et al. 2002). 

Kodiak archipelago, western Gulf of Alaska (Mecklenburg et al. 2002) to San Miguel Island, southern 

California (Miller and Lea 1972). Intertidal and to depth of 110 m (360 ft) (min.: Mecklenburg et al. 


Nautichthys pribilovius (Jordan & Gilbert, 1898). Eyeshade Sculpin. To 10.9 cm (4.3 in) TL (Mecklenburg 

et al. 2002). Japan and Okhotsk seas to Commander–Aleutian chain, Bering Sea to northern Chukchi 

Sea off Wainwright, northwestern Alaska and to Steamer Bay, southeastern Alaska (Mecklenburg et 

al. 2002). At depths of 15 m (49 ft) or less to 422 m (1,385 ft) (min.: C. W. M., unpubl. data; max.: 

Mecklenburg et al. 2002). Mistakenly reported to be from Russia (Mecklenburg et al. 2002), the 422-m 

depth is from Unimak Pass, Alaska (ZIN 50213; B. A. Sheiko, pers. comm. to C. W. M.). 

Nautichthys robustus Peden, 1970. Shortmast Sculpin. To 8.0 cm (3.2 in) TL. Aleutian Islands and Bristol 

Bay, southeastern Bering Sea, Alaska to northern Washington. Near shore to depth of 97 m (318 ft). All 


Family Psychrolutidae — Blob Sculpins or Fathead Sculpins 

Cottunculus sadko Essipov, 1937. Sadko Sculpin. To 16.6 cm (6.5 in) TL. Rare, sporadic records from Arctic 

Ocean including Kara Sea and near Faroe Islands, and one record from Beaufort Sea off Alaska. At 


Dasycottus setiger Bean, 1890. Spinyhead Sculpin. To 45 cm (17.7 in) TL (Tokranov and Orlov 2001). Seas 

of Japan and Okhotsk, Pacific coast of northern Honshu, Japan to Commander–Aleutian chain and 

Bering Sea, Alaska to Navarin Canyon, to Washington (Mecklenburg et al. 2002). At depths of 15–850 m 

(49–2,789 ft; Sheiko and Fedorov 2000). 

94

Eurymen gyrinus Gilbert & Burke, 1912. Smoothcheek Sculpin. To 38.8 cm (15.3 in) TL (Lindberg and 

Krasyukova 1987). Seas of Japan and Okhotsk and Pacific coast of Honshu, Japan to Commander– 

Aleutian chain and Bering Sea, Alaska to northern Chukchi Sea, to Kodiak Island, western Gulf of Alaska 

(Mecklenburg et al. 2002). At depths of 2–400 m (7–1,312 ft; Chereshnev et al. 2001). 

Malacocottus aleuticus (Smith, 1904). Whitetail Sculpin. To 9.8 cm (3.9 in) TL. Okhotsk Sea to Pacific Ocean 

off southeastern Kamchatka; Bering Sea north of Rat Islands; Prince William Sound, Gulf of Alaska 

(Mecklenburg et al. 2002); and northwest of Queen Charlotte Islands, northern British Columbia (G. E. 

Gillespie, pers. comm. to C. W. M.). At depths of 200–600 m (656–1,968 ft) (min.: Mecklenburg et al. 

2002; max.: Sheiko and Fedorov 2000). Collected from bottom and in midwater (Mecklenburg et al. 

2002). Originally named Thecopterus aleuticus. 

Malacocottus kincaidi Gilbert & Thompson, 1905. Blackfin Sculpin. To 10.6 cm (4.2 in) TL (Mecklenburg 

et al. 2002). British Columbia to Puget Sound, Washington (Mecklenburg et al. 2002). Reported 

from northern Oregon (45°53'N; Weinberg et al. 2002), but possibly confused with M. zonurus and 

not verifiable without voucher specimen. Shallow water, depth range not known because of historical 

confusion with M. zonurus (Mecklenburg et al. 2002). Specimens identified as M. kincaidi from Alaska 

that we have examined have the diagnostic characters of M. zonurus (Mecklenburg et al. 2002; C. W. M. 

and T. A. M., unpubl. data). Malacocottus kincaidi may be a subspecies or ecotypic variation of M. 

zonurus occurring in shallower waters. 

Malacocottus zonurus Bean, 1890. Darkfin Sculpin. To 35 cm (13.8 in) TL (Tokranov and Orlov 2001). 

Japan Sea off Korean Peninsula, Pacific Ocean off Honshu, and Okhotsk Sea to Commander–Aleutian 

chain and Bering Sea, Alaska to Cape Navarin, to Washington (Mecklenburg et al. 2002); reported from 

northern Oregon (45°03'N; Weinberg et al. 2002). At depths of 27–1,980 m (89–6,496 ft) (min.: Sheiko 

and Fedorov 2000; max.: Allen and Smith 1988). 

Psychrolutes paradoxus Günther, 1861. Tadpole Sculpin. To 6.5 cm (2.6 in) TL (Mecklenburg et al. 2002). 

Okhotsk and Japan seas to Norton Sound, Bering Sea and Commander–Aleutian chain to Puget Sound, 

Washington (Mecklenburg et al. 2002). At depths of 6–220 m (20–722 ft) (min.: A. P. Summers, pers. 

comm. to M. L.; max.: Hart 1973). Summers reported P. paradoxus to be common in beach seines in 

Puget Sound using seines fishing to maximum depth of 6 m (20 ft). A record from 1,100 m (3,609 ft; 

Fedorov 2000) was later determined to represent P. phrictus (B. A. Sheiko, pers. comm. to C. W. M.). 

Psychrolutes phrictus Stein & Bond, 1978. Blob Sculpin or Giant Blobsculpin . To about 70 cm (27.5 in) TL 

(Eschmeyer and Herald 1983). Okhotsk Sea and Pacific side of Honshu, Japan to Commander Islands 

and western Bering Sea north to Cape Navarin, to eastern Bering Sea (Mecklenburg et al. 2002) to Pacific 

Ocean off San Diego, southern California (Eschmeyer and Herald 1983). At depths of 480–2,800 m 

(1,575–9,186 ft) (min.: Matarese and Stein 1980; max.: Stein and Bond 1978). Although washed up on 

a beach once at Adak Island in Alaska (Mecklenburg et al. 2002) and caught once in shallow water off 

Westport, Washington (Schoener and Fluharty 1985), these are rare records for this bottom-dwelling, 

deepwater species, and likely reflect abnormal circumstances. 

Psychrolutes sigalutes (Jordan & Starks, 1895). Soft Sculpin. To 8.3 cm (3.25 in) TL (Clemens and Wilby 1946). 

Commander Islands, Russia; Aleutian Islands off Adak Island, Alaska to southern Puget Sound, Washington 

(Mecklenburg et al. 2002). Larvae of this species have been taken in the eastern Bering Sea (Matarese et al. 

2003). Surface to depth of 225 m (738 ft; Hart 1973). Occasionally seen as Gilbertidia sigalutes. 

Family Agonidae — Poachers 

A few of the species names in this family differ from those given by Nelson et al. (2004), who followed a review 

of the family (Kanayama 1991) based primarily on study of the western Pacific forms. The classification 

used here follows Sheiko (1993) and Sheiko and Mecklenburg (2004). 

95

Agonomalus mozinoi Willimovsky & Wilson, 1979. Kelp Poacher. To 8.9 cm (3.5 in) TL (Eschmeyer and 

Herald 1983). Dixon Entrance, British Columbia (Peden and Wilson 1976) to San Simeon, central 

California (Eschmeyer and Herald 1983); one unconfirmed report from Sitka, southeastern Alaska 

(Mecklenburg et al. 2002). Intertidal (Wilimovsky and Wilson 1978) and to 11 m (35 ft; Eschmeyer and 

Herald 1983). Classified in Hypsagonus by some authors. The correct date of the original description 

is 1979 (Eschmeyer 1998). Although the volume in which it appeared is for 1978, the back cover reads 

“Released May 1, 1979.” 

Agonopsis sterletus (Gilbert, 1898). Southern Spearnose Poacher. To 15 cm (5.75 in) TL (Eschmeyer and 

Herald 1983). San Simeon Point, central California (Miller and Lea 1972) to near southern tip of Baja 

California (22°54'N; Castro-Aguirre et al. 1993). At depths of 3–100 m (10–328 ft) (min.: SIO 75-608; 

max.: Allen et al. 2002). 

Agonopsis vulsa (Jordan & Gilbert, 1880). Northern Spearnose Poacher. To 20.3 cm (8 in) TL (Miller and 

Lea 1972). Kachemak Bay, northern Gulf of Alaska (Mecklenburg et al. 2002) to Point Loma, southern 

California (Miller and Lea 1972). Intertidal (SIO 67-162) and to depth of 393 m (1,289 ft; UW 47277). 

Agonopsis emmelane (Jordan & Starks, 1895) is a junior synonym. 

Anoplagonus inermis (Günther, 1860). Smooth Alligatorfish. To 15 cm (6 in) TL (Hart 1973). Aleutian Islands 

at Petrel Bank (Mecklenburg et al. 2002) to Point Arena, northern California (Eschmeyer and Herald 

1983). At depths of 5–114 m (17–374 ft) (min.: Lamb and Edgell 1986; max.: UW 111415), reported to 

139 m (456 ft; W. A. Palsson, pers. comm. to M. L.) and 458 m (1,511 ft; Wilkins et al. 1998). 

Aspidophoroides monopterygius (Bloch, 1786). Alligatorfish. To 17.8 cm (7 in) TL (Mecklenburg et al. 2002). 

Atlantic and Pacific; Sea of Japan and Sea of Okhotsk to Gulf of Anadyr, eastern Chukchi Sea (Alaska), 

Bering Sea, and Aleutian Islands west to Amchitka Island, and to Prince William Sound, Gulf of Alaska 

(Mecklenburg et al. 2002). At depths of 8–350 m (26–1,155 ft) (min.: Mecklenburg et al. 2002; max.: 

Kanayama in Okamura et al. 1995). The Alaskan population may be a distinct species, Aspidophoroides 

bartoni Gilbert, 1896, to which the common name Aleutian Alligatorfish applies; additional study is 

needed (Sheiko and Mecklenburg 2004). 

Bathyagonus alascanus (Gilbert, 1896). Gray Starsnout. To 14.1 cm (5.6 in) TL (Mecklenburg et al. 2002). 

Southeastern Bering Sea west of Pribilof Islands, Alaska to northern California (Mecklenburg et al. 2002). 

At depths of 18–297 m (60–974 ft) (min.: Eschmeyer and Herald 1983; max.: Hoff and Britt 2003). 

Bathyagonus infraspinatus (Gilbert, 1904). Spinycheek Starsnout. To 14.3 cm (5.6 in) TL (Mecklenburg 

et al. 2002). Southeastern Bering Sea from vicinity of Pribilof Islands and Islands of Four Mountains, 

Aleutian Islands, Alaska to northern California near Eureka (Mecklenburg et al. 2002). At depths of 

6–183 m (20–600 ft; Mecklenburg et al. 2002). Recently classified by some authors in Asterotheca, as A. 

infraspinata (e.g., Miller and Lea 1972); originally in Xeneretmus. 

Bathyagonus nigripinnis Gilbert, 1890. Blackfin Poacher. To 29 cm (11.4 in) TL (Snytko 1987). Pacific 

coast of northern Japan (Imamura and Kitagawa 1999); northern Kuril Islands and southeastern 

Kamchatka (Tokranov 2000b) to Commander–Aleutian chain and northern Bering Sea near Cape 

Navarin (Mecklenburg et al. 2002) to Eureka, northern California (Miller and Lea 1972); reported to 

central California (36°46'N; Shaw et al. 2000) but not verifiable. At depths of 18–1,248 m (59–4,094 ft), 

typically at 50–800 m (164–2,625 ft; Allen and Smith 1988). The source for the maximum depth of 

1,290 m reported by Sheiko and Fedorov (2000) is uncertain (B. A. Sheiko, pers. comm. to C. W. M.). 

Bathyagonus pentacanthus (Gilbert, 1890). Bigeye Poacher or Bigeye Starsnout. To 26.2 cm (10.3 in) TL 

(Mecklenburg et al. 2002). Western Gulf of Alaska near Chirikof Island, Alaska (Mecklenburg et al. 

2002) to Cortes Bank (Miller and Lea 1972) and off Point Loma, southern California (SIO 79-85). At 

depths of 100–1,145 m (328–3,756 ft) (min.: Mecklenburg et al. 2002, UW 110095; max.: Ramsey et 

96

al. 2002); recently reported as shallow as 77 m (252 ft; W. A. Palsson, pers. comm. to M. L.). Recently 

classified by some authors in genus Asterotheca, as A. pentacantha (e.g., Miller and Lea 1972); originally 

in Xenochirus. 

Bothragonus swanii (Steindachner, 1876). Rockhead. To 8.9 cm (3.5 in) TL (Hart 1973). Kodiak Island, Gulf 

of Alaska (Hubbard and Reeder 1965) to Lion Rock, San Luis Obispo County, central California (Miller 

and Lea 1972). Intertidal and to 18 m (60 ft; Miller and Lea 1972). The frequently seen spelling swani is 

incorrect (Sheiko and Mecklenburg 2004). 

Chesnonia verrucosa (Lockington, 1880). Warty Poacher. To 20 cm (8 in) TL (Jordan and Evermann 1898). 

Bristol Bay, southeastern Bering Sea, Alaska; Shelikof Bay, eastern Gulf of Alaska; Vancouver Island, 

British Columbia (Mecklenburg et al. 2002) to Point Montara, central California (Miller and Lea 1972). 

At depths of 20–289 m (66–900 ft) (min.: Miller and Lea 1972; max.: RACE). Originally described as 

a species in Occa, but the name Occa was already used for a genus of bird. Chesnonia was chosen as a 

replacement name. Some authors classify the species in Occella. Further study is needed to determine its 

correct placement (Sheiko and Mecklenburg 2004). 

Hypsagonus quadricornis (Valenciennes, 1829). Fourhorn Poacher. To 12.0 cm (4.7 in) TL (Tokranov and 

Orlov 2004). Sea of Okhotsk and northern Sea of Japan to Commander–Aleutian chain and Bering Sea 

to Bering Strait (Mecklenburg et al. 2002), to Puget Sound, Washington (Eschmeyer and Herald 1983). 

At depths of 15–452 m (49–1,483 ft; Mecklenburg et al. 2002). The species name is often attributed 

to Cuvier, but Valenciennes provided both the species name and the description; the full citation is 

Valenciennes in Cuvier & Valenciennes, 1829 (Sheiko 1993; see also Mecklenburg et al. 2002, Sheiko and 

Mecklenburg 2004). 

Leptagonus decagonus (Bloch & Schneider, 1801). Atlantic Poacher. To 22.6 cm (8.9 in) TL (Scott and Scott 

1988). Arctic Ocean from Laptev Sea east to western North Atlantic, south in Pacific to Chukchi and 

Bering seas, Alaska, and in Atlantic to Newfoundland; isolated population in Sea of Okhotsk (Sheiko 

and Mecklenburg 2004). Southernmost record in eastern Pacific is UW 15284 from Bristol Bay, Alaska 

(Mecklenburg et al. 2002). At depths of 24–930 m (79–3,069 ft; Mecklenburg et al. 2002). 

Occella dodecaedron (Tilesius, 1813). Bering Poacher. To 23 cm (9.1 in) TL (Tokranov 1992b). Northern Sea 

of Japan and Sea of Okhotsk and Kuril Islands to Pacific Ocean off Kamchatka and western Bering Sea 

at Gulf of Anadyr; eastern Chukchi Sea at Kotzbue Sound and eastern Bering Sea at Norton Sound to 

western Gulf of Alaska (Mecklenburg et al. 2002). At depths of 5–92 m (17–302 ft) (min.: Mecklenburg 

et al. 2002; max.: Sheiko and Fedorov 2000); juveniles occasionally near shore in less than 1 m of water 

(e.g., UW 44795). One aberrant, questionable record from 375 m (1,230 ft; Allen and Smith 1988), likely 

from contamination of sample such as fish left in net from a previous, shallower tow, or fish entering the 

net way above maximum depth of tow. 

Odontopyxis trispinosa Lockington, 1880. Pygmy Poacher. To 13 cm (5.1 in) TL (Groce and Gartman 

2001). Prince William Sound, northern Gulf of Alaska (Mecklenburg et al. 2002) to Isla Cedros, 

central Baja California (Miller and Lea 1972). One possible record from southeastern Bering Sea, but 

voucher specimen has been lost (Mecklenburg et al. 2002). At depths of 5–373 m (16–1,224 ft) (min.: 

Mecklenburg et al. 2002 ; max.: Gilbert 1896). 

Pallasina barbata (Steindachner, 1876). Tubenose Poacher. To 20.8 cm (8.2 in) TL (Kanayama 1991). Japan 

Sea off Korea, Okhotsk Sea, and Pacific Ocean off Kuril Islands to eastern Chukchi and Bering seas 

and Aleutian Islands, Alaska (Mecklenburg et al. 2002), to Bodega Bay, central California (Miller and 

Lea 1972). Intertidal zone (Miller and Lea 1972), including tidepools (e.g., UW 1185), and to 128 m 

(420 ft; USNM 59417). The eastern Pacific form is sometimes treated as a separate species, Pallasina 

aix Starks, 1896, although taxonomists have given evidence for it being the same as P. barbata. Most 

97

authors do not recognize the aix form even as a subspecies. Research is ongoing to examine the question; 

see discussions and literature cited by Kanayama (1991:115–117), Mecklenburg et al. (2002:533), and 

Sheiko and Mecklenburg (2004:18). 

Percis japonica (Pallas, 1769). Dragon Poacher. To 44.0 cm (17.3 in; Tokranov 1993). Sea of Japan and Sea 

of Okhotsk to northern Bering Sea and to Gulf of Alaska; only one Gulf of Alaska record (Mecklenburg 

et al. 2002). At depths of 20–750 m (66–2,461 ft) in western North Pacific (Sheiko and Fedorov 2000), 

documented at 68–550 m (223–1,804 ft) in Alaska (min.: UW 28562; max.: UW 28568). Sometimes 

seen spelled japonicus, the specific name is correctly spelled japonica to agree in gender (feminine) with 

Percis. 

Podothecus accipenserinus (Tilesius, 1813). Sturgeon Poacher. To 33 cm (13 in) TL (Tokranov 1992a). 

Northern Kuril Islands and Okhotsk Sea off southwestern Kamchatka to Commander–Aleutian chain 

and southern Bering Sea, Alaska (Mecklenburg et al. 2002) to Point Reyes, northern California (Allen 

and Smith 1988). At depths of 2–500 m (7–1,640 ft) (min.: Mecklenburg et al. 2002; max.: V. V. Fedorov, 

unpubl. data provided by B. A. Sheiko, pers. comm. to C. W. M.). Originally placed in genus Agonus. 

Usually seen spelled acipenserinus but the original, correct spelling is accipenserinus (Sheiko 1993, Sheiko 

and Mecklenburg 2004). 

Podothecus veternus Jordan & Starks 1895. Veteran Poacher. To 28.5 cm (11.2 ft) TL (Lindberg and 

Krasyukova 1987). Okhotsk Sea and Japan Sea to eastern Bering Sea, Alaska at Norton Sound and near 

St. Matthew Island to eastern Chukchi Sea; one record from Beaufort Sea, Alaska, which probably was 

this species, but voucher specimen was lost (Mecklenburg et al. 2002). At depths of 9–240 m (27–787 ft) 

(min.: B. A. Sheiko, pers. comm. to C. W. M.; max.: Mecklenburg et al. 2002). Because of historical 

confusion of P. veternus with P. accipenserinus, geographic and bathymetric ranges for the species are 

not well known (Mecklenburg et al. 2002). 

Sarritor frenatus (Gilbert, 1896). Sawback Poacher. To 29 cm (11.4 in ) TL (Tokranov 1992b). Pacific coast of 

Hokkaido, Japan to Norton Sound, Bering Sea, Commander–Aleutian chain, and Stalemate and Bowers 

banks, to Observatory Inlet, northern British Columbia (Mecklenburg et al. 2002). At depths of 18– 

975 m (60–3,199 ft) (min.: Eschmeyer and Herald 1983; max.: Allen and Smith 1988). Recently classified 

by some authors in Leptagonus; originally in Odontopyxis (see Sheiko and Mecklenburg 2004). 

Sarritor leptorhynchus (Gilbert, 1896). Longnose Poacher. To 20.0 cm (7.9 in) SL (Kanayama 1991), or about 

22.6 cm (8.9 in) TL (C. W. M., unpubl. data). Seas of Japan and Okhotsk and Pacific coast of northern 

Japan to Commander–Aleutian chain, to 61°N in western Bering Sea off Russia and to Pribilof Islands 

and Bristol Bay in eastern Bering Sea off Alaska, to Prince William Sound, northern Gulf of Alaska 

(Mecklenburg et al. 2002). At depths of 14.6–460 m (48–1,509 ft) (min.: Mecklenburg et al. 2002; max.: 

Orlov 1998); reported but not confirmed to 974 m (3,195 ft; Mecklenburg et al. 2002). Recently classified 

by some authors in Leptagonus; originally in Odontopyxis (see Sheiko and Mecklenburg 2004). 

Stellerina xyosterna (Jordan & Gilbert, 1880). Pricklebreast Poacher. To 16.5 cm (6.5 in) TL (Jordan and 

Evermann 1898). Icy Bay, northern Gulf of Alaska (Peden and Jamieson 1988, Mecklenburg et al. 2002); 

and northern British Columbia near Alaska border (Barraclough and Peden 1976) to Bahia Magdalena, 

southern Baja California (SIO 50-237). At depths of 2 m (7 ft; Mecklenburg et al. 2002) to at least 

100 m (330 ft; Gotshall and Geibel 2005). Occella impi Gruchy, 1970, originally described from a single 

juvenile specimen from British Columbia, was recently shown to be a junior synonym of S. xyosterna 

(Mecklenburg et al. 2002). 

Ulcina olrikii (Lütken, 1877). Arctic Alligatorfish. To 8.6 cm (3.4 in) TL (Mecklenburg et al. 2002). Arctic 

Ocean from eastern Barents Sea and White Sea eastward to Greenland, south in western Atlantic 

to Newfoundland, and south in Pacific to northern Bering Sea south of St. Lawrence Island, Alaska 

98

(Mecklenburg et al. 2002, Sheiko and Mecklenburg 2004). At depths of 7–520 m (23–1,706 ft; Sheiko 

and Fedorov 2000); less than 100 m off Alaska (Mecklenburg et al. 2002). Sometimes seen spelled olriki, 

but the original, correct spelling is olrikii. The correct date for the species description is 1877, although 

sometimes seen as 1876 (Sheiko and Mecklenburg 2004). 

Xeneretmus latifrons (Gilbert, 1890). Blacktip Poacher. To 19.0 cm (7.5 in) TL (Miller and Lea 1972). Adults 

from Rennell Sound and Skidegate Channel, British Columbia (Mecklenburg et al. 2002) to Punta 

Colnett, northern Baja California (Fitch and Lavenberg 1968). The presence of larvae in the northern 

Gulf of Alaska indicates adults are also present there (Matarese et al. 2003). At depths of 2 m (7 ft) or less 

to 1,291 m (4,235 ft) (min.: Miller et al. 1980 and UW 2915 [beach seine]; max.: SIO 75-473). 

Xeneretmus leiops Gilbert, 1915. Smootheye Poacher. To 27 cm (10.8 in) TL (Barraclough and Peden 1976). 

West of Forrester Island, southeastern Alaska (Peden and Jamieson 1988) to Santa Catalina Island, southern 

California (Miller and Lea 1972). At depths of 37–399 m (122–1,308 ft; Eschmeyer and Herald 1983). 

Xeneretmus ritteri Gilbert, 1915. Stripefin Poacher. To 15.9 cm (6.25 in) TL (Miller and Lea 1972). Malibu, 

southern California to Isla Cedros, central Baja California; isolated population in northern Gulf of 

California (Miller and Lea 1972). At depths of 105–366 m (344–1,200 ft) (min.: Allen et al. 2002; max.: 


Xeneretmus triacanthus (Gilbert, 1890). Bluespotted Poacher. To 17.8 cm (7 in) TL (Jordan and Evermann 

1898). Kwatna Inlet, British Columbia (Peden and Gruchy 1971) to Punta Baja, northern Baja California 

(Leipertz 1985). At depths of 15–429 m (49–1,407 ft) (min.: Fay et al. 1978; max.: Shaw et al. 2000). 

Family Cyclopteridae — Lumpfishes or Lumpsuckers 

Lumpsuckers are sometimes called lumpfishes after an Atlantic coast species called the Lumpfish (Cyclopterus 

lumpus). 

Aptocyclus ventricosus (Pallas, 1769). Smooth Lumpsucker. To 42 cm (16.5 in) TL. Japan and Okhotsk seas 

to Providence Bay, Gulf of Anadyr; and northern Bering Sea, Alaska to North Pacific south of Aleutian 

Islands and Gulf of Alaska to Mathieson Channel, British Columbia. Pelagic; usually found in deep 

waters from near surface to depth of more than 500 m (1,650 ft; Mecklenburg et al. 2002); taken in 

a bottom trawl towed at 1,556 m (5,104 ft), but the fish may have entered the net above the bottom 

(Hoff and Britt 2003). Boris A. Sheiko (pers. comm. to C. W. M.) reports that in the Okhotsk Sea A. 

ventricosus are frequently caught by pelagic trawl nets towed in the open sea from 1,000 to 500 m, as well 

as from 500 to 200 m and 200 m to the surface. Kido and Shinohara (1996) showed that the form named 

Pelagocyclus vitiazi Lindberg & Legeza, 1955, is the juvenile stage of A. ventricosus. 

*Cyclopteropsis lindbergi Soldatov, 1930. Lindberg’s Lumpsucker. To 7.4 cm (2.9 in) TL. Sea of Japan off 

Korean Peninsula to Sea of Okhotsk and western Bering Sea (Mecklenburg et al. 2002); one probable 

record, still under study, from the Aleutian Islands south of the Islands of Four Mountains, Alaska 

(C. W. M., unpubl. data). At depths of 49–118 m (161–387 ft; Mecklenburg et al. 2002). May be a junior 

synonym of Cyclopteropsis bergi Popov, 1929, and may more appropriately be classified in Eumicrotremus 

(Mecklenburg and Sheiko 2003). 

Eumicrotremus andriashevi Perminov, 1936. Pimpled Lumpsucker. To 9.7 cm TL (3.8 in) Mecklenburg et 

al. 2002). Karaginskiy Bay, western Bering Sea to northeastern Chukchi Sea and to eastern Bering Sea 

as far south as St. Matthew Island (Mecklenburg and Sheiko 2003). At depths of 20–83 m (66–274 ft; 

Mecklenburg et al. 2002). Specimens from the Okhotsk Sea and Kuril Islands previously attributed to E. 

andriashevi represent the western Pacific forms Eumicrotremus schmidti Lindberg & Legeza, 1955, and 

Eumicrotremus fedorovi Mandrytsa, 1991, respectively. Conversely, many specimens from the northeastern 

Bering Sea, Alaska, recorded as E. orbis are E. andriashevi (Mecklenburg and Sheiko 2003). 

99

Eumicrotremus asperrimus (Tanaka, 1912). Siberian Lumpsucker. To 13.5 cm (5.3 in) TL (Mecklenburg et 

al. 2002). Japan and Okhotsk seas and Pacific Ocean off Hokkaido to western Bering Sea at Natalia Bay, 

Koryak coast (61°10'N; Andriashev 1937, Lindberg and Legeza 1955) to Pacific Ocean south of Unimak 

Island, Aleutian Islands (Mecklenburg and Sheiko 2003). At depths of 30–900 m (99–2,970 ft); juveniles 

usually shallower than 100 m (330 ft; Mecklenburg et al. 2002). Until recently went by the name of 

Eumicrotremus birulai Popov, 1928, which is now recognized as a junior synonym (Mecklenburg and 

Sheiko 2003). 

Eumicrotremus barbatus (Lindberg & Legeza, 1955). Papillose Lumpsucker. To 7.0 cm (2.8 in) TL (UW 

49408). Sea of Okhotsk off Hokkaido, Japan (Kido 1984); Pacific Ocean off Paramushir Island, Kuril 

Islands (Lindberg and Legeza 1955); and Aleutian Islands from Near Islands (UW 49414) to south of 

Unimak Island (UW 42943; Mecklenburg and Sheiko 2003). “At the shore” (Ueno 1970) to depth of 

210 m (693 ft; Kido 1984). 

Eumicrotremus derjugini Popov, 1926. Leatherfin Lumpsucker. To 12.7 cm (5 in) TL (Mecklenburg et 

al. 2002). Isolated population in northern Sea of Okhotsk; most Arctic seas, including Beaufort Sea 

(Mecklenburg et al. 2002) and East Siberian Sea, but not Chukchi Sea (Mecklenburg and Sheiko 2003). 

Not confirmed from Labrador; the specimen (USNM 105009) reported from there by authors (e.g., 

Scott and Scott 1988) is Eumicrotremus eggvinii (not a West Coast species; Mecklenburg and Sheiko 

2003). At depths of 50–930 m (165–3,069 ft) (min.: Andriashev 1954; max.: Jensen 1944). 

Eumicrotremus gyrinops (Garman, 1892). Alaskan Lumpsucker. To 3.75 cm (1.5 in) SL. Southeastern 

Bering Sea off St. Paul Island, Pribilof Islands. Shallow water. All in Mecklenburg et al. (2002). Known 

with certainty only from the holotype; possibly the senior synonym of E. phrynoides (Mecklenburg and 

Sheiko 2003). 

Eumicrotremus orbis (Günther, 1861). Pacific Spiny Lumpsucker. To 12.7 cm (5 in) TL (Mecklenburg et al. 

2002). Pacific coast of Hokkaido, Japan to Bering Sea and to Puget Sound, Washington (Mecklenburg 

and Sheiko 2003). Shallow water, at 2 m (6.6 ft) or less (Miller et al. 1980), to 359 m (1,178 ft; UW 46668); 

reported as deep as 575 m (1,898 ft; Allen and Smith 1988). Many specimens previously recorded in the 

literature as E. orbis were misidentified, including those from Okhotsk Sea, Kuril Islands, Pacific Ocean 

off southeastern Kamchatka, Russia; and northeastern Bering Sea, Alaska (Mecklenburg and Sheiko 

2003). 

Eumicrotremus phrynoides Gilbert & Burke, 1912. Toad Lumpsucker. To 7.4 cm (2.9 in) TL (Mecklenburg et 

al. 2002). Near Strait (52°59'N, 172°19'E; UW 49601), Aleutian Islands and southeastern Bering Sea near 

Pribilof Islands (USNM 53807; Mecklenburg and Sheiko 2003) to northern Gulf of Alaska (59°54'N, 

148°02'W; Mecklenburg et al. 2002). At depths of 69–235 m (228–771 ft) (min.: Mecklenburg et al. 

2002; max.: UW 111314). Possibly a junior synonym of E. gyrinops (Mecklenburg and Sheiko 2003). 

Cyclopteropsis inarmatus Mednikov & Prokhorov, 1956, may be a junior synonym, and if this is the 

case the species is known also from western Bering Sea (Glubokaya Bight, Koryak coast, 60°50'N; B. A. 

Sheiko and C. W. M., unpubl. data). 

Eumicrotremus soldatovi Popov, 1930. Soldatov’s Lumpsucker. To about 26 cm (10.2 in) TL (Mecklenburg 

et al. 2002). Northern Okhotsk Sea and North Pacific Ocean off southeastern Kamchatka (Mecklenburg 

and Sheiko 2003); one record from Bering Sea, Alaska near northwest end of Bowers Ridge (Ueno 1970). 

Pelagic; at depths of 80–350 m (262–1,148 ft; Orlov 1994). 

*Eumicrotremus spinosus (Fabricius, 1776). Atlantic Spiny Lumpsucker. To 13.3 cm (5.25 in) TL. Length of 

13.7 cm (5.4 in) previously reported from Jensen (1944), who cited Fabricius’s original description for 

dried specimens measuring “5 1/4 inches (= 137 mm).” However, 5.25 inches = 133 mm. Andriashev 

(1954) reported a maximum length of 13.2 cm (5.2 in). Any of those lengths could be less, due to 

100

shrinkage in preservative, than in fresh or live specimens (C. W. M.). Near Alaska in eastern Beaufort Sea 

off Canada to Greenland and western Atlantic to Cape Cod; eastern North Atlantic, Kara and Barents 

seas, and Novaya Zemlya (Mecklenburg et al. 2002). At depths of 5–930 m (16–2,983 ft) (min.: Scott and 

Scott 1988; max.: Andriashev 1954), adults typically at 60–200 m (197–656 ft; Andriashev 1954). 

Lethotremus muticus Gilbert, 1896. Docked Snailfish. To 6.2 cm (2.4 in) TL (Mecklenburg et al. 2002). 

Eastern Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands from Amchitka Island to Unimak Pass (Mecklenburg et 

al. 2002). At depths of 84–329 m (276–1,079 ft) (min.: UW 49415; max.: Mecklenburg et al. 2002). 

Although numerous specimens have been added to museum collections and identified as L. muticus 

since cyclopterid records were reviewed by Mecklenburg et al. (2002) and Mecklenburg and Sheiko 

(2003), most are misidentified E. phrynoides (C. W. M., unpubl. data). 

Family Liparidae — Snailfishes 

Acantholiparis caecus Grinols, 1969. Caecal Spiny Snailfish or Fanged Snailfish. To 7.4 cm (2.9 in) SL (SIO 

76-174). British Columbia (Peden 2003); Oregon (Grinols 1969, Stein 1978); and Cortes Basin, southern 

California (SIO 76-174). At depths of 1,362–2,122 m (4,468–6,962 ft) (min.: SIO 76-174; max.: Grinols 

1969). The new minimum depth is close to the depth of 1,372 m (4,501 ft) recorded by Stein (1978) for 

a specimen from Oregon; depth of 1,300 m (4,265 ft) given elsewhere in Stein (1978) and in Chernova 

et al. (2004) evidently is a generalization. 

Acantholiparis opercularis Gilbert & Burke, 1912. Spiny Snailfish. To 8.3 cm (3.3 in) TL (Grinols 1966). 

Southeastern Kamchatka, North Pacific Ocean (Gilbert and Burke 1912); northeastern Kamchatka 

(Mecklenburg et al. 2002) and Commander Islands (Parin et al. 2002), Bering Sea; Oregon (Stein 1978). 

Benthic, at depths of 1,222–3,609 m (4,009–11,840 ft) (min.: Parin et al. 2002; max.: Gilbert and Burke 

1912). For minimum depth Mecklenburg et al. (2002) gave 1,247 m (4,091 ft) from the Kamchatka type 

locality (Gilbert and Burke 1912), which was mistakenly reported by Stein (1978) to be 227 m (744 ft). 

The Parin et al. (2002) record from 1,222 m is not much shallower and, although evidently lacking a 

voucher specimen, is likely to be correct. 

Careproctus abbreviatus Burke, 1930. Short Snailfish. To 10 cm (3.9 in) TL. Known from three specimens: 

two from northern Okhotsk Sea and one from eastern North Pacific south of Alaska Peninsula. Bottom 

at depths of 325 m (1,066 ft; Okhotsk Sea) and 1,143 m (3,750 ft; Alaska). All in Mecklenburg et al. 

(2002). Chernova et al. (2004) consider the Okhotsk Sea record questionable. If those two specimens are 

not C. abbreviatus, the species is known only from the holotype (53 mm TL, from Alaska). 

Careproctus attenuatus Gilbert & Burke, 1912. Attenuate Snailfish. Known from one specimen, 3.7 cm 

(1.5 in) SL, collected just south of Agattu Island, Aleutian Islands, Alaska. Bottom at 882 m (2,894 ft). 

All in Mecklenburg et al. (2002). 

Careproctus bowersianus Gilbert & Burke, 1912. Bowers Bank Snailfish. To 15.6 cm (6.1 in) SL. Southeastern 

and southcentral Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands. Bottom at depths of 629–800 m (2,064–2,625 ft). All 


Careproctus candidus Gilbert & Burke, 1912. Bigeye Snailfish or Crested Snailfish. To 10.6 cm (4.2 in) SL. 

Western North Pacific off northern Kuril Islands and southeastern Kamchatka; southeastern Bering Sea 

(56°17'N, 168°45'W; UW 25138) and Aleutian islands to northwestern Gulf of Alaska at Cook Inlet. 

Benthic, at depths of 64–400 m (210–1,312 ft). Additional citations in Mecklenburg et al. (2002). 

Careproctus canus Kido, 1985. Gray Snailfish. To 15.9 cm (6.3 in) SL (Kido 1985). Western and central 

Aleutian Islands from Near Strait (between Medny and Attu islands) (Kido 1985) to Tanaga Pass, Delarof 

Islands (51°55'N, 178°25'W; UW 110293). Benthic, at depths of 48–434 m (157–1,424 ft) (min.: UW 

110293; max.: Kido 1985). 

101

Careproctus colletti Gilbert, 1896. Alaska Snailfish. To 39.7 cm (15.6 in) SL (Mecklenburg et al. 2002). Seas 

of Japan and Okhotsk to Bering Sea and Gulf of Alaska (Mecklenburg et al. 2002) to southern Oregon 

(42°08'N, 124°55'W; UW 48663); also reported to northern California (38°42'N; Lauth 2000). Benthic, 

at depths of 64–1,556 m (210–5,105 ft) (min.: Kido 1988; max.: Hoff and Britt 2003). 

Careproctus cypselurus (Jordan & Gilbert, 1898). Falcate Snailfish or Forktail Snailfish. To 37.4 cm (14.7 in) 

SL (Mecklenburg et al. 2002). Pacific Ocean off Honshu, Japan to Kuril Islands and Sea of Okhotsk (Kido 

1988) to Bering Sea; no records from Gulf of Alaska; southern British Columbia (Mecklenburg et al. 

2002) to northern California (37°15'N, 123°08'W; UW 48655); reported to central California (34°44'N; 

Weinberg et al. 2002). Benthic, at depths of 214–1,993 m (702–6,539 ft; Mecklenburg et al. 2002). 

Careproctus ectenes Gilbert, 1896. Shovelhead Snailfish. To 8.7 cm (3.4 in) TL. Bering Sea north of Rat 

Islands and Unalaska Island, Aleutian Islands. Bottom at depths of 494–640 m (1,621–2,100 ft). All in 


Careproctus filamentosus Stein, 1978. To 18 cm (7.1 in) SL. Oregon. At depths of 2,265–2,940 m (7,431– 

9,646 ft). All in Stein (1978). 

Careproctus furcellus Gilbert & Burke, 1912. Emarginate Snailfish. To 54 cm (21.3 in) SL (Tokranov 2000a). 

Pacific Ocean off Hokkaido and Okhotsk Sea to Bering Sea (Kido 1983, 1988) at least as far north as 

60°49'N, 178°42'W (UW 28361) and Pacific Ocean off Aleutian Islands to northern Gulf of Alaska 

(Mecklenburg et al. 2002) and northern British Columbia (G. E. Gillespie, pers. comm. to C. W. M.). 

Bottom at depths of 98–1,270 m (322–4,167 ft) (min.: Kido 1988: max. Dudnik and Dolganov 1992). 

Careproctus gilberti Burke, 1912. Smalldisk Snailfish. To 12.7 cm (5.0 in) TL (Mecklenburg et al. 2002). 

Western Aleutian Islands (Mecklenburg et al. 2002) and eastern Bering Sea (Hoff and Britt 2003) to 

central California north of Point Conception at about 35°10’N off Morro Bay (Townsend and Nichols 

1925). Benthic, at depths of 172–1,181 m (564–3,875 ft) (min.: Mecklenburg et al. 2002; max.: Lauth 

1999). The southern limit is the collection locality for the type specimen of Liparis osborni Townsend & 

Nichols, 1925, a junior synonym of C. gilberti (Mecklenburg et al. 2002). 

Careproctus longifilis Garman, 1892. Threadfin Snailfish. To 16.2 cm (6.4 in) SL. Oregon to Panama. At 

depths of 1,900–3,334 m (6,233–10,938 ft). All in Stein (1978). 

Careproctus melanurus Gilbert, 1892. Blacktail Snailfish. To 35 cm (13.8 in) SL (Kido and Shinohara 1997). 

Western North Pacific off Honshu, Japan (Kido and Shinohara 1997) and southeastern Kamchatka 

(Sheiko and Fedorov 2000) to western Bering Sea (Orlov 1998); southern Bering Sea and Pacific south of 

Aleutian Islands, Alaska to Baja California (Mecklenburg et al. 2002). Benthic, at depths of 61–2,286 m 

(200–7,500 ft) (min.: RACE; max. Stein 1978). 

Careproctus microstomus Stein, 1978. Smallmouth Snailfish. To 19.7 cm (7.8 in) SL (Stein 1978). Oregon 

(Stein 1978) to central California (Ambrose in Moser 1996). At depths of 2,721–4,100 m (8,927– 

13,451 ft) (min.: Stein 1978; max.: SIO 92-81). 

Careproctus mollis Gilbert & Burke, 1912. Everyday Snailfish. To 8.5 cm (3.3 in) TL. Northern Kuril Islands 

and Commander Islands; Aleutian Islands off Attu and Agattu islands, Bering Sea. Benthic, at depths of 

247–882 m (810–2,894 ft). All in Mecklenburg et al. (2002). 

Careproctus opisthotremus Gilbert & Burke, 1912. Distalpore Snailfish. To 7.7 cm (3.0 in) SL. Known from 

two specimens: from eastern North Pacific south of Agattu Island (the holotype) and from Bering 

Sea north of Umnak Island. Bottom at 1,913 m (6,276 ft; the holotype) and 2,562 m (8,405 ft). All in 


Careproctus oregonensis Stein, 1978. Oregon Snailfish. To 15.3 cm (6.0 in) SL (Stein 1978). British Columbia 

(Gillespie 1993) to Oregon (Stein 1978). At depths of 1,900–2,926 m (6,233–9,600 ft) (min.: Stein 1978; 

max.: Pearcy et al. 1982). 

102

Careproctus ostentum Gilbert, 1896. Microdisk Snailfish. To 13.4 cm (5.3 in) TL (Schmidt 1950). Okhotsk 

Sea; Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands to Gulf of Alaska east of Kodiak Island. Benthic, at depths of 165– 

1,030 m (541–3,379 ft). All in Mecklenburg et al. (2002). 

Careproctus ovigerus (Gilbert, 1896). Abyssal Snailfish. To 43.1 cm (17.0 in) SL (Stein 1978). Queen 

Charlotte Islands, British Columbia (Gilbert 1896) to southern California (J. E. Fitch, pers. comm. to 

M. L.). Benthic, at depths of 1,000–2,904 m (3,280–9,527 ft) (min.: J. E. Fitch, pers. comm. to M. L.; 

max.: Gilbert 1896). The specific epithet is correctly spelled ovigerus to match the gender (masculine) of 

the genus name (Chernova et al. 2004). 

Careproctus phasma Gilbert, 1896. Monster Snailfish or Spectral Snailfish. To 10 cm (3.9 in) TL (Mecklenburg et 

al. 2002). Okhotsk Sea (Schmidt 1950); western North Pacific off Kuril Islands and southeastern Kamchatka 

(Sheiko and Fedorov 2000); eastern Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands west to Amchitka Island (Mecklenburg 

et al. 2002). Benthic, at depths of 84–504 m (276–1,653 ft) (min.: Gilbert 1896; max.: Schmidt 1950). 

Careproctus pycnosoma Gilbert & Burke, 1912. Stout Snailfish. To 7.9 cm (3.1 in) SL. Two records: Simushir 

Island, Kuril Islands; and Bering Sea northwest of Umnak Island, Aleutian Islands. One unconfirmed 

record from Seguam Pass, Aleutian Islands. Bottom at depths of 419–610 m (1,375–2,001 ft). May belong 

in genus Allocareproctus. All in Mecklenburg et al. (2002). 

Careproctus rastrinus Gilbert & Burke, 1912. Salmon Snailfish. To 49 cm (19.3 in) SL (Tokranov 2000a). 

Japan Sea off southern Honshu, Pacific off central Honshu, and Okhotsk Sea (Kido 1988) to Bering Sea, 

Aleutian Islands, and eastern Gulf of Alaska (Mecklenburg et al. 2002). Benthic, at depths of 55–913 m 

(180–2,995 ft) (min.: Mecklenburg et al. 2002; max.: Dudnik and Dolganov 1992). Following Kido 

(1988), Mecklenburg et al. (2002) included the western Pacific forms Careproctus acanthodes Gilbert 

& Burke, 1912, and Careproctus pellucidus Gilbert & Burke, 1912, in the synonymy of C. rastrinus. 

Examination of the types in the USNM fish collection in October 2003 by C. W. M. and D. L. Stein 

indicates they may be distinct species; listed as distinct by Chernova et al. (2004). 

Careproctus scottae Chapman & DeLacy, 1934. Peachskin Snailfish. To 22.7 cm (8.9 in) SL (Chapman and 

DeLacy 1934). Southeastern Alaska (Mecklenburg et al. 2002). Benthic, at depths of about 8–183 m 

(26–600 ft) (min.: Mecklenburg et al. 2002: max.: Chapman and DeLacy 1934). 

Careproctus simus Gilbert, 1896. Proboscis Snailfish. To 25 cm (9.8 in) TL (Balanov 2003b). Sea of Okhotsk 

off Hokkaido (Tsutsui and Amaoka 1997) and southeastern Sakhalin, northern Kuril Islands, and 

western Bering Sea off Cape Navarin (Chernova et al. 2004); central and eastern Bering Sea and Aleutian 

Islands (Mecklenburg et al. 2002). At depths of 380–800 m (1,247–2,625 ft) (min.: Chernova et al. 2004; 

max.: Balanov 2003b). 

Careproctus spectrum Bean, 1890. Stippled Snailfish. To about 10 cm (3.9 in) TL. Southeastern Bering Sea 

and eastern North Pacific Ocean south of Unimak Pass to inside waters of southeastern Alaska. Benthic, 

at depths of 93–201 m (305–659 ft). All in Mecklenburg et al. (2002). 

Careproctus zachirus Kido, 1985. Blacktip Snailfish. To 25.2 cm (9.8 in) SL (Kido 1985). Northern Kuril 

Islands (Tokranov 2000a) and Pacific Ocean off southeastern Kamchatka (Orlov 1998); eastern Bering 

Sea (Hoff and Britt 2003); and Amchitka Pass, central Aleutian Islands (Kido 1985). Benthic, at depths 

of 214–850 m (706–2,805 ft) (min.: Tokranov 2000a; max.: Sheiko and Fedorov 2000). 

Crystallichthys cameliae (Nalbant, 1965). Elusive Snailfish. Known from only one specimen, 8.46 cm (3.3 in) 

SL. Bering Sea north of Near Islands, Aleutian Islands. Bottom at depth of about 300 m (984 ft). All in 


Crystallichthys cyclospilus Gilbert & Burke, 1912. Blotched Snailfish. To 28.7 cm (11.3 in) TL (Mecklenburg 

et al. 2002). Okhotsk Sea; Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands to Gulf of Alaska south of Shumagin Islands 

(Mecklenburg et al. 2002). Benthic, at depths of 54–577 m (178–1,904 ft) (min.: Mecklenburg et al. 

2002; max.: Orlov 1998). 

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*Crystallichthys mirabilis Jordan & Gilbert, 1896. Wonderful Snailfish. To 36.0 cm (14.2 in) SL (Tokranov 

2000a). Western North Pacific off northern Kuril Islands and southeastern Kamchatka; reported, but 

no firm records, from eastern Bering Sea, Alaska. Bottom at depths of 53–318 m (174–1,043 ft). All in 


Elassodiscus caudatus (Gilbert, 1915). Humpback Snailfish. To 18.3 cm (7.2 in) SL, 19.9 cm (7.8 in) TL 

(Mecklenburg et al. 2002). Eastern Bering Sea, southeastern Alaska (Mecklenburg et al. 2002), and British 

Columbia (Peden 2003) to central California (34°54'N; Lauth 2001). Benthic, at depths of 241–1,556 m 

(791–5,105 ft) (min.: Anderson et al. 1979; max.: Hoff and Britt 2003). Classified by some authors in 

Paraliparis. 

Elassodiscus tremebundus Gilbert & Burke, 1912. Dimdisk Snailfish. To 39.0 cm (15.4 in) SL (Tokranov 

2000a). Okhotsk Sea, Pacific off Hokkaido, Japan and Kuril Islands to western Bering Sea off Cape 

Navarin; eastern Bering Sea over continental slope and off Aleutian Islands. Benthic, at depths of 130– 

1,286 m (426–4,219 ft). The exceptionally shallow depth of 130 m is from the western Bering Sea. All in 

Mecklenburg et al. (2002). Classified by some authors in Paraliparis. 

Gyrinichthys minytremus Gilbert, 1896. Minigill Snailfish. Known from one specimen, 7.2 cm (2.8 in) TL. 

Bering Sea north of Unalaska Island. Bottom at depth of 640 m (2,100 ft). All in Mecklenburg et al. (2002). 

Liparis adiastolus Stein, Bond, & Misitano, 2003. Rosybrown Snailfish. To 16.7 cm (6.6 in) SL. Washington 

to northern California; probably British Columbia but not confirmed. Benthic, from intertidal to 10 m 

(33 ft). All in Stein et al. (2003) except the vernacular, coined later by Stein (pers. comm. to C. W. M.). 

Liparis bristolensis (Burke, 1912). Bristol Snailfish. To 6.8 cm (2.7 in) TL. Chukchi Sea to Aleutian Islands and 

western Gulf of Alaska. Benthic, at depths of 31–77 m (102–253 ft). All in Mecklenburg et al. (2002). 

Liparis callyodon (Pallas, 1814). Spotted Snailfish. To about 12.7 cm (5 in) TL (Hart 1973). Kuril Islands, 

southeastern Kamchatka, and Commander Islands (Sheiko and Fedorov 2000) to Gulf of Anadyr, Bering 

Sea (B. A. Sheiko, pers. comm. to C. W. M.); St. Lawrence Island and Norton Sound, eastern Bering 

Sea to Aleutian Islands (Mecklenburg et al. 2002) to Oregon (Eschmeyer and Herald 1983). Intertidal, 

including tidepools (Eschmeyer and Herald 1983), to 20 m (66 ft; Sheiko and Fedorov 2000). 

Liparis catharus Vogt, 1973. Purity Snailfish. One specimen, 55.9 cm (22.0 in) TL. Bradfield Canal, southeastern 

Alaska. Bottom at depth of 137 m (450 ft). All in Vogt (1973). Known with certainty only from 

the holotype (Mecklenburg et al. 2002). 

Liparis cyclopus Günther, 1861. Ribbon Snailfish. To 11.4 cm (4.5 in) TL (Jordan and Starks 1895). 

Petropavlovsk, southeastern Kamchatka to Commander Islands; southeastern Bering Sea and Aleutian 

Islands (Mecklenburg et al. 2002) to Oregon (Eschmeyer and Herald 1983). Intertidal and to 183 m 

(600 ft) (min.: Cross 1981; max.: Eschmeyer and Herald 1983). 

Liparis dennyi Jordan & Starks, 1895. Marbled Snailfish. To 30.5 cm (12 in) TL (Hart 1973). Eastern Aleutian 

Islands (Mecklenburg et al. 2002) to Puget Sound, Washington (Hart 1973). Records from Bering Sea and 

western Aleutian Islands could be misidentified L. gibbus, and have not been confirmed (Mecklenburg 

et al. 2002). Benthic, from depth of 2 m (7 ft) or less to about 225 m (738 ft) (min.: Miller et al. 1980; 

max.: Hart 1973). 

Liparis fabricii Krøyer, 1847. Gelatinous Seasnail. To 19.4 cm (7.6 in) TL. Circumpolar in Arctic; Beaufort 

and Chukchi seas, Alaska. Benthic and pelagic, at 20–1,880 m (66–6,204 ft); near shore to beneath pack 

ice over bottom depths of more than 2 km (6,562 ft). All in Mecklenburg et al. (2002). 

Liparis florae (Jordan & Starks, 1895). Tidepool Snailfish. To 18.3 cm (7.2 in) TL (Miller and Lea 1972). 

Kodiak Island, western Gulf of Alaska (Mecklenburg et al. 2002) to King Harbor, southern California 

(Stephens et al. 1994). Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands records are uncertain (Mecklenburg et al. 2002). 

104

Benthic; intertidal (Miller and Lea 1972), including tidepools (Hubbs and Schultz 1934), and to depth 

of 15 m (50 ft; LACM 7952.000). 

Liparis fucensis Gilbert, 1896. Slipskin Snailfish. To 17.8 cm (7 in) TL (Miller and Lea 1972). Southeastern 

Bering Sea and Unimak Pass, eastern Aleutian Islands (Mecklenburg et al. 2002) to near San Simeon, central 

California (Miller and Lea 1972). Benthic, at depths of 4–388 m (13–1,272 ft) (min.: LACM 31937.020; 

max.: Miller and Lea 1972); juveniles often found in rocky tidepools (Mecklenburg et al. 2002). 

Liparis gibbus Bean, 1881. Dusky Snailfish, Polka-dot Snailfish, or Variegated Snailfish. To 52.4 cm 

(20.6 in) TL (Able and McAllister 1980). Circumpolar in Arctic Ocean; Beaufort and Chukchi seas to 

northwestern Bering Sea, eastern Bering Sea, Aleutian Islands, and Gulf of Alaska to northern British 

Columbia (Mecklenburg et al. 2002). Reported from southeastern Kamchatka, northern Kuril Islands, 

and Commander Islands, but there are no confirmed records from there or from the western Bering 

Sea south of the northwestern portion (B. A. Sheiko, pers. comm. to C. W. M.). Benthic, at depths of 

25–427 m (82–1,401 ft) (min.: Allen and Smith 1988; max.: Kido and Yabe in Okamura et al. 1995). 

Liparis greeni (Jordan & Starks, 1895). Lobefin Snailfish. To 30.8 cm (12.1 in) TL (C. W. M., unpubl. data). 

Commander Islands; Pribilof Islands (southeastern Bering Sea) and Aleutian Islands to Washington. 

Benthic; intertidal area, including tidepools, to shallow water near shore; to depth of 21 m (69 ft; C. W. M., 

unpubl. data). All in Mecklenburg et al. (2002) except for the newer data. Classified in genus Polypera 

by some authors. Polypera beringiana Gilbert & Burke, 1912, recently called Liparis beringianum, is a 

junior synonym (Mecklenburg et al. 2002), although evidently not recognized as such by all authors 

(e.g., Nelson et al. 2004). 

Liparis marmoratus Schmidt, 1950. Festive Snailfish. To 8.4 cm (3.3 in) TL (Schmidt 1950). Known from 

two specimens from Okhotsk Sea (Schmidt 1950, Chernova 1998), and one specimen from northern 

Bering Sea near St. Lawrence Island (Busby and Chernova 2001). Benthic, at depths of 100–165 m (328– 

541 ft) and shallower (Mecklenburg et al. 2002). 

Liparis megacephalus (Burke, 1912). Bighead Snailfish. To about 28 cm (11.0 in) TL (Kim et al. 1993). Sea of 

Japan off South Korea; eastern Bering Sea and off Amchitka Island, Aleutian Islands. Benthic, at depths 

of 58–69 m (190–226 ft). All in Mecklenburg et al. (2002). 

Liparis micraspidophorus (Gilbert & Burke, 1912). Thumbtack Snailfish. Less than 10 cm (3.9 in) TL. 

Commander Islands; Aleutian Islands to Cold Bay, Alaska Peninsula. Benthic, in tidepools and shallow 

intertidal. All in Mecklenburg et al. (2002). Authorship of the species name and original description is 

correctly attributed to both Gilbert and Burke, not only, as sometimes seen, to Burke. 

Liparis mucosus Ayres, 1855. Slimy Snailfish. To about 12.7 cm (5.0 in) TL (Jordan and Starks 1895). 

Samsing Cove, southeastern Alaska (Mecklenburg et al. 2002) to Bahia San Carlos (29°36'N, 115°12'W; 

SIO 52-212), central Baja California. Kodiak Island reports are unconfirmed (Mecklenburg et al. 2002). 

Benthic, from intertidal area to 15 m (50 ft; Miller and Lea 1972), usually not in tidepools (Mecklenburg 

et al. 2002). 

Liparis ochotensis Schmidt, 1904. Okhotsk Snailfish. To 74 cm (29.1 in) SL (Tokranov 2000a). Seas of Japan 

and Okhotsk, and Pacific Ocean off Hokkaido and Kuril Islands to southeastern Kamchatka; Bering 

Sea; specimens from Kodiak Island, western Gulf of Alaska (Quast and Hall 1972) may be L. gibbus 

(Mecklenburg et al. 2002). Benthic, 0–761 m (0–2,497 ft) (min.: Kido 1988; max.: Orlov 1998), usually 

50–300 m (164–984 ft; Kido 1988). 

Liparis pulchellus Ayres, 1855. Showy Snailfish. To 25.4 cm (10 in) TL (Miller and Lea 1972). Southeastern 

Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands (Mecklenburg et al. 2002) to Monterey Bay, central California (Miller 

and Lea 1972). Benthic, from intertidal area to depth of 183 m (600 ft; Miller and Lea 1972). 

105

Liparis rutteri (Gilbert & Snyder, 1898). Ringtail Snailfish. To 7.0 cm (2.8 in) SL (Stein et al. 2003). (A 

7.0-cm-SL specimen would have a greater total length than the 7.4-cm-TL [2.9 in] maximum length 

given by Hart [1973, from UBC 63-330].) Attu Island, Aleutian Islands to Gulf of Alaska coasts nearly 

to the British Columbia border (Mecklenburg et al. 2002). Although also recorded from southeastern 

Kamchatka to the Commander Islands, this part of the range should be reevaluated on the basis of the 

new morphological information presented by Stein et al. (2003). Tidepools and shallow water in intertidal 

area; Alaskan records cited in Mecklenburg et al. (2002) are all from this habitat. Historically, the name 

L. rutteri has been applied to fish which actually represent two different species. The second species, L. 

adiastolus (see account above), was recently named and described by Stein et al. (2003). Mecklenburg et 

al. (2002:594) give Alaskan records in addition to those mentioned by Stein et al. (2003). 

Liparis sp. Specimens similar to Liparis adiastolus and L. rutteri but not identifiable as either species include 

UW 20727, UW 20728, and UW 20729 from Strait of Juan de Fuca, Washington; BCPM 974-471 and 

978-170 from British Columbia; UAM 1989 from Kenai, northern Gulf of Alaska; and UAM 1125 from 

Chukchi Sea near Icy Cape, Alaska (D. L. Stein, pers. comm. to C. W. M.). 

Liparis tunicatus Reinhardt, 1837. Greenland Seasnail or Kelp Snailfish. To 16.7 cm (6.6 in) TL. Circumpolar; 

Beaufort and Chukchi seas to northern Bering Sea south of St. Lawrence Island, Alaska and Gulf of 

Anadyr, Russia. Intertidal, including tidepools, and to 150 m (492 ft), commonly found clinging to kelp 

fronds. All in Mecklenburg et al. (2002). 

Lipariscus nanus Gilbert, 1915. Pygmy Snailfish. To 7.1 cm (2.8 in) SL (Kido 1993). Southern Okhotsk Sea 

off Hokkaido, vicinity of Commander Islands, and western Bering Sea; eastern Bering Sea to Gulf of 

Alaska (Mecklenburg et al. 2002) to Monterey Bay, central California (Stein 1978). Pelagic, at depths of 

58–910 m (190–2,985 ft) (min.: Gilbert 1915; max.: Kido 1988). 

Lopholiparis flerxi Orr, 2004. Hardhead Snailfish. Known from one specimen, 3.25 cm (1.3 in) SL. Off Ulak 

Island, Aleutian Islands, Alaska. Bottom at depth of 285 m (935 ft). All in Orr (2004). 

Nectoliparis pelagicus Gilbert & Burke, 1912. Tadpole Snailfish. To 6.5 cm (2.5 in) TL (Mecklenburg et al. 

2002). Hokkaido, Japan (Nakabo in Nakabo 2002) and Sea of Okhotsk to Bering Sea (Mecklenburg et 

al. 2002) to San Diego (32°32'N, 117°24'W), southern California (SIO 63-870). Pelagic, usually taken in 

midwater depths (Mecklenburg et al. 2002). Reported from depths of 2 m (7 ft) or less in a beach seine 

(Miller et al. 1977) to 3,383 m (11,164 ft) in a trawl net (Stein 1978). However, the maximum reported 

depth of 3,383 m is actually the water depth from a sounding at Albatross dredging station 4785 (Bureau 

of Fisheries 1907), where one of the type specimens was caught. The net was not the usual beam trawl 

but an “intermediate 3” net which was fished at intermediate depths around 300 fathoms (549 m or 

1,800 ft; Bureau of Fisheries 1907, Gilbert and Burke 1912). As with most fish species, there are few 

records for N. pelagicus from nonclosing nets. 

Odontoliparis ferox Stein, 1978. Ferocious Snailfish. Known from one specimen, 23.1 cm (9 in) SL. Oregon. 

At depth of 2,884 m (9,460 ft). All in Stein (1978) except the vernacular, coined recently by Stein (pers. 

comm. to C. W. M.). 

Osteodiscus cascadiae Stein, 1978. Bonydisk Snailfish. To 8.5 cm (2.6 in) SL (Stein 1978). British Columbia to 

Oregon (Stein 1978). At depths of 1,900–3,000 m (6,232–9,840 ft) (min.: Pearcy et al. 1982; max.: Stein 1978). 

Paraliparis albescens Gilbert, 1915. Phantom Snailfish. To 6.1 cm (2.4 in) SL. Monterey, central California to Point 

Conception, central California. At depths of about 192–500 m (630–1,640 ft). All in Anderson et al. (1979). 

Paraliparis cephalus Gilbert, 1892. Swellhead Snailfish. To 8.2 cm (3.2 in) SL (Stein 1978). Vicinity of Commander 

Islands (Sheiko and Fedorov 2000); northern Bering Sea, southern Bering Sea off Unalaska Island, and 

Shelikof Strait, western Gulf of Alaska (Mecklenburg et al. 2002) to northern Baja California (32°40'N, 

117°35'W; SIO 54-126). Benthic, at depths of 294–1,799 m (965–5,902 ft; Sheiko and Fedorov 2000). 

106

Paraliparis dactylosus Gilbert, 1896. Polydactyl Snailfish. To 12.1 cm (4.7 in) SL (Stein 1978). Commander 

Islands and eastern Bering Sea (Mecklenburg et al. 2002) to central California (Stein 1978). Benthic, at 

depths of 309–1,018 m (1,014–3,340 ft; Hoff and Britt 2003). 

Paraliparis deani Burke, 1912. Prickly Snailfish. Less than 10 cm (3.9 in) TL (Mecklenburg et al. 2002). Shelikof 

Strait, western Gulf of Alaska (Mecklenburg et al. 2002) to northern California (Eschmeyer and Herald 

1983). Benthic, at depths of 18–1,008 m (59–3,306 ft) (min.: Mecklenburg et al. 2002; max.: Stein 1978). 

Paraliparis holomelas Gilbert, 1896. Ebony Snailfish. To 10 cm (3.9 in) TL (Gilbert 1896). Sea of Okhotsk 

(Schmidt 1950); Pacific Ocean off northern Kuril Islands and southeastern Kamchatka (B. A. Sheiko, 

pers. comm. to C. W. M.); southeastern Bering Sea to western and central Gulf of Alaska (Mecklenburg 

et al. 2002). Bottom at depths of 128–2,972 m (420–10,991 ft) (min.: Schmidt 1950; max.: Gilbert 1896). 

The specimen reported by Schmidt (1950) from the Sea of Okhotsk at 3,350 m is not this species (M. S. 

Busby, pers. comm. to C. W. M.). 

Paraliparis latifrons Garman, 1899. Bigpored Snailfish. To 14.5 cm (5.7 in) TL (Stein 1978). British Columbia 

(Gillespie 1993) to Panama (Stein 1978). At depths of 2,030–3,279 m (6,658–10,755 ft; Stein 1978). 

Paraliparis megalopus Stein, 1978. To 15.2 cm (6.0 in) SL (Stein 1978). Oregon (Stein 1978) to central 

California (34°43'N, 123°06'W; SIO 91-148). At depths of 2,825–4,100 m (9,266–13,448 ft) (min.: Stein 

1980; max.: SIO 91-148). 

Paraliparis melanobranchus Gilbert & Burke, 1912. Phantom Snailfish. To 8.3 cm (3.3 in) TL. Known from 

two records: one from Okhotsk Sea and one off British Columbia. Two unverified reports from Oregon. 

Possibly pelagic, at depths of 805–1,554 m (2,641–5,098 ft). All in Mecklenburg et al. (2002). 

Paraliparis mento Gilbert, 1892. Bulldog Snailfish. To 11.4 cm (4.5 in) SL. Washington to Monterey Bay, 

central California. At depths of 800–1,000 m (2,625–3,281 ft). All in Stein (1978). 

Paraliparis nassarum Stein & Fitch, 1984. Fishtrap Snailfish. To 31.8 cm (12.5 in) SL. Southern California 

to northern Baja California. At depths of 900–1,280 m (2,953–4,199 ft). All in Stein and Fitch (1984). 

Vernacular from D. L. Stein (pers. comm. to C. W. M.). 

Paraliparis paucidens Stein, 1978. Toothless Snailfish. To 16.4 cm (6.5 in) SL (Stein 1978). Bering Sea, 

Alaska (59°21'N, 178°27'W; Orr et al. 2005) and northern British Columbia (Stein and Peden 1979) to 

Oregon (Stein 1978). Benthic, at depths of 1,054–2,275 m (3,458–7,464 ft) (min.: Orr et al. 2005; max.: 

Stein and Peden 1979). 

Paraliparis pectoralis Stein, 1978. Pectoral Snailfish. To 21.8 cm (8.6 in) SL (Kido 1993). Southern Okhotsk 

Sea off Hokkaido (Kido 1993) to Bering Sea (Mecklenburg et al. 2002) to Monterey, central California 

(36°44'N, 122°18 'W; SIO 92-92). Benthopelagic, at depths of 681–1,536 m (2,234–5,039 ft) (min.: Kido 

1984; max.: Stein 1978). 

Paraliparis rosaceus Gilbert, 1890. Pink Snailfish or Rosy Snailfish. To 40 cm (15.7 in) SL (Peden and 

Ostermann 1980). Okhotsk Sea off Hokkaido, Japan (Kido 1983); close to Alaska off Dixon Entrance, 

northern British Columbia (G. E. Gillespie, pers. comm. to C. W. M.) to Isla Guadalupe, central Baja 

California (SIO 66-28); Gulf of California (Stein 1978); and Costa Rica (9°48'N, 85°48'W; SIO 73-290; 

identification confirmed by D. L. Stein, pers. comm. to C. W. M.). At depths of 878–3,358 m (2,880– 

11,017 ft) (min.: LACM 42605.001; max.: Stein 1978). 

Paraliparis ulochir Gilbert, 1896. Broadfin Snailfish. To 10.2 cm (4.0 in) SL (Stein 1978). Bering Sea to Gulf 

of California (Stein 1978). Benthic, at depths of 715–1,838 m (2,345–6,030 ft) (min.: Hoff and Britt 

2003; max.: Stein 1978). 

Prognatholiparis ptychomandibularis Orr & Busby, 2001. Wrinklejaw Snailfish. Described from one 

specimen, 8.8 cm (3.5 in) SL. Seguam Pass, central Aleutian Islands, Alaska. Bottom at depth of 455 m 

(1,493 ft). All in Mecklenburg et al. (2002) after Orr and Busby (2001). Additional specimens have more 

107

108 

recently been collected from the same area, but further information is not yet available (J. W. Orr and 

M. S. Busby, pers. comm. to C. W. M.). 

Psednos anoderkes Chernova & Stein, 2002. Stargazer Snailfish. One specimen known, a subadult, 2.7 cm 

(1.1 in) SL. Northeast of Isla Guadalupe, central Baja California. Probably mesopelagic or bathypelagic, 

collected in midwater between 0 and 2,036 m (6,678 ft). All in Chernova and Stein (2002). Vernacular 

from D. L. Stein (pers. comm. to C. W. M.). 

Psednos cathetostomus Chernova & Stein, 2002. Doormouth Snailfish. To 4.3 cm (1.7 in) SL. Three 

specimens known. Patton Escarpment, southern California and San Clemente Basin, northern Baja 

California. Probably mesopelagic or bathypelagic, collected in midwater; depth information not clear, 

characterized by authors from two specimens as 309–338 m (1,014–1,109 ft) over bottom depth of 

3,961 m (12,995 ft). All in Chernova and Stein (2002). 

Psednos griseus Chernova & Stein, 2002. One specimen known, 3.65 cm (1.4 in) SL. Northwest of Isla 

Guadalupe, central Baja California. Probably mesopelagic or bathypelagic, collected in midwater 

between 0 and 4,000 m (13,120 ft). All in Chernova and Stein (2002). 

Psednos mexicanus Chernova & Stein, 2002. To 5.1 cm (2 in) SL, 5.9 cm (2.3 in) TL. Two specimens known, 

one adult and one juvenile. Near Isla Guadalupe, central Baja California. Probably mesopelagic or 

bathypelagic, holotype collected from midwater between 0 and 1,000 m (3,280 ft) over bottom depths 

of 3,292–3,384 m (10,798–11,100 ft), and the juvenile somewhere between the surface and bottom. All 

in Chernova and Stein (2002). 

Psednos pallidus Chernova & Stein, 2002. Pallid Snailfish. One specimen known, 6.0 cm (2.4 in) SL, 7.1 cm 

(2.8 in) TL. West coast of central Baja California northeast of Isla Guadalupe. Probably mesopelagic or 

bathypelagic, collected in midwater between 0 and 2,000 m (6,560 ft) over bottom depth of 3,900 m 

(12,792 ft). All in Chernova and Stein (2002). 

Rhinoliparis attenuatus Burke, 1912. Slim Snailfish. To 11 cm (4.3 in) SL (Stein 1978). Northern Kuril 

Islands and southeastern Kamchatka (Sheiko and Fedorov 2000); eastern Bering Sea (Mecklenburg et 

al. 2002); northern British Columbia (G. E. Gillespie, pers. comm. to C. W. M.) to Monterey Bay, central 

California (Stein 1978). Pelagic, at depths of 362–2,189 m (1,188–7,182 ft; Stein 1978). Classified by 

some authors in Paraliparis. 

Rhinoliparis barbulifer Gilbert, 1896. Longnose Snailfish. To 11 cm (4.3 in) TL. Okhotsk Sea; Pacific off 

northern Honshu and Hokkaido; Commander Islands; Umnak Pass and vicinity of Unalaska Island; 

southern California. Benthopelagic, at depths of 252–1,500 (827–4,921 ft). All in Mecklenburg et al. (2002). 

Also reported from central California (36°46'N; Lauth 1999). Classified by some authors in Paraliparis. 

Order Perciformes 

Family Centropomidae — Snooks 

Centropomus medius Günther, 1864. Blackfin Snook. To 55.8 cm (22 in) TL (Rivas 1986). Bahia Magdalena, 

southern Baja California (De La Cruz-Agüero et al. 1994) and into Gulf of California (Bussing in Fischer 

et al. 1995) to northern Peru (Chirichigno and Vélez 1998). Bays and estuaries to depth of 25 m (82 ft; 

Robertson and Allen 2002) and ascends streams (Allen and Robertson 1994). 

Centropomus nigrescens Günther, 1864. Black Snook. To 117 cm (46 in) TL (Bussing in Fischer et al. 1995). 

Bahia Magdalena, southern Baja California (SIO 62-721) to Paita, Peru (Chirichigno 1974), including 

lower Gulf of California (Bussing in Fischer et al. 1995). Bays and estuaries to depth of 25 m (82 ft; 

Robertson and Allen 2002) and ascends streams (Allen and Robertson 1994). Centropomus nigrescens 

Günther, 1864, is an invalid name, as it is preoccupied by C. nigrescens Risso, 1810, a species in the family 

Moronidae (Eschmeyer 1998).

Centropomus viridis Lockington, 1877. White Snook. Maximum size not clearly defined, perhaps 90–120 cm 

(35.4–47.2 in) TL, but perhaps to as much as 150 cm (60 in) TL (Grove and Lavenberg 1997). Southern 

Baja California (26°45'N, 114°15'W; SIO 98-1) to Tumbes, Peru (Chirichigno and Vélez 1998), including 

Gulf of California (Bussing in Fischer et al. 1995) and Islas Galápagos (Grove and Lavenberg 1997). 

Bays and estuaries to depth of 25 m (82 ft; Robertson and Allen 2002) and ascends streams (Allen and 

Robertson 1994). 

Family Moronidae — Temperate Basses 

**Morone saxatilis (Walbaum, 1792). Striped Bass. To about 122 cm (4 ft) TL in eastern Pacific; 183 cm TL 

(6 ft) in Atlantic. Atlantic and Pacific; Barkley Sound, British Columbia to just south of U.S.–Mexican 

border. Along beaches and in bays. All in Miller and Lea (1972), as Roccus saxatilis. Anadromous (Moyle 

2002). 

Family Acropomatidae — Lanternbellies or Temperate Ocean-Basses 

Some members of this family have a luminescent organ between the pelvic fins, for which they are called the 

lanternbellies. Partly because the Alaskan species does not have this organ, Mecklenburg et al. (2002) 

called them temperate ocean-basses from Eschmeyer and Herald (1983). The name chosen by the AFS– 

ASIH fish names committee (Nelson et al. 2004) is lanternbellies. The relationships of the genus Howella 

are unclear; sometimes placed in the family Howellidae. 

Howella brodiei Ogilby, 1899. Pelagic Basslet. To 10 cm (4 in) TL (Fitch and Lavenberg 1968). Pacific and 

Atlantic oceans; north of San Francisco, northern California (Fitch and Lavenberg 1968) to Chile 

(Eschmeyer and Herald 1983). Mesopelagic, 30–1,829 m or more (100–6,000 ft; Fitch and Lavenberg 

1968). The Atlantic form is regarded as a subspecies Howella brodiei atlantica (Post and Quéro 1991). 

Howella sherborni (Norman, 1930). Shortspine Basslet. To 9.2 cm (3.6 in) SL (Post and Quéro 1991). 

Circumglobal (Hatooka in Nakabo 2002); North Pacific Ocean south of Krenitzin Islands, Aleutian 

Islands (Busby and Orr 1999) to at least northern California (Savinykh 1999). Pelagic, surface to about 

2,700 m (8,858 ft; Mecklenburg et al. 2002). 

Family Polyprionidae — Wreckfishes 

Stereolepis gigas Ayres, 1859. Giant Sea Bass. To 226 cm (7.4 ft) TL (Eschmeyer and Herald 1983). Northern 

Japan and Sea of Japan (Mochizuki in Masuda et al. 1984); Humboldt Bay, northern California (Miller 

and Lea 1972) to Oaxaca, southern Mexico (Shane et al. in Moser 1996), including Gulf of California 

(Miller and Lea 1972). At depths of 5–46 m (18–150 ft) (min.: Miller and Lea 1972; max.: Eschmeyer 


Family Serranidae — Sea Basses and Groupers 

Alphestes immaculatus Breder, 1936. Pacific Hamlet or Pacific Mutton Hamlet. To 30 cm (11.8 in) TL (Allen 

and Robertson 1994). Islas San Benito, central Baja California (L. McDonald, pers. comm. to M. L.), 

mainland as far north as Laguna de San Ignacio, southern Baja California (De La Cruz-Agüero and 

Cota-Gómez 1998) and Gulf of California (Allen and Robertson 1994) to Pucusana, Peru (Chirichigno 

and Vélez 1998) and Islas Galápagos (Grove and Lavenberg 1997). At depths of 3–30 m (10–98 ft) (min.: 

Pérez-España et al. 1996; max.: Robertson and Allen 2002). Also recently as Alphestes galapagensis. 

Alphestes multiguttatus (Günther, 1867). Many-spotted Hamlet, Pacific Guaseta, or Rivulated Mutton 

Hamlet. To 25 cm (9.8 in) TL (Allen and Robertson 1994). Bahia Magdalena, southern Baja California 

(SIO 64-54) to Caleta La Cruz, Peru (Chirichigno and Vélez 1998), including Gulf of California (Allen 

and Robertson 1994). Intertidal and to 30 m (98 ft; Allen and Robertson 1994). 

109

*Cephalopholis panamensis (Steindachner, 1877). Pacific Graysby or Panama Graysby. To 30.5 cm (11.9 in) 

TL (Grove and Lavenberg 1997). Gulf of California (Heemstra in Fischer et al. 1995) to Ecuador (Béarez 

1996), including southern tip of Baja California (Heemstra in Fischer et al. 1995) and Islas Galápagos 

(Grove and Lavenberg 1997). At depths of 1–76 m (3–249 ft) (min.: Robertson and Allen 2002; max.: 

Grove and Lavenberg 1997). 

Dermatolepis dermatolepis (Boulenger, 1895). Leather Bass. To 1 m (39.3 in) TL (Allen and Robertson 1994). 

El Segundo, southern California (Moore 1991) to northern Peru (Chirichigno and Vélez 1998) and such 

offshore islands as Islas Galápagos (Grove and Lavenberg 1997). At depths of 5–40 m (17–131 ft) (min.: 

Robertson and Allen 2002; max.: Heemstra in Fischer et al. 1995). 

Diplectrum eumelum Rosenblatt & Johnson, 1974. Cheekspot Sand Perch, Orange-spotted Sand Perch, or 

Pointed Sand Perch. To 31 cm (12.2 in) TL (Heemstra in Fischer et al. 1995). Bahia Magdalena, southern 

Baja California (Watson in Moser 1996) to northern Peru (Chirichigno and Vélez 1998), including Gulf 

of California and Islas Galápagos (Grove and Lavenberg 1997). About 10 m (33 ft; Aguilar-Palomino et 

al. 2001) to 100 m (328 ft; Heemstra in Fischer et al. 1995). 

Diplectrum euryplectrum Jordan & Bollman, 1890. Bighead Sand Perch. To 20 cm (7.9 in) TL (Heemstra 

in Fischer et al. 1995). Bahia Magdalena, southern Baja California (Watson in Moser 1996) to northern 

Peru (Chirichigno 1974), including Gulf of California and Islas Galápagos (Grove and Lavenberg 1997). 

At depths of 15–150 m (50–492 ft; Grove and Lavenberg 1997). 

Diplectrum labarum Rosenblatt & Johnson, 1974. Highfin Sand Perch. To 26 cm (10.2 in) TL (Heemstra in 

Fischer et al. 1995). Bahia de Sebastian Vizcaino, central Baja California (González-Acosta et al. 1999) 

to northern Peru (Chirichigno and Vélez 1998), including Gulf of California (Heemstra in Fischer et al. 

1995). At depths of 14–160 m (46–525 ft; Heemstra in Fischer et al. 1995). 

Diplectrum macropoma (Günther, 1864). Barred Sandperch, Bigscale Sandfish, Mexican Sand Perch, or 

Pygmy Sand Perch. To 24 cm (9.4 in) TL (Amezcua Linares 1996). Bahia Magdalena, southern Baja 

California (De La Cruz-Agüero et al. 1994) to Isla Lobos de Tierra, Peru (Chirichigno 1974), including 

Gulf of California (Heemstra in Fischer et al. 1995) and Islas Galápagos (Grove and Lavenberg 1997). At 

depths of 9–134 m (30–440 ft) (min.: Allen and Robertson 1994; max.: Amezcua Linares 1996). 

Diplectrum maximum Hildebrand, 1946. Greater Sand Perch or Torpedo Sand Perch. To 37 cm (14.6 in) 

TL (Heemstra in Fischer et al. 1995). Newport Beach, southern California (Lea and Rosenblatt 2000) 

to northern Peru (Chirichigno and Vélez 1998). At depths of 1–130 m (3–426 ft; Robertson and Allen 

2002). 

Diplectrum pacificum Meek & Hildebrand, 1925. Inshore Sand Perch or Pacific Sand Perch. To 28 cm (11 in) 

TL (Heemstra in Fischer et al. 1995). Bahia San Juanico, southern Baja California (Watson in Moser 

1996) to Punta Malpolo, Peru (Chirichigno and Vélez 1998), including Gulf of California (Heemstra in 

Fischer et al. 1995). At depths of 1–90 m (3–295 ft) (min.: Robertson and Allen 2002; max.: Allen and 


Diplectrum rostrum Bortone, 1974. Bridled Sand Perch. To 21 cm (8.3 in) TL (Heemstra in Fischer et al. 

1995). Laguna de San Ignacio, southern Baja California (De La Cruz-Agüero and Cota-Gómez 1998) 

to northern Peru (Chirichigno and Vélez 1998), including Gulf of California (Heemstra in Fischer et 

al. 1995) and Islas Galápagos (Grove and Lavenberg 1997). At depths of 10–80 m (33–262 ft) (min.: 

Robertson and Allen 2002; max.: Heemstra in Fischer et al. 1995). 

Diplectrum sciurus Gilbert, 1892. Gulf Sand Perch or Squirrel Sand Perch. To 17 cm (6.7 in) TL (Heemstra 

in Fischer et al. 1995). Bahia Magdalena, southern Baja California (Watson in Moser 1996) and Gulf of 

California (Heemstra in Fischer et al. 1995). Probably in northern Peru (Chirichigno and Vélez 1998). 

At depths of 25–100 m (83–328 ft; Heemstra in Fischer et al. 1995). 

110

Epinephelus acanthistius (Gilbert, 1892). Gulf Coney, Rooster Hind, or Rose Coney. To 1.3 m (51 in) TL 

(Amezcua Linares 1996). Off El Capitan (north of Santa Barbara), southern California (M. L., unpubl. 

data) to Isla Lobos de Tierra, Peru (Chirichigno 1974), including Gulf of California (Amezcua Linares 

1996). At depths of 12–111 m (40–364 ft) (min.: Godinez-Dominguez et al. 2000; max.: SIO 73-279). 

Epinephelus analogus Gill, 1863. Spotted Cabrilla or Spotted Grouper. To 87 cm (34.25 in) TL (Eschmeyer 

and Herald 1983). San Pedro, southern California (Miller and Lea 1972) to Pucusana, Peru (Chirichigno 

1974), including Gulf of California and Islas Galápagos (Miller and Lea 1972). Less than 1 m to 107 m 

(less than 3–353 ft) (min.: SIO 71-253; max.: Amezcua Linares 1996). 

Epinephelus itajara (Lichtenstein, 1822). Goliath Grouper or Jewfish. To 250 cm (98.4 in) TL (Robertson 

and Allen 2002). Atlantic and Pacific; Bahia Almejas (24°22'N, 111°42'W), southern Baja California 

(SIO 65-182) and Gulf of California (Heemstra in Fischer et al. 1995) to Máncora, Peru (Chirichigno 

and Vélez 1998). At depths of 1–100 m (3–328 ft) (min.: Robertson and Allen 2002; max.: Sadovy and 

Eklund 1999). Also found in fresh water (Greenfield and Thomerson 1997). 

Epinephelus labriformis (Jenyns, 1840). Flag Cabrilla or Starry Grouper. To 50.8 cm (20.3 in) TL (Thomson 

et al. 1979). Isla Cedros, central Baja California (M. L., unpubl. data) to upper Gulf of California 

(Heemstra in Fischer et al. 1995) to Paita, Peru (Chirichigno and Vélez 1998), including Islas Galápagos 

(Grove and Lavenberg 1997). From 1 m to at least 50 m (3–164 ft) (min.: Robertson and Allen 2002; 

max.: McCosker et al. 1997). 

Epinephelus niphobles Gilbert & Starks, 1897. Snowy Grouper or Star-studded Grouper. To 109 cm 

(42.9 in) TL (Robertson and Allen 2002). Piedras Blancas, central California (Watson in Moser 1996) 

to Islas Lobos de Afuera, Peru (Chirichigno 1974), including Gulf of California (Heemstra in Fischer 

et al. 1995) and Islas Galápagos (Grove and Lavenberg 1997). At depths of 1–450 m (3–1,476 ft) (min.: 

González-Acosta et al. 1999; max.: Thomson et al. 2000). Heemstra (in Fischer et al. 1995) notes that 

some previous authors have referred to this species as E. niveatus. 

Hemanthias peruanus (Steindachner, 1875). Rose Threadfin Bass or Splittail Bass. To 45 cm (17.7 in) TL 

(Heemstra in Fischer et al. 1995). Hippolito Bank (27°N), southern Baja California (Watson in Moser 

1996) to Chile (Pequeño 1989), including Gulf of California (Heemstra in Fischer et al. 1995) and 

probably Islas Galápagos (Grove and Lavenberg 1997). At depths of 20–120 m (66–394 ft; Robertson 


Hemanthias signifer (Garman, 1899). Damsel Bass, Damsel Threadfin Bass, or Hookthroat Bass. To 42 cm 

(16.5 in) TL (Heemstra in Fischer et al. 1995). Playa del Rey, southern California (Eschmeyer and Herald 

1983) to Talara, Peru (Chirichigno and Vélez 1998), including Gulf of California (Heemstra in Fischer et 

al. 1995). At depths of 23–305 m (75–1,000 ft; Eschmeyer and Herald 1983). 

*Liopropoma fasciatum Bussing, 1980. Rainbow Bass or Rainbow Basslet. To 26.5 cm (10.4 in) TL 

(Robertson and Allen 2002). Cabo San Lucas, southern Baja California (SIO 72-54) to Panama (Allen 

and Robertson 1994) and Islas Galápagos (Grove and Lavenberg 1997). At depths of 25–250 m (82– 

820 ft) (min.: Robertson and Allen 2002; max.: Allen and Robertson 1994). 

Mycteroperca jordani (Jenkins & Evermann, 1889). Gulf Grouper. To 98 cm (6.5 ft) TL (Eschmeyer and 

Herald 1983). La Jolla, southern California to Mazatlán, Mexico (Miller and Lea 1972), including Gulf 

of California (Heemstra in Fischer et al. 1995). At depths of 2–50 m (5–164 ft) (min.: SIO 65-296; max.: 


Mycteroperca rosacea (Streets, 1877). Leopard Grouper. To 1 m (39.3 in) TL (Allen and Robertson 1994). 

Isla San Roque (27°00'N, 114°23'W), southern Baja California (M. L., unpubl. data) to Bahia Banderas, 

Jalisco, Mexico (Thomson et al. 1979), including Gulf of California (Heemstra in Fischer et al. 1995). At 

depths of 1–50 m (4–164 ft) (min.: SIO 65-286; max.: Heemstra in Fischer et al. 1995). 

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Mycteroperca xenarcha Jordan, 1888. Broomtail Grouper. To 150 cm (59 in) TL (Heemstra in Fischer et al. 

1995). San Francisco, northern California (Miller and Lea 1972) to Callao, Peru (Chirichigno and Vélez 

1998), including Gulf of California (Heemstra in Fischer et al. 1995) and Islas Galápagos (Miller and Lea 

1972). Intertidal and to 70 m (230 ft) (min.: SIO 52-117; max.: Robertson and Allen 2002). 

Paralabrax auroguttatus Walford, 1936. Goldspotted Sand Bass. To 71 cm (28 in) TL (Eschmeyer and 

Herald 1983). Just north of Punta Rosalia (28°40'N, 114°16'W) and Isla Cedros, central Baja California 

(M. L., unpubl. data) to Gulf of California (Eschmeyer and Herald 1983). The “southern California” site 

reported in Eschmeyer and Herald (1983) is unverified (D. Pondella, pers. comm. to M. L.). At depths of 

2–183 m (5–600 ft) or more (min.: SIO 65-296; max.: M. L., unpubl. data). 

Paralabrax clathratus (Girard, 1854). Kelp Bass. To 72.1 cm (28.4 in) TL (Miller and Lea 1972). Columbia 

River, Washington to Bahia Magdalena, southern Baja California (Miller and Lea 1972). Surface (Miller 

and Lea 1972) and surf zone to 61 m (200 ft) (min.: Carlisle et al. 1960; max.: E. Vetter, pers. comm. to 

M. L.); juveniles occasionally intertidal (Davis 2000). 

Paralabrax maculatofasciatus (Steindachner, 1868). Spotted Sand Bass. To 38.1 cm (15 in) TL (Thomson 

et al. 2000). Larger records are unsubstantiated. Monterey, central California (Miller and Lea 1972) to 

central Mexico, including Gulf of California (Robertson and Allen 2002). Reported from San Francisco 

Bay in late 1800s (Miller and Lea 1972). Surface to 61 m (200 ft), including intertidal (min.: Allen 1999; 

max.: Miller and Lea 1972). 

Paralabrax nebulifer (Girard, 1854). Barred Sand Bass. To 65.0 cm (25.6 in) TL (Miller and Lea 1972). Santa 

Cruz, central California to Bahia Magdalena, southern Baja California (Miller and Lea 1972) and perhaps 

in southern Mexico in the region around Acapulco (Heemstra in Fischer et al. 1995). Garcia-Rodriguez 

and Aurioles-Gamboa (1997) reported an otolith from this species from a sea lion scat collected in La Paz, 

Gulf of California. Surf zone to 183 m (3–600 ft) (min.: Carlisle et al. 1960; max.: Miller and Lea 1972). 

Paranthias colonus (Valenciennes, 1846). Pacific Creolefish. To 35.6 cm (14.0 in) TL (Grove and Lavenberg 

1997). San Diego, southern California (Robins et al. 1991) to Islas Lobos de Afuera, Peru (Chirichigno 

and Vélez 1998), including Gulf of California (Heemstra in Fischer et al. 1995) and such offshore islands 

as Islas Galápagos (Grove and Lavenberg 1997). Surface to 100 m (McCosker et al. 1997). 

Pronotogrammus multifasciatus Gill, 1863. Speckled Bass or Threadfin Bass. To 26 cm (10.25 in) TL 

(Eschmeyer and Herald 1983). Off east end of Anacapa Island, southern California (M. Nishimoto, pers. 

comm. to M. L.) and south of Point Mugu (34°00'N, 119°00'W), southern California (D. Schroeder, pers. 

comm. to M. L.) to Talara, Peru (Chirichigno and Vélez 1998), including Gulf of California (Heemstra 

in Fischer et al. 1995) and Islas Galápagos (Grove and Lavenberg 1997). At depths of 40–300 m (131– 

984 ft) (min.: Eschmeyer and Herald 1983; max.: McCosker et al. 1997). 

*Pseudogramma thaumasium (Gilbert, 1900). Blackspot Reef-bass or Pacific Reef Bass. To 10 cm (4 in) 

TL (Robertson and Allen 2002). Cabo San Lucas, southern Baja California (SIO 59-210) and Gulf of 

California to Colombia, Islas Galápagos, Isla Cocos, and Isla Malpelo (Robertson and Allen 2002). At 

depths of 3 m (10 ft) to perhaps 40 m (131 ft) (min.: SIO 61-276; max.: Robertson and Allen 2002). 

Rypticus bicolor Valenciennes, 1846. Cortez Soapfish or Mottled Soapfish. To 30 cm (11.8 in) TL (Thomson 

et al. 2000). Bahia Magdalena, southern Baja California (Watson in Moser 1996) to northern Peru 

(Chirichigno and Vélez 1998), including Gulf of California (Thomson et al. 2000) and Islas Galápagos 

(Grove and Lavenberg 1997). Surface to 70 m (230 ft) (min.: Robertson and Allen 2002; max.: Grove 

and Lavenberg 1997). 

Rypticus nigripinnis Gill, 1861. Blackfin Soapfish or Twice-spotted Soapfish. To 35 cm (13.8 in) TL 

(Amezcua Linares 1996). Bahia Magdalena, southern Baja California (De La Cruz-Agüero et al. 1994) 

and throughout Gulf of California to Puerto Pizarro, Peru (Chirichigno and Vélez 1998) and Islas 

112

Galápagos (Grove and Lavenberg 1997). Tidepools (Thomson and Lehner 1976) and to depth of 70 m 


Serranus aequidens Gilbert, 1890. Deepwater Serrano. To 24.5 cm (9.6 in) TL (Robertson and Allen 2002). 

Whites Point, southern California (Pondella 1999) to western Gulf of California; central Mexico to 

central Colombia (Robertson and Allen 2002). At depths of 75–260 m (246–852 ft) (min.: Robertson 

and Allen 2002; max.: SIO 65-247). 

Serranus psittacinus Valenciennes, 1846. Barred Serrano. To 18 cm (7 in) TL (Heemstra in Fischer et 

al. 1995). Isla Cedros, central Baja California (M. L., unpubl. data) to Islas Lobos de Afuera, Peru 

(Chirichigno and Vélez 1998), including Gulf of California (Heemstra in Fischer et al. 1995) and such 

offshore islands as Islas Galápagos (Grove and Lavenberg 1997). At depths of 2–61 m (6–200 ft) (min.: 

Allen and Robertson 1994; max.: Thomson et al. 2000). 

Family Opistognathidae — Jawfishes 

Opistognathus punctatus Peters, 1869. Finespotted Jawfish. To 40.6 cm (16.2 in) TL (Thomson et al. 1979). 

Bahia San Ignacio, southern Baja California (Danemann and De La Cruz-Agüero 1993) into northern 

Gulf of California to Panama (Robertson and Allen 2002). At depths of 2–24 m (5–79 ft) (min.: Thomson 

et al. 1979; max.: SIO 79-71). 

Opistognathus rhomaleus Jordan & Gilbert, 1882. Giant Jawfish. To more than 50.8 cm (20.3 in) TL 

(Thomson et al. 1979). Bahia Ballenas, southern Baja California (Watson in Moser 1996) into northern 

Gulf of California and Islas Revillagigedo. At depths of 3–61 m (10–200 ft) (min.: Robertson and Allen 

2002; max.: LACM 2630.000). The correct date for the species name is 1882 (Eschmeyer 1998), not 1881 

as seen elsewhere. 

Opistognathus rosenblatti Allen & Robertson, 1991. Bluespotted Jawfish. To about 10 cm (4 in) TL. Lower 

half of Baja California and parts of Gulf of California. At depths of 5–25 m (17–82 ft). All in Robertson 

and Allen (2002). 

Unidentified opistognathid. Lissner and Dorsey (1986) observed from a manned submersible a jawfish they 

were unable to identify at Tanner–Cortes Bank, southern California. 

Family Priacanthidae — Bigeyes 

Cookeolus japonicus (Cuvier, 1829). Bulleye or Longfinned Bigeye. To 68 cm (26.8 in) TL (Randall 1995). 

Circumglobal; Japan (Hayashii in Nakabo 2002); southern Baja California (Starnes in Fischer et al. 1995) 

to Huacho, Peru (Chirichigno and Vélez 1998), including Gulf of California (Robertson and Allen 2002). 

At depths of 30–400 m (99–1,312 ft) (min.: Robertson and Allen 2002; max.: Allen and Robertson 1994). 

Heteropriacanthus cruentatus (Lacepède, 1801). Glasseye or Glasseye Snapper. To 51 cm (20 in) TL 

(Robertson and Allen 2002). Circumglobal; Isla Guadalupe, central Baja California (Grove and Lavenberg 

1997) to perhaps Chile (Starnes 1988), and at least around Isla Cerralvo, Gulf of California (Galván- 

Magaña et al. 1996) and Islas Galápagos (Grove and Lavenberg 1997). At depths of 20–300 m (66–984 ft) 

(min.: Starnes 1988; max.: Hureau in Quéro et al. 1990). Recently as Priacanthus cruentatus. 

Priacanthus alalaua Jordan & Evermann, 1903. Alalaua or Hawaiian Bigeye. To 32 cm (13 in) TL (Starnes in 

Carpenter and Niem 1999). Eastern Pacific; Rocas Alijos, southern Baja California and Islas Revillagigedo; 

Hawaii; perhaps in other eastern Pacific sites (Starnes 1988). At depths of 9–275 m (30–902 ft) (min.: 

Starnes in Fischer et al. 1995; max.: Allen and Robertson 1994). 

Pristigenys serrula (Gilbert, 1891). Popeye Catalufa. To 33 cm (13 in) TL (Eschmeyer and Herald 1983). 

Newport, central Oregon (Watson in Moser 1996) to Chile (Pequeño 1989), including Gulf of California 

and Islas Galápagos (Miller and Lea 1972). Less than 3 to more than 200 m (10–656 ft) (min.: Allen and 

Robertson 1994; max.: Amezcua Linares 1996). Also seen classified in genus Pseudopriacanthus. 

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Family Apogonidae — Cardinalfishes 

Apogon atricaudus Jordan & McGregor, 1898. Plain Cardinalfish. To 9 cm (3.5 in) TL (SIO 96-93). San 

Clemente Island, southern California (SIO 96-93) and Isla Guadalupe, central Baja California (SIO 

50–40) to Gulf of California and islands of eastern Pacific (Eschmeyer and Herald 1983). At depths of 

3–50 m (10–165 ft; Sandknop and Watson in Moser 1996). 

Apogon guadalupensis (Osburn & Nichols, 1916). Guadalupe Cardinalfish. To about 13 cm (5 in) TL (Miller 

and Lea 1972). Anacapa Island and Santa Barbara Island, southern California (Richards and Engle 2001) 

to tip of Baja California (Robertson and Allen 2002) and Islas Revillagigedo (Sandknop and Watson in 

Moser 1996). At depths of 10–30 m (33–98 ft; Robertson and Allen 2002). 

Apogon pacificus (Herre, 1935). Pink Cardinalfish. To 10 cm (3.9 in) TL (Allen and Robertson 1994). San 

Clemente Island, southern California (Richards and Engle 2001) and mainland off Arrecife Sacramento 

(29°40'N, 115°47'W; M. L., unpubl. data), central Baja California to Cabo San Lucas, southern Baja 

California (Grove and Lavenberg 1997) to Pucusana, Peru (Chirichigno and Vélez 1998), including Gulf 

of California (Robertson and Allen 2002), Islas San Benito (SIO 77–396), and Islas Galápagos (Grove 

and Lavenberg 1997). At depths of 1–96 m (3–315 ft) (min.: Robertson and Allen 2002; max.: Amezcua 

Linares 1996). Apogon parri Breder, 1936, is a junior synonym. 

Apogon retrosella (Gill, 1862). Barspot Cardinalfish. To 10.2 cm (4.1 in) TL (Thomson et al. 1979). Islas 

San Benito (D. Schroeder, pers. comm. to M. L.) and Isla Cedros, central Baja California and Rocas 

Chester (27°53'N, 115°04'W) on mainland, central Baja California (M. L., unpubl. data) to Colombia 

(Beltrán-León and Rios Herrera 2000), including Gulf of California (Sandknop and Watson in Moser 

1996). Tidepools (Thomson and Lehner 1976) and to depth of 61 m (200 ft; Sandknop and Watson in 

Moser 1996). 

Family Malacanthidae — Tilefishes 

Caulolatilus affinis Gill, 1865. Bighead Tilefish or Pacific Golden-eyed Tilefish. To 50 cm (20 in) TL (Allen 

and Robertson 1994). Off Point Loma, southern California (Walker et al. 2002) to Isla Guadalupe (SIO 

84–241) and southern tip of Baja California (Schneider and Krupp in Fischer et al. 1995) to Isla Lobos 

de Tierra, Peru (Chirichigno and Vélez 1998), including Islas Galápagos (Grove and Lavenberg 1997) 

and Gulf of California (Schneider and Krupp in Fischer et al. 1995). At depths of 30–200 m (98–656 ft) 

(min.: Schneider and Krupp in Fischer et al. 1995; max.: De La Cruz-Agüero et al. 1997). 

*Caulolatilus hubbsi Dooley, 1978. Enigmatic Tilefish. To 39 cm (15.4 in) TL (Schneider and Krupp in 

Fischer et al. 1995). Gulf of California and near eastern Pacific islands (Eschmeyer and Herald 1983) to 

northern Peru (Chirichigno and Vélez 1998). Based only on “an old record from s. Calif.” (Eschmeyer 

and Herald 1983:203), occurrence of this species in our area is speculative. At depths of 18–41 m (59– 

135 ft; Eschmeyer and Herald 1983). Perhaps a synonym of C. princeps (Grove and Lavenberg 1997). 

Caulolatilus princeps (Jenyns, 1840). Ocean Whitefish. To 102 cm (40 in) TL (Miller and Lea 1972). Vancouver 

Island, British Columbia (Miller and Lea 1972) to Chile (Pequeño 1989), including Gulf of California 

and Islas Galápagos (Miller and Lea 1972). At depths of 3–150 m (10–492 ft) (min.: Limbaugh 1955; 

max.: Robertson and Allen 2002). 

Family Nematistiidae — Roosterfishes 

Nematistius pectoralis Gill, 1862. Roosterfish. To at least 176 cm (69.3 in) TL (Robertson and Allen 2002). 

San Clemente, southern California (Miller and Lea 1972) to Isla San Lorenzo, Peru (Chirichigno 1974), 

including Gulf of California and Islas Galápagos (Miller and Lea 1972). Near shore, surface to 20 m 


114

Family Echeneidae — Remoras 

Echeneis naucrates Linnaeus, 1758. Sharksucker. To 110 cm (43.3 in) TL (Lieske and Myers 2002). 

Circumglobal; Sea of Japan, off northern Hokkaido, possibly as far north as southern Kuril Islands (Parin 

2003); southern California (Miller and Lea 1972) to Chile (Pequeño 1989), including Gulf of California 

(Robertson and Allen 2002) and Islas Galápagos (Grove and Lavenberg 1997). Pelagic, surface to 35 m 

(116 ft; Gasparini and Floeter 2001), perhaps to 50 m (164 ft; Robertson and Allen 2002). 

Phtheirichthys lineatus (Menzies, 1791). Slender Suckerfish. To 45 cm (17.6 in) TL, reported to 76 cm 

(30.4 in; Eschmeyer and Herald 1983). Circumglobal; southern California (Miller and Lea 1972) to 

Colombia (Franke and Acero 1990), including Gulf of California (Robertson and Allen 2002) and Islas 

Galápagos (Grove and Lavenberg 1997). Oceanic, pelagic. 

Remora australis (Bennett, 1840). Whalesucker. To 76.2 cm (30 in) TL (Miller and Lea 1972). Circumglobal; 

British Columbia (Gillespie 1993) to Chile (Miller and Lea 1972), including Islas Galápagos (Grove 

and Lavenberg 1997). Pelagic, surface to perhaps 200 m (656 ft; Robertson and Allen 2002). Recently as 

Remilegia australis. 

Remora brachyptera (Lowe, 1839). Spearfish Remora. To 40 cm (15.7 in) TL (Robertson and Allen 2002). 

Circumglobal; in western Pacific as far north as southern Kuril Islands (Savinykh 1998); southern 

California to Chile (Miller and Lea 1972), including Gulf of California (Galván-Magaña et al. 1996) and 

Islas Galápagos (Grove and Lavenberg 1997). Pelagic, surface to perhaps 200 m (656 ft; Robertson and 

Allen 2002). 

Remora osteochir (Cuvier, 1829). Marlinsucker. To 40 cm (15.7 in) TL (Robertson and Allen 2002). 

Circumglobal; Santa Catalina Island, southern California (Miller and Lea 1972) to northern Peru 

(Chirichigno and Vélez 1998), including central and southern Gulf of California (Robertson and 

Allen 2002). Surface to perhaps 200 m (656 ft; Robertson and Allen 2002). Recently as Rhombochirus 

osteochir. 

Remora remora (Linnaeus, 1758). Remora. To 86.4 cm (34 in) TL (Miller and Lea 1972). Circumglobal; in 

western Pacific as far north as southern Kuril Islands (Parin 2003); in eastern Pacific from Washington 

(Hughes 1985) to Chile (Pequeño 1989), including central and southern Gulf of California (Robertson and 

Allen 2002) and Islas Galápagos (Grove and Lavenberg 1997). Pelagic, surface to 100 m (330 ft; Fedorov 

2000) and perhaps to 200 m (656 ft; Robertson and Allen 2002). 

Remorina albescens (Temminck & Schlegel, 1850). White Suckerfish. To 35 cm (13.8 in) TL (Lachner and 

Post in Quéro et al. 1990). Circumglobal; San Francisco, northern California to Chile, including central 

and southern Gulf of California (Robertson and Allen 2002) and Islas Galápagos (Grove and Lavenberg 

1997). Pelagic. 

Family Coryphaenidae — Dolphinfishes 

Coryphaena equiselis Linnaeus, 1758. Pompano Dolphinfish. To 207 cm (83 in) TL in Eschmeyer and Herald 

(1983), but only to 75 cm (29.5 in) in Collette (in Carpenter 2003). Not always distinguished from C. 

hippurus, and the larger sizes reported likely are from that species. Circumglobal; in western Pacific as 

far north as Sea of Japan (Parin 2003); southern Baja California (24°35'N, 112°16'W; SIO 50-246) to 

at least Ecuador (Béarez 1996), including southwestern Gulf of California (Robertson and Allen 2002). 

Pelagic. Recently as C. equisetis. 

Coryphaena hippurus Linnaeus, 1758. Dolphinfish. To 210 cm (82.7 in) TL (Robertson and Allen 2002). 

Circumglobal; Japan (Senou in Nakabo 2002) and as far north as southern Kuril Islands (Savinykh 

1998); Grays Harbor, Washington to Chile, including Islas Galápagos and Gulf of California (Miller and 

Lea 1972). Surface to about 200 m (656 ft) (min.: Eschmeyer and Herald 1983; max.: Boggs 1992). 

115

Family Carangidae — Jacks 

Alectis ciliaris (Bloch, 1787). African Pompano. Possibly to 130–150 cm (50–60 in) FL (Smith-Vaniz in 

Fischer et al. 1995). Circumglobal; in western Pacific as far north as Japan (Senou in Nakabo 2002) and 

southern Kuril Islands (Savinykh 1998); eastern Pacific from Bahia Santa Maria (24°40'N, 112°11'W), 

southern Baja California (SIO 51–65) to Chile (Pequeño 1989), including lower Gulf of California 

(Robertson and Allen 2002) and Islas Galápagos (Grove and Lavenberg 1997). Coastal waters, 1–100 m 

(3–328 ft; Laboute and Grandperrin 2000). 

*Carangoides orthogrammus (Jordan & Gilbert, 1882). Island Trevally or Yellow-spotted Trevally. To 71 cm 

(28.0 in) TL (Lieske and Myers 2002). Pacific and Indian oceans; in western Pacific as far north as Cheju 

Island, South Korea (Kim et al. 1999); eastern Pacific, Cabo San Lucas (SIO 59–213), Isla Socorro, Isla 

San Benedicto, and other oceanic sites (Smith-Vaniz in Fischer et al. 1995). Nearshore areas, 3–170 m 

(10–558 ft; Ralston et al. 1986). Sometimes seen as Caranx orthogrammus (e.g., Nelson et al. 2004), but 

most researchers classify the species in Carangoides (Eschmeyer 1998 and online editions). 

Caranx caballus Günther, 1868. Green Jack. To at least 70 cm (27.6 in) TL (Allen and Robertson 1994). 

Monterey Bay, central California (Lea and Walker 1995) to Chile (Pequeño 1989), including Gulf of 

California (Robertson and Allen 2002), Islas Galápagos (Miller and Lea 1972), and Hawaii (Randall and 

Carlson 1999). Surf zone and to 100 m (328 ft) (min.: Carlisle et al. 1960; max.: De La Cruz-Agüero et 

al. 1997). Recently as Carangoides caballus. 

Caranx caninus Günther, 1867. Pacific Crevalle Jack. To 100 cm (39.4 in) TL (Smith-Vaniz in Fischer et 

al. 1995). Warm waters of eastern Pacific; San Diego, southern California (Miller and Lea 1972) to Isla 

Lobos de Tierra (Chirichigno and Vélez 1998), including Gulf of California (Robertson and Allen 2002), 

Islas Galápagos (Grove and Lavenberg 1997), and other offshore islands (Robertson and Allen 2002). 

Surface to 350 m (1,148 ft; Smith-Vaniz in Fischer et al. 1995). Caranx hippos is considered a separate 

Atlantic and Caribbean species. 

Caranx lugubris Poey, 1860. Black Jack. To 99 cm (39 in) TL (Grove and Lavenberg 1997). Circumglobal; 

southern Japan (Senou in Nakabo 2002); southern Baja California (Smith-Vaniz in Fischer et al. 1995) 

to Chile (Pequeño 1989), including lower Gulf of California (Smith-Vaniz in Fischer et al. 1995) and 

Islas Galápagos (Grove and Lavenberg 1997). At depths of 3–355 m (10–1,164 ft) (min.: Robertson and 

Allen 2002; max.: Ralston et al. 1986). 

*Caranx melampygus Cuvier, 1833. Bluefin Jack, Bluefin Trevally, or Blue Trevally. Reported to 100 cm 

(39.4 in) TL (Smith-Vaniz in Fischer et al. 1995). Pacific and Indian oceans; southern Japan (Senou 

in Nakabo 2002); Cabo San Lucas, southern Baja California (Smith-Vaniz in Fischer et al. 1995) to 

Isla Gorgona, Colombia (Franke and Acero 1993), including lower Gulf of California (Smith-Vaniz in 

Fischer et al. 1995) and such offshore islands as Islas Galápagos (Grove and Lavenberg 1997). Nearshore 

areas, 1–230 m (3–754 ft) (min.: Laboute and Grandperrin 2000; max.: Ralston et al. 1986); juveniles 

may inhabit estuaries (Smith and Parrish 2002). 

Caranx otrynter Jordan & Gilbert, 1883. Threadfin Jack or Thread Pompano. To 60 cm (23.6 in) TL (Allen 

and Robertson 1994). Bahia Magdalena, southern Baja California (De La Cruz-Agüero et al. 1994) to 

Ecuador (De La Cruz-Agüero et al. 1997), including lower and central Gulf of California (Robertson 

and Allen 2002) and Islas Galápagos (Grove and Lavenberg 1997). Surface to 100 m (328 ft; De La Cruz- 

Agüero et al. 1997). Also recently called Carangoides otrynter. 

Caranx sexfasciatus Quoy & Gaimard, 1825. Bigeye Crevalle, Bigeye Trevally, or Sixband Jack. To 94 cm 

(37.0 in; Lieske and Myers 2002) to 120 cm (47.2 in; Sadovy and Cornish 2000) TL. Pacific and Indian 

oceans; southern Japan (Senou in Nakabo 2002); San Diego Bay, southern California (Lea and Walker 

1995) to Ecuador (Grove and Lavenberg 1997), including lower Gulf of California (Robertson and Allen 

116

2002) and Islas Galápagos (Grove and Lavenberg 1997). Shallow, near reefs (Watson et al. in Moser 

1996), 1–96 m (3–315 ft) (min.: González-Acosta et al. 1999; max.: Myers 1999). 

Caranx vinctus Jordan & Gilbert, 1882. Cocinero, Concinero Jack, or Striped Jack. To 38 cm (15 in) TL 

(Amezcua Linares 1996). San Diego Bay, southern California (Lea and Rosenblatt 2000) to Tumbes, Peru 

(Chirichigno and Vélez 1998), including central and southern Gulf of California (Robertson and Allen 

2002). Surface to 50 m (164 ft; De La Cruz-Agüero et al. 1997). Also recently as Carangoides vinctus. 

Chloroscombrus orqueta Jordan & Gilbert, 1883. Pacific Bumper. To 31 cm (12.2 in) SL (Amezcua Linares 

1996). San Pedro, southern California (Miller and Lea 1972) to Chilca, Peru (Beltrán-León and Rios 

Herrera 2000), including Gulf of California (Smith-Vaniz in Fischer et al. 1995) and Isla Malpelo 

(Robertson and Allen 2002). Shallow coastal waters and estuaries (Watson et al. in Moser 1996) to 53 m 

(174 ft; Zeballos 1998). 

*Decapterus macarellus (Cuvier, 1833). Mackerel Scad. To 44 cm (17.3 in) TL (Robertson and Allen 2002). 

Circumtropical; tip of Baja California, mouth of Gulf of California, Costa Rica to Panama, and offshore 

islands (Robertson and Allen 2002). Surface to 200 m (656 ft; Smith-Vaniz in Fischer et al. 1995). 

Decapterus macrosoma Bleeker, 1851. Shortfin Scad. To 35 cm (13.8 in) TL (Robertson and Allen 2002). 

Pacific and Indian oceans; in western Pacific as far north as southern Japan (Senou in Nakabo 2002) and 

Cheju Island, South Korea (Kim et al. 1999); Bahia Magdalena, southern Baja California (De La Cruz- 

Agüero et al. 1994) to Chile (Pequeño 1989), including Gulf of California (Smith-Vaniz in Fischer et 

al. 1995) and Islas Galápagos (Grove and Lavenberg 1997). At 12–170 m (99–558 ft) or more, reported 

to much deeper (min.: Godinez-Dominguez et al. 2000; max.: Smith-Vaniz in Carpenter and Niem 

1999). 

Decapterus muroadsi (Temminck & Schlegel, 1844). Amberstripe Scad or Mexican Scad. To about 55 cm 

(21.7 in) TL (Robertson and Allen 2002). Warm waters of Pacific; Japan to East China Sea (Gushiken in 

Masuda et al. 1984); Pacific Grove, central California (Miller and Lea 1972) to Peru (Watson et al. in Moser 

1996), Easter Island (Pequeño 1989), and Islas Galápagos (Grove and Lavenberg 1997); apparently not in 

Gulf of California (Robertson and Allen 2002). Surface to 30 m (98 ft; Robertson and Allen 2002). Includes 

Decapterus hypodus Gill, 1862, and Decapterus scombrinus (Valenciennes, 1846) as junior synonyms. 

*Elagatis bipinnulata (Quoy & Gaimard, 1825). Rainbow Runner. To 180 cm (70.9 in) TL (Robertson 

and Allen 2002). Circumtropical; in western Pacific as far north as Japan (Senou in Nakabo 2002) and 

southern Kuril Islands (Savinykh 1998); southern tip of Baja California (Smith-Vaniz in Fischer et al. 

1995) to at least as far south as Isla Gorgona, Colombia (Franke and Acero 1993) and probably to 

northern Peru (Chirichigno and Vélez 1998), including mouth of Gulf of California (Robertson and 

Allen 2002) and Islas Galápagos (Grove and Lavenberg 1997). Epipelagic (Watson et al. in Moser 1996), 

surface to at least 150 m (492 ft; Randall 1995). 

Gnathanodon speciosus (Forsskål, 1775). Golden Trevally or Yellow Jack. To 120 cm (47.2 in) TL (Randall 

1996). Atlantic via Panama Canal (Robertson and Allen 2002); Pacific and Indian oceans; in western 

Pacific as far north as Japan (Senou in Nakabo 2002) and southern Kuril Islands (Savinykh 1998); Bahia 

Magdalena, southern Baja California (De La Cruz-Agüero et al. 1994) to central Gulf of California 

(Robertson and Allen 2002) to Colombia (Allen and Robertson 1994). Adults in deep lagoons and 

seaward reefs, juveniles among jellyfish tentacles (Watson et al. in Moser 1996); surface to 40 m (131 ft; 

Robertson and Allen 2002). Recently as Caranx speciosus. 

Hemicaranx leucurus (Günther, 1864). Yellowfin Jack. To 30 cm (11.8 in) TL (Smith-Vaniz in Fischer et al. 

1995). Bahia Almejas, southern Baja California (SIO 62–150) to Talara, Peru (Chirichigno and Vélez 

1998), including lower Gulf of California (Robertson and Allen 2002). Inshore (Allen and Robertson 

1994); at depths of 0 to perhaps 30 m (98 ft; Robertson and Allen 2002). 

117

Hemicaranx zelotes Gilbert, 1898. Blackfin Jack or Blackfin Scad. To 32.5 cm (12.8 in) TL (Amezcua Linares 

1996). Bahia Magdalena, southern Baja California (De La Cruz-Agüero et al. 1994) to Sechura, Peru 

(Chirichigno and Vélez 1998), including Gulf of California (De La Cruz-Agüero et al. 1997). Inshore 

(Allen and Robertson 1994) and to perhaps 30 m (98 ft; Robertson and Allen 2002). 

Naucrates ductor (Linnaeus, 1758). Pilotfish. To 70 cm (27.6 in) TL (Smith-Vaniz in Fischer et al. 1995). 

Circumglobal; in western Pacific as far north as Japan (Senou in Nakabo 2002) and southern Kuril 

Islands (Savinykh 1998); Vancouver Island, British Columbia (Eschmeyer and Herald 1983) to Chile 

(Pequeño 1989), including Gulf of California (Smith-Vaniz in Fischer et al. 1995) and such offshore 

islands as Islas Galápagos (Miller and Lea 1972). Surface to 150 m (495 ft; Robertson and Allen 2002). 

Oligoplites altus (Günther, 1868). Longjaw Leatherjack or Smallmouthed Leatherjack. To 47 cm (18.5 in) TL 

(Robertson and Allen 2002). Laguna San Ignacio, southern Baja California (Galván-Magaña et al. 2000) 

to Callao, Peru (Chirichigno and Vélez 1998), including Gulf of California (Smith-Vaniz in Fischer 

et al. 1995). Nearshore marine and estuaries (Allen and Robertson 1994), at 0 to perhaps 30 m (98 ft; 


Oligoplites refulgens Gilbert & Starks, 1904. Shortjaw Leatherjack. To at least 30 cm (11.8 in) TL (Robertson 

and Allen 2002). Southern Baja California (Smith-Vaniz in Fischer et al. 1995) to Isla San Lorenzo, Peru 

(Chirichigno and Vélez 1998), including Gulf of California (Smith-Vaniz in Fischer et al. 1995). Nearshore 

marine and estuaries (Allen and Robertson 1994), at 0 to perhaps 30 m (98 ft; Robertson and Allen 2002). 

Oligoplites saurus (Bloch & Schneider, 1801). Leatherjack, Yellowjack, or Yellowtail Leatherjack. To 45 cm 

(17.7 in) TL (Grove and Lavenberg 1997). Atlantic and Pacific; Bahia Magdalena, southern Baja California 

(De La Cruz-Agüero et al. 1994) to Puerto Pizarro, Peru (Chirichigno and Vélez 1998), including Gulf 

of California (Smith-Vaniz in Fischer et al. 1995), Islas Galápagos (Grove and Lavenberg 1997) and Isla 

Malpelo (Robertson and Allen 2002). Shallow coastal waters and in estuaries (Watson et al. in Moser 1996) 

to 50 m (164 ft; Amezcua Linares 1996); also reported from fresh water (Greenfield and Thomerson 1997). 

Selar crumenophthalmus (Bloch, 1793). Bigeye Scad or Purse-eyed Scad. Unverified to 60 cm (23.6 in) SL, 

documented to 27 cm (10.6 in) SL (Smith-Vaniz in Carpenter and Niem 1999). Circumglobal; Pacific 

coast of southern Japan (Senou in Nakabo 2002) and Sea of Japan (Parin 2003); Lagunas Ojo de Liebre- 

Guerrero Negro, central Baja California (Galván-Magaña et al. 2000) to Cabo Blanco, Peru (Chirichigno 

1974), including Gulf of California (Smith-Vaniz in Fischer et al. 1995) and Islas Galápagos (Grove and 

Lavenberg 1997) and other offshore islands (Robertson and Allen 2002). Coastal waters, surface (Laboute 

and Grandperrin 2000) to 170 m (558 ft) (min.: Allen and Robertson 1994; max.: Randall et al. 1990). 

Selene brevoortii (Gill, 1863). Mexican Lookdown. To 42 cm (16.5 in) TL (Robertson and Allen 2002). San 

Diego Bay, southern California (Lea and Walker 1995) to Isla San Lorenzo, Peru (Chirichigno and Vélez 

1998), including Gulf of California (Smith-Vaniz in Fischer et al. 1995). Coastal waters, including bays 

and estuaries (Watson et al. in Moser 1996), to 50 m (164 ft; Robertson and Allen 2002). 

*Selene orstedii Lütken, 1880. Hairfin Lookdown, Mexican Moonfish, or Pacific Lookdown. To 31 cm 

(12.2 in) TL (Smith-Vaniz in Fischer et al. 1995). Tip of Baja California (Smith-Vaniz in Fischer et al. 

1995) to Caleta La Cruz, Peru (Chirichigno and Vélez 1998), including southern Gulf of California 

(Smith-Vaniz in Fischer et al. 1995). Shallow coastal waters, occasionally in estuaries, to 50 m (165 ft; 


Selene peruviana (Guichenot, 1866). Pacific Moonfish. To 85 cm (34 in) TL (Franke and Acero 1993), 35 cm 

(13.8 in) TL (Velasco and Thiel 2002). Long Beach, southern California (Miller and Lea 1972) to Chile 

(Pequeño 1989), including Gulf of California (Smith-Vaniz 1996) and Islas Galápagos (Grove and 

Lavenberg 1997). Inshore (Grove and Lavenberg 1997) and shallow coastal waters (Watson et al. in 

Moser 1996) to 450 m (1,476 ft; Franke and Acero 1993). 

118

Seriola lalandi Valenciennes, 1833. Yellowtail, Yellowtail Amberjack, Yellowtail Jack, or Yellowtail Kingfish. 

To 250 cm (98.4 in) TL (Robertson and Allen 2002). Circumglobal in warm waters, also in some areas in 

temperate waters; in western North Pacific as far north as Japan (Senou in Nakabo 2002) and southern 

Kuril Islands (Savinykh 1998); in eastern Pacific from northern British Columbia (54°35'N, 31°00'W; 

Nagtegaal and Farlinger 1981) to Chile, including Gulf of California (Miller and Lea 1972), Islas Galápagos 

(Grove and Lavenberg 1997), and Isla Malpelo (Robertson and Allen 2002). Unverified reports from Gulf 

of Alaska off Kodiak Island and Cordova (Mecklenburg et al. 2002). Primarily epipelagic, recorded from 

surface to 300 m (984 ft) (min.: Miller and Lea 1972; max.: Laboute and Grandperrin 2000). Nelson et 

al. (2004) changed the official common name from Yellowtail to Yellowtail Jack, but West Coast fishers 

and researchers may be reluctant to adopt the change. Seriola dorsalis (Gill, 1863) is treated as a junior 

synonym. Also recently as S. lalandi dorsalis. 

Seriola rivoliana Valenciennes, 1833. Almaco Jack or Pacific Amberjack. To 157 cm (61.8 in) TL in Franke 

and Acero (1993), but only to 55 cm (21.6 in) FL in Smith-Vaniz (in Carpenter 2003). Circumglobal; 

Korea (Kim et al. 1997) and southern Japan (Senou in Nakabo 2002); Oceanside, southern California 

(Eschmeyer and Herald 1983) to Cabo Blanco, Peru (Chirichigno and Vélez 1998), including Gulf 

of California (Smith-Vaniz in Fischer et al. 1995) and Islas Galápagos (Eschmeyer and Herald 1983). 

Pelagic, at depths of 3–250 m (10–820 ft; Robertson and Allen 2002). 

Trachinotus kennedyi Steindachner, 1876. Blackblotch Pompano or Pacific Permit. To 73 cm (28.7 in) TL 

(Robertson and Allen 2002). Bahia San Bartolome (27°41'N, 114°53'W; SIO 60–317), southern Baja 

California to Pucusana, Peru (Chirichigno and Vélez 1998), including Gulf of California (Robertson 

and Allen 2002). Shallow inshore areas (Watson et al. in Moser 1996) and estuaries (Allen and Robertson 

1994) to 72 m (236 ft; Franke and Acero 1993). 

Trachinotus paitensis Cuvier, 1832. Paloma Pompano. To 50.8 cm (20 in) TL (Miller and Lea 1972). Redondo 

Beach, southern California (Miller and Lea 1972) to Chile (Pequeño 1989), including Gulf of California 

and Islas Galápagos (Miller and Lea 1972). Shallow inshore areas (Miller and Lea 1972) and to 100 m 

(328 ft; Amezcua Linares 1996). 

Trachinotus rhodopus Gill, 1863. Gafftopsail Pompano. To 61.0 cm (24 in) TL (Miller and Lea 1972). Zuma 

Beach, southern California (Miller and Lea 1972) to Callao, Peru (Chirichigno and Vélez 1998), including 

southern and central Gulf of California (Robertson and Allen 2002) and Islas Galápagos (Miller and Lea 

1972). Surface to 30 m (98 ft) (min.: Robertson and Allen 2002; max.: Amezcua Linares 1996). 

Trachurus symmetricus (Ayres, 1855). Jack Mackerel. To 81.3 cm (32 in) TL (Miller and Lea 1972). Pacific 

Ocean south of Aleutian Islands (Mecklenburg et al. 2002 [UW 15469]) and in Gulf of Alaska to Gulf 

of California (Smith-Vaniz in Fischer et al. 1995). Primarily pelagic, surface (Miller and Lea 1972) from 

surf zone (Carlisle et al. 1960) and offshore to 403 m (1,320 ft [220 fm]), sometimes taken in bottom 

trawls (Hart 1973). Although Trachurus murphyi Nichols, 1920, found off South America, is considered 

by some authors (e.g., Grove and Lavenberg 1997) to be a subspecies of T. symmetricus, DNA evidence 

indicates it is a separate species (Poulin et al. 2004). 

Uraspis helvola (Forster, 1801). Cottonmouth Jack, Whitemouth Jack, or Whitetongue Jack. To 50 cm (19.7 in) 

TL (Allen and Roberts 1994). Circumglobal; southern Kuril Islands (Savinykh and Shevtsov 2001) and 

southern Japan (Senou in Nakabo 2002); Santa Catalina Island, southern California (Miller and Lea 

1972) to Ecuador (Béarez 1996), including Islas Galápagos (Grove and Lavenberg 1997). Benthopelagic 

(Smith-Vaniz in Carpenter and Niem 1999), 10–300 m (33–984 ft; Robertson and Allen 2002). Uraspis 

secunda (Poey, 1860) may be a junior synonym (Smith-Vaniz in Carpenter and Niem 1999, Smith-Vaniz 

in Carpenter 2003). 

119

Family Bramidae — Pomfrets 

Brama japonica Hilgendorf, 1878. Pacific Pomfret or Small-scaled Pomfret. To 61.0 cm (24 in) TL (Miller 

and Lea 1972), but reported to 122 cm (4 ft; Jordan and Evermann 1896b). Southern Sea of Japan and 

off southern coast of Korean Peninsula (Lindberg and Krasyukova 1969) to Pacific Ocean south of 

Aleutian Islands and southern Bering Sea (Mecklenburg et al. 2002) to Chile (Robertson and Allen 

2002); apparently absent from tropics (Robertson and Allen 2002). Oceanic, primarily epipelagic, 

recorded from surface to 620 m (2,034 ft) (min.: Mead 1972; max.: Moser and Mundy in Moser 1996). 

Brama orcini Cuvier, 1831. Bigbelly Pomfret or Bigtooth Pomfret. To 35 cm (13.75 in) TL (Eschmeyer and 

Herald 1983). Mid-Pacific and Indian oceans (Eschmeyer and Herald 1983) to Imperial Beach, southern 

California (Mead 1972). The Imperial Beach record was a beached specimen. Surface to 100 m (328 ft; 

Smith in Smith and Heemstra 1986). 

Pteraclis aesticola (Jordan & Snyder, 1901). Pacific Fanfish. To 61.0 cm (24 in) TL (Miller and Lea 1972). 

Cosmopolitan; Japan (Hatooka in Nakabo 2002); northern California (37°50'N, 125°W; SIO 90-73) to 

Chile (Pequeño 1989). Pelagic. 

Taractes asper Lowe, 1843. Flathead Pomfret or Rough Pomfret. To more than 50 cm (19.7 in) TL (Mecklenburg 

et al. 2002). Circumglobal; Japan (Mochizuki in Masuda et al. 1984) to Gulf of Alaska off Kodiak Island 

(Mecklenburg et al. 2002) to southern California (31°20'N, 121°10'W; Parin and Scherbachev 1998) to 

Chile (Pequeño 1997). Oceanic, primarily pelagic (Mead 1972), from surface to depth of about 550 m 

(1,804 ft; Mecklenburg et al. 2002). 

Taractichthys steindachneri (Döderlein, 1883). Sicklefin Pomfret. To 91.4 cm (36 in) TL (Miller and Lea 

1972). Warmer waters of Pacific and Indian oceans; Japan (Hatooka in Nakabo 2002); Point Conception, 

California (Eschmeyer and Herald 1983) and central Baja California (27°15'N, 118°16'W; SIO 89-101). 

To depth of at least 300 m (984 ft; Myers and Donaldson 1996). Date of publication of the species 

description is sometimes seen as 1884, but the correct date evidently is 1883 (Eschmeyer 1998 and 

online editions). 

Family Caristiidae — Manefishes or Veilfins 

Taxonomically, this group is poorly understood. Undescribed species have been reported (e.g., Hatooka in 

Nakabo 2002:1552) and consensus is lacking on nomenclature of the named Pacific species. Manefishes 

are meso- and bathypelagic as adults and epi- and mesopelagic as larvae and juveniles (Paxton in 

Carpenter and Niem 2001:2837). 

Caristius macropus (Bellotti, 1903). Bigmouth Manefish or Veilfin. To more than 39 cm (15.3 in) TL (UW 

44441; 33 cm SL). Widespread in Pacific Ocean; Japan (Fuji in Masuda et al. 1984) to southern Bering 

Sea, Aleutian Islands (Mecklenburg et al. 2002; additional western Alaska records include UW 41927, 

UW 44232, UW 44420, UW 44441, UW 44494), and Gulf of Alaska (D. J. Csepp, pers. comm. to C. W. M.; 

AB 03-09) to central Baja California near Isla Cedros (Hart 1973). Pelagic, adults at 200 m (656 ft) to 

more than 740 m (2,428 ft) (min.: UW 20920; max.: Amaoka in Amaoka et al. 1983 [2 specimens caught 

at 740–1,420 m]). 

*Caristius maderensis Maul, 1949. To perhaps 30 cm (11.8 in) TL (Post in Whitehead et al. 1986). Atlantic 

and possibly Pacific oceans; reported from northern Baja California (Berry and Perkins 1966) nearly to 

the equator (SIO 64–175). Beltrán-León and Rios Herrera (2000) identified larvae taken off Colombia. 

The species called C. maderensis in the eastern Pacific may not be that species (Moser in Moser 1996). 

Pelagic, adults at 300–2,000 m (984–6,560 ft; Post in Whitehead et al. 1986). 

120

Family Lutjanidae — Snappers 

Hoplopagrus guentherii Gill, 1862. Barred Pargo or Mexican Barred Snapper. To 92 cm (36.2 in) TL (Allen 

in Fischer et al. 1995). Bahia Abreojos, southern Baja California (Watson and Brogan in Moser 1996) to 

northern Peru (Grove and Lavenberg 1997), including Gulf of California (Allen 1985), Islas Galápagos 

(Grove and Lavenberg 1997), and Isla Cocos (Robertson and Allen 2002). Tidepools (Thomson and 

Lehner 1976) and to about 50 m (10–164 ft) (min.: Allen and Robertson 1994; max.: Allen 1985). 

Lutjanus aratus (Günther, 1864). Mullet Snapper. To 99 cm (39 in) TL (Allen 1985). Bahia Magdalena, 

southern Baja California (Galván-Magaña et al. 2000) to northern Peru (Chirichigno and Vélez 1998), 

including Gulf of California (Allen 1985) and Islas Galápagos (Grove and Lavenberg 1997) and other 

offshore islands (Robertson and Allen 2002). At depths of 0–50 m (164 ft) (min.: Robertson and Allen 

2002; max.: Allen 1985). 

Lutjanus argentiventris (Peters, 1869). Amarillo Snapper or Yellow Snapper. To 66 cm (26.0 in) TL (Franke 

and Acero 1992). Oceanside, southern California (Eschmeyer and Herald 1983) to Islas Lobos de Afuera, 

Peru (Chirichigno 1974), including Gulf of California (Allen 1985) and Islas Galápagos (Eschmeyer and 

Herald 1983). Intertidal zone (juveniles) and to 94 m (308 ft) (min.: Grove and Lavenberg 1997; max.: 

Amezcua Linares 1996); also found in fresh water and in the lower reaches of streams where there is tidal 

influence (Bussing 1998). 

Lutjanus colorado Jordan & Gilbert, 1882. Colorado Snapper. To 107 cm (42.1 in) TL (Robertson and Allen 

2002). Estero (Morro) Bay, central California to Panama (Eschmeyer and Herald 1983) and probably to 

northern Peru (Chirichigno and Vélez 1998), including Gulf of California (Allen 1985). Surface to 90 m 

(295 ft) (min.: Robertson and Allen 2002; max.: Amezcua Linares 1996), sometimes in estuaries (Allen 

and Robertson 1994). 

Lutjanus guttatus (Steindachner, 1869). Spotted Rose Snapper. To 80 cm (31.5 in) TL (Allen 1985). Bahia 

Magdalena, southern Baja California (Watson and Brogan in Moser 1996) to Huacho, Peru (Beltrán- 

León and Rios Herrera 2000), including Gulf of California (Allen 1985). Surface to 107 m (351 ft) (min.: 

Robertson and Allen 2002; max.: Amezcua Linares 1996) in brackish and marine waters (Allen 1985). 

Lutjanus jordani (Gilbert, 1898). Whipper Snapper. To 61 cm (24.0 in) TL (Fuertes and Araya 1979). Southern 

Baja California (27°06'N, 114°11'W; SIO 47-28) to Paita, Peru (Chirichigno 1974), including lower Gulf 

of California (Allen 1985) and Islas Galápagos (Grove and Lavenberg 1997) and other offshore islands 

(Robertson and Allen 2002). Both inshore and in deeper waters (Allen and Robertson 1994) to 200 m 

(656 ft; Fuertes and Araya 1979). 

Lutjanus novemfasciatus Gill, 1862. Dog Snapper or Pacific Dog Snapper. To 1.7 m (67 in) TL (Allen 1985). 

Morro Bay, central California (Tognazzini 2003) to Puerto Pizarro, Peru (Chirichigno 1974), throughout 

Gulf of California (Allen 1985), and around Islas Galápagos (Grove and Lavenberg 1997). Tidepools and 

to 60 m (197 ft) (min.: Thomson and Lehner 1976; max.: Allen 1985); also in estuaries and may ascend 

freshwater streams (Allen and Robertson 1994). 

Lutjanus peru (Nichols & Murphy, 1922). Pacific Red Snapper. To 95 cm (37.4 in) TL (Allen 1985). La Jolla, 

southern California (SIO 89-126) and Bahia Santa Maria, southern Baja California (Watson and Brogan 

in Moser 1996) to Huermey, Peru (Chirichigno and Vélez 1998) and throughout Gulf of California 

(Allen 1985). Surface (SIO 65-288, nightlight) to at least 90 m (295 ft; Allen and Robertson 1994). 

Lutjanus viridis (Valenciennes, 1846). Blue-and-Gold Snapper. To 30 cm (11.8 in) TL (Allen 1985). Rocas 

Alijos, southern Baja California (SIO 90-135) to Peru, including Islas Galápagos (Grove and Lavenberg 

1997) and Gulf of California (Allen 1985). Surface to 60 m (min.: SIO 58-141; max.: SIO 63-791). 

121

Family Lobotidae — Tripletails 

Lobotes pacificus Gilbert, 1898. Pacific Tripletail. To 110 cm (43.3 in) TL (Carpenter in Carpenter 2003). 

Circumglobal; in western Pacific as far north as Japan (Hatooka in Nakabo 2002) and southern Kuril 

Islands (Savinykh 1998); in eastern Pacific from San Pedro Breakwater, southern California (Rounds 

and Feeney 1993) to Chimbote, Peru (Beltrán-León and Rios Herrara 2000). Bays, brackish estuaries, 

coastal freshwaters, and sometimes well out to sea around floating objects (Allen and Robertson 1994). 

Considered by some authors a junior synonym of Lobotes surinamensis (Bloch, 1790). 

Family Gerreidae — Mojarras 

Diapterus peruvianus (Cuvier, 1830). Peruvian Mojarra or Shortsnout Mojarra. To 38 cm (15.0 in) TL 

(Amezcua Linares 1996). Bahia Magdalena, southern Baja California (De La Cruz-Agüero et al. 1994) 

to Caleta La Cruz, Peru (Chirichigno and Vélez 1998), including lower and central Gulf of California 

(Robertson and Allen 2002) and Islas Galápagos (Grove and Lavenberg 1997). Surface to 104 m (341 ft) 

(min.: Robertson and Allen 2002; max.: Amezcua Linares 1996); also in estuaries and lower parts of 

streams (Allen and Robertson 1994). 

Eucinostomus currani Zahuranec, 1980. Blackspot Mojarra, Flagfin Mojarra, Pacific Flagfin Moharra, or 

Spotted-fin Mojarra. To at least 21 cm (8.3 in) TL (Robertson and Allen 2002). Anaheim Bay, southern 

California (Bussing in Fischer et al. 1995) to Huacho, Peru (Chirichigno and Vélez 1998), including 

Gulf of California (Bussing in Fischer et al. 1995), Islas Galápagos (Grove and Lavenberg 1997), and Isla 

Cocos (Robertson and Allen 2002). The Eucinostomus sp. of Miller and Lea (1972) refers to this species 

(Nelson et al. 2004). Intertidal area (SIO 71-51) and to 100 m (328 ft; Amezcua Linares 1996), and 

freshwater streams (Allen and Robertson 1994). 

Eucinostomus dowii (Gill, 1863). Dow’s Mojarra, Pacific Spotfin Mojarra, or Silver Mojarra. To 20 cm 

(7.9 in) TL (Amezcua Linares 1996). Camp Pendleton Harbor (SIO 76-191), southern California to 

Gulf of California (De La Cruz-Agüero et al. 1997) and to Peru (Allen and Robertson 1994). Shallow 

bays and estuaries; tidepools and to 114 m (3–374 ft) (min.: Thomson and Lehner 1976; max.: Amezcua 

Linares 1996). We follow Nelson et al. (2004) in treating Eucinostomus argenteum records from the 

Pacific Ocean as E. dowii. 

Eucinostomus entomelas Zahuranec, 1980. Blackgill Mojarra, Black-spot Mojarra, or Darkspot Mojarra. To 

24 cm (9.5 in) TL (Robertson and Allen 2002). From 4.8 km (3 mi) east of the entrance to Laguna Ojo 

de Liebre (27°54'N, 114°18'W), central Baja California (SIO 52-141) to northern Peru (Chirichigno and 

Vélez 1998), including southern and central Gulf of California (Robertson and Allen 2002). At depths 

of 0–100 m (328 ft) (min.: Robertson and Allen 2002; max.: Amezcua Linares 1996). 

Eucinostomus gracilis (Gill, 1862). Graceful Mojarra or Slender Mojarra. To 23.9 cm (9.4 in) TL (Amezcua 

Linares 1996). Bahia de Ballenas, southern Baja California (Zahuranec 1967) to northern Peru 

(Chirichigno and Vélez 1998), including southern Gulf of California (Bussing in Fischer et al. 1995) 

and Islas Galápagos (Grove and Lavenberg 1997). Mangrove estuaries (Allen and Robertson 1994) and 

coastal freshwaters (Bussing in Fischer et al. 1995); in ocean, surface and at depths of 1–112 m (3–367 ft) 

(min.: Gonzáles-Acosta et al. 1999; max.: Amezcua Linares 1996). Eucinostomus californiensis (Gill, 1862) 

and E. gracilis are synonymous. The name E. californiensis was selected as the correct name by Jordan 

and Evermann (1898) but this has been largely overlooked and E. gracilis is the name usually seen. The 

current edition of the International Code of Zoological Nomenclature (ICZN 1999) allows continued use 

of the name E. gracilis, rather than introduce instability in nomenclature by not maintaining current 

usage. 

122

Eugerres axillaris (Günther, 1864). Black Axillary Mojarra. To 25 cm (9.8 in) TL (Robertson and Allen 2002). 

Boca Soledad (25°23'N, 112°06'W), southern Baja California (SIO 64-83) to Honduras (Robertson and 

Allen 2002). At depths of 0–4 m (14 ft) (min.: Robertson and Allen 2002; max.: SIO 64-83), to perhaps 


Eugerres lineatus (Humboldt, 1821). Streaked Mojarra. To 18 cm (7 in) TL (Bussing in Fischer et al. 1995). 

Near Boca de Soledad (25°11'N, 112°06'W), southern Baja California (SIO 64-80) and southern 

and central Gulf of California (Robertson and Allen 2002) to Ecuador (Béarez 1996), including Islas 

Galápagos (Grove and Lavenberg 1997). Surface to perhaps 30 m (98 ft; Robertson and Allen 2002). 

Gerres cinereus (Walbaum, 1792). Yellowfin Mojarra. To 41 cm (16.1 in) TL (Greenfield and Thomerson 

1997). Atlantic and Pacific; Bahia Magdalena, southern Baja California (De La Cruz-Agüero et al. 1994) 

to Callao, Peru (Chirichigno and Vélez 1998), including Islas Galápagos (Grove and Lavenberg 1997) 

and lower two-thirds of Gulf of California (Robertson and Allen 2002). Brackish estuaries (Allen and 

Robertson 1994) at depths of 1–107 m (3–351 ft) (min.: Gonzáles-Acosta et al. 1999; max.: Amezcua 


Family Haemulidae — Grunts 

Anisotremus davidsoni (Steindachner, 1876). Sargo or Xanthic Sargo. To 60 cm (23.6 in) TL (McKay and 

Schneider in Fischer et al. 1995). Santa Cruz, central California to Bahia Magdalena, southern Baja 

California, and isolated population in Gulf of California (Miller and Lea 1972). Surf zone and to 61 m 

(201 ft) (min.: Carlisle et al. 1960; max.: Thomson et al. 2000). 

Anisotremus interruptus (Gill, 1862). Burrito Grunt. To 90 cm (35.4 in) TL (Amezcua Linares 1996). Isla 

Cedros (M. L., unpubl. data) and mainland at Lagunas Ojo de Liebre-Guerrero Negro, central Baja 

California (De La Cruz-Agüero et al. 1996) and throughout Gulf of California (McKay and Schneider 

in Fischer et al. 1995) to Mancora, Peru (Chirichigno and Vélez 1998), including Islas Galápagos (Grove 

and Lavenberg 1997). Young fish in tidepools (SIO 60-309); 1–25 m (3–83 ft) (min.: SIO 50-253; max.: 

De La Cruz-Agüero et al. 1997). 

Anisotremus taeniatus Gill, 1861. Panamic Porkfish. To 30 cm (11.8 in) TL (Allen and Robertson 1994). 

Bahia Santa Maria (24°45'N, 112°15'W), southern Baja California (SIO 62-734) to Punta Sal, Peru 

(Chirichigno and Vélez 1998), including southeast corner of Gulf of California (Robertson and Allen 

2002). At depths of 5–25 m (17–83 ft; Robertson and Allen 2002). 

Conodon serrifer Jordan & Gilbert, 1882. Armed Grunt or Serrated Grunt. To 30 cm (11.8 in) TL (Allen 

and Robertson 1994). San Onofre, southern California (Moore and Herbinson 2002) to Paita, Peru 

(Chirichigno and Vélez 1998), including Gulf of California (McKay and Schneider in Fischer et al. 1995). 

Nearshore waters (McKay and Schneider in Fischer et al. 1995) at 1–72 m (3–236 ft) (min.: González- 

Acosta et al. 1999; max.: Amezcua Linares 1996). 

Haemulon flaviguttatum Gill, 1862. Cortez Grunt or Yellowspotted Grunt. To 42 cm (16.5 in) TL (McKay 

and Schneider in Fischer et al. 1995). Three collected in southern California: Newport Bay (M. Shane, 

pers. comm. to M. L.), Mission Bay, and San Diego Bay (Lea and Rosenblatt 1992); throughout Gulf of 

California (McKay and Schneider in Fischer et al. 1995) to Peru (Robertson and Allen 2002). At depths 

of 1–107 m (3–351 ft) (min.: Gonzáles-Acosta et al. 1999; max.: Amezcua Linares 1996). 

Haemulon maculicauda (Gill, 1862). Spottail Grunt. To 30 cm (11.8 in) TL (McKay and Schneider in Fischer 

et al. 1995). Bahia Magdalena, southern Baja California (De La Cruz-Agüero et al. 1997) to Panama 

(Allen and Robertson 1994) and probably to northern Peru (Chirichigno and Vélez 1998), including 

Gulf of California (Galván-Magaña et al. 1996). At depths of 1–33 m (3–110 ft) (min.: Gonzáles-Acosta 

et al. 1999; max.: SIO 75-513). 

123

124 

Haemulon scudderi Gill, 1862. Goldeneye Grunt, Grey Grunt, or Mojarra Grunt. To 35 cm (13.7 in) TL 

(Allen and Robertson 1994). Bahia Magdalena, southern Baja California (Thomson et al. 1979) into 

Gulf of California (Thomson et al. 1979) to Ecuador (Thomson et al. 1979), including Islas Galápagos 

(Grove and Lavenberg 1997). Shallow water (McKay and Schneider in Fischer et al. 1995), 1–30 m (3– 

98 ft) (min.: Gonzáles-Acosta et al. 1999; max.: Robertson and Allen 2002). 

*Haemulon sexfasciatum Gill, 1862. Graybar Grunt. To 48 cm (18.7 in) TL (Thomson et al. 1979). Gulf of 

California (Thomson et al. 1979) to Ecuador (Béarez 1996), including southern tip of Baja California 

(Thomson et al. 1979) and Islas Galápagos (Grove and Lavenberg 1997). At depths of 1–30 m (3–98 ft) 

(min.: SIO 50-253; max.: Robertson and Allen 2002). 

Haemulon steindachneri (Jordan & Gilbert, 1882). Latin Grunt. To 30 cm (11.8 in) TL (De La Cruz- 

Agüero et al. 1997). Atlantic and Pacific (Lindeman in Carpenter 2003); Bahia Magdalena, southern 

Baja California to Peru, including Gulf of California (De La Cruz-Agüero et al. 1997). At depths of 

1–75 m (3–246 ft) (min.: Gonzáles-Acosta et al. 1999; max.: Robertson and Allen 2002). Lindeman (in 

Carpenter 2003) notes that the taxonomic status of this species is unresolved. 

Haemulopsis axillaris (Steindachner, 1869). Axil Grunt or Yellowstripe Grunt. To 30 cm (11.8 in) TL (McKay 

and Schneider in Fischer et al. 1995). North of Boca de Soledad (25°18'N, 112°11'W), southern Baja 

California (SIO 64-79) to Ecuador (Béarez 1996), including mouth of Gulf of California (Robertson and 

Allen 2002). Surface to 113 m (371 ft) (min.: SIO 60-294; max.: Amezcua Linares 1996). Also recently 

as Pomadasys axillaris. 

Haemulopsis elongatus (Steindachner, 1879). Elongate Grunt or Sharpsnout Grunt. To 30 cm (11.8 in) 

TL (Robertson and Allen 2002). Bahia Magdalena, southern Baja California (SIO 62-111) to Ecuador 

(Béarez 1996), including mouth of Gulf of California (Robertson and Allen 2002). At depths of 0–66 m 

(217 ft) (min.: Robertson and Allen 2002; max.: Amezcua Linares 1996). 

Haemulopsis leuciscus (Günther, 1864). Raucous Grunt or White Grunt. To 37 cm (14.6 in) TL (McKay and 

Schneider in Fischer et al. 1995). Bahia de San Quintin, northern Baja California (Rosales-Casian and 

Ruiz-Campos 1999) to Ecuador (Béarez 1996), including Gulf of California (McKay and Schneider in 

Fischer et al. 1995). At depths of 0–134 m (440 ft) (min.: Robertson and Allen 2002; max.: Amezcua 

Linares 1996). Recently as Pomadasys leuciscus. 

Haemulopsis nitidus (Steindachner, 1869). Shining Grunt, Shortspine Grunt, or Silver Grunt. To 30 cm 

(11.8 in) TL (McKay and Schneider in Fischer et al. 1995). North of Boca Soledad (25°18'N, 112°11'W), 

southern Baja California (SIO 64-79) to Peru (Velasco and Thiel 2002), including Gulf of California 

(McKay and Schneider in Fischer et al. 1995). At depths of 0–50 m (164 ft) (min.: Robertson and Allen 

2002; max.: Velasco and Thiel 2002). 

*Microlepidotus brevipinnis (Steindachner, 1869). Brassy Grunt, Humpback Grunt, or Shortfin Grunt. To 

38 cm (15.0 in) TL (Robertson and Allen 2002). Gulf of California (McKay and Schneider in Fischer 

et al. 1995) to Caleta La Cruz, Peru (Chirichigno and Vélez 1998), including southern tip of Baja 

California (McKay and Schneider in Fischer et al. 1995). At depths of 5–94 m (17–308 ft) (min.: Allen 

and Robertson 1994; max.: Amezcua Linares 1996). Recently as Orthopristis brevipinnis. 

Microlepidotus inornatus Gill, 1862. Wavyline Grunt. To 45 cm (17.7 in) TL (Allen and Robertson 1994). 

Newport Bay, southern California (M. Shane, pers. comm. to M. L.) into central Gulf of California 

(McKay and Schneider in Fischer et al. 1995) and at least as far south as Manzanillo, Mexico (Thomson 

et al. 1979). At depths of 1–22 m (3–73 ft) (min.: LACM 49768.011; max.: SIO 62-236). 

Orthopristis cantharinus (Jenyns, 1840). Sheephead Grunt. To 45 cm (18 in) TL (Robertson and Allen 

2002). Bahia Magdalena, southern Baja California (De La Cruz-Agüero et al. 1994) to Peru, including 

Islas Galápagos (Robertson and Allen 2002). At depths of 0–35 m (116 ft; Robertson and Allen 2002). 

Grove and Lavenberg (1997) consider this species to be endemic to the Galápagos.

Orthopristis chalceus (Günther, 1864). Brassy Grunt, Brassy Humpback Grunt, or Humpback Grunt. To 45 cm 

(17.7 in) TL (McKay and Schneider in Fischer et al. 1995). Laguna San Ignacio, southern Baja California 

(Danemann and De La Cruz-Agüero 1993) to Islas Lobos de Afuera, Peru (Chirichigno and Vélez 1998), 

including Gulf of California (Robertson and Allen 2002) and Islas Galápagos (Grove and Lavenberg 1997). 

At depths of 0–100 m (328 ft) (min.: Robertson and Allen 2002; max.: Amezcua Linares 1996). 

Orthopristis reddingi Jordan & Richardson, 1895. Bronzestriped Grunt. To 30 cm (11.8 in) TL (Allen and 

Robertson 1994). Lagunas Ojo de Liebre-Guerrero Negro, central Baja California (De La Cruz-Agüero 

et al. 1996) through Gulf of California (McKay and Schneider in Fischer et al. 1995) to central Mexico 

(Robertson and Allen 2002). Tidepools and to 103 m (8–338 ft) (min.: Thomson and Lehner 1976; 

max.: Amezcua Linares 1996). 

Pomadasys bayanus Jordan & Evermann, 1898. Freshwater Grunt or Purplemouth Grunt. To 36 cm (14.2 in) 

TL (Allen and Robertson 1994). Southern Baja California (McKay and Schneider in Fischer et al. 1995) 

to Rio Tumbes, Peru (Chirichigno 1974) and at mouth of Gulf of California (Robertson and Allen 

2002). Nearshore marine waters at depths of 0–10 m (33 ft; Robertson and Allen 2002) and in fresh 

water (Bussing 1998). 

Pomadasys branickii (Steindachner, 1879). Branick’s Grunt or Sand Grunt. To 30 cm (11.8 in) TL (Robertson 

and Allen 2002). North of Boca Soledad (25°19'N, 112°06'W), southern Baja California (SIO 64-82) to 

Paita, Peru (Chirichigno 1974), including Gulf of California (Castro-Aguirre et al. 1999). Bays, estuaries 

and river mouths (Allen and Robertson 1994) at depths of 0–55 m (180 ft) (min.: Robertson and Allen 

2002; max.: Cabrera Mancilla et al. 1988). 

Pomadasys macracanthus (Günther, 1864). Bigspine Grunt or Longspine Grunt. To 35 cm (13.8 in) TL 

(Robertson and Allen 2002). Boca Soledad (25°23'N, 112°06'W), southern Baja California (SIO 64-83) 

to Ecuador (Béarez 1996), including Gulf of California (Robertson and Allen 2002). At depths of 0–20 m 

(66 ft; Robertson and Allen 2002), including estuaries (Allen and Robertson 1994). 

Pomadasys panamensis (Steindachner, 1876). Highfin Grunt or Panamic Grunt. To 35 cm (13.8 in) TL 

(Amezcua Linares 1996). Bahia Magdalena, southern Baja California (Galván-Magaña et al. 2000) and 

Gulf of California (McKay and Schneider in Fischer et al. 1995) to Puerto Pizarro, Peru (Chirichigno 

and Vélez 1998), including southern tip of Baja California (McKay and Schneider in Fischer et al. 1995). 

At depths of 5–107 m (15–351 ft) (min.: SIO 64-355; max.: Amezcua Linares 1996). 

Xenichthys xanti Gill, 1863. Longfin Salema. To 25.4 cm (10.0 in) TL (Amezcua Linares 1996). Bahia Santa 

Maria, southern Baja California (SIO 62-734) to Chimbote, Peru (Chirichigno and Vélez 1998), including 

southern Gulf of California (Robertson and Allen 2002) and Islas Galápagos (Grove and Lavenberg 

1997). Nearshore waters (Aguilar-Palomino et al. 2001) at 10–107 m (33–351 ft) (min.: Robertson and 

Allen 2002; max.: Amezcua Linares 1996). 

Xenistius californiensis (Steindachner, 1876). Salema. To 30.3 cm (11.8 in) TL (M. Shane, pers. comm. to 

M. L.). Monterey Bay, central California (Miller and Lea 1972) to northern Peru (Chirichigno and Vélez 

1998), including Gulf of California (Miller and Lea 1972). At depths of 1–33 m (4–109 ft) (min.: Miller 

and Lea 1972; max.: LACM 38092.019). 

Family Sparidae — Porgies 

Calamus brachysomus (Lockington, 1880). Pacific Porgy. To about 61 cm (24 in) TL (Miller and Lea 1972). 

Oceanside, southern California (Miller and Lea 1972) to Callao, Peru (Chirichigno and Vélez 1998), 

including Islas Galápagos, Gulf of California (Miller and Lea 1972), and Isla Malpelo (Robertson and 

Allen 2002). Surface (Miller and Lea 1972) and 3–80 m (10–262 ft) (min.: Pérez-España et al. 1996; 

max.: Bianchi in Fischer et al. 1995). 

125

Family Polynemidae — Threadfins 

Polydactylus approximans (Lay & Bennett, 1839). Blue Bobo. To 40 cm (15.7 in) TL (Amezcua Linares 1996). 

Monterey Bay, central California (Follett 1948) to Chile (Pequeño 1989), including Gulf of California 

(Schneider in Fischer et al. 1995) and Islas Galápagos (Miller and Lea 1972). Inshore (Miller and Lea 

1972), 0–107 m (351 ft) (min.: Robertson and Allen 2002; max.: Amezcua Linares 1996), brackish and 

marine waters (Velasco and Thiel 2002). 

Polydactylus opercularis (Gill, 1863). Yellow Bobo. To 45 cm (17.7 in) TL (Amezcua Linares 1996). Los 

Angeles Harbor, southern California (Miller and Lea 1972) to Chile (Pequeño 1989), including Gulf of 

California (Miller and Lea 1972). Inshore (Miller and Lea 1972), 0–107 m (351 ft) (min.: Robertson and 

Allen 2002; max.: Amezcua Linares 1996). 

Family Sciaenidae — Drums and Croakers 

Atractoscion nobilis (Ayres, 1860). White Seabass. To 166 cm (65.4 in) TL (Robertson and Allen 2002). Juneau 

and the Boca de Quadra, southeastern Alaska (Mecklenburg et al. 2002) to Bahia Magdalena, southern 

Baja California (Robertson and Allen 2002) and Gulf of California (Walford 1937). Surf zone and to 

122 m (400 ft) (min.: Carlisle et al. 1960; max.: Miller and Lea 1972). Recently as Cynoscion nobilis. 

Bairdiella icistia (Jordan & Gilbert, 1882). Bairdiella, Romeo Croaker, or Ronco Croaker. To 30 cm (11.8 in) 

TL (Allen and Robertson 1994). Laguna San Ignacio, southern Baja California (Danemann and De 

La Cruz-Agüero (1993) to Chiapas, Mexico (Chao in Fischer et al. 1995), including Gulf of California 

(Chao in Fischer et al. 1995). Inshore areas, including estuaries (Allen and Robertson 1994), to at least 

18 m (59 ft; LACM 38105.024). 

Cheilotrema saturnum (Girard, 1858). Black Croaker. To 45 cm (17.7 in) TL (Robertson and Allen 2002). 

Point Conception, California to Bahia Magdalena, southern Baja California (Miller and Lea 1972) and 

Gulf of California (Chao in Fischer et al. 1995). Surface to 100 m (328 ft) or more (min.: Miller and Lea 

1972; max.: Moser in Moser 1996), including surf zone (Carlisle et al. 1960). 

Corvula macrops (Steindachner, 1876). Bigeye Croaker, Large-eye Croaker, or Vacuocua Croaker. To 

25 cm (9.8 in) TL (Allen and Robertson 1994). Bahia Santa Maria (24°40'N, 112°11'W), southern 

Baja California (SIO 60-369) to Peru (Grove and Lavenberg 1997), probably as far south as northern 

Peru (Chirichigno and Vélez 1998), including Gulf of California (Chao in Fischer et al. 1995) and Islas 

Galápagos (Grove and Lavenberg 1997). Inshore (Allen and Robertson 1994) at depths of 5–13 m (17– 

43 ft) (min.: Robertson and Allen 2002; max.: Amezcua Linares 1996). 

Cynoscion parvipinnis Ayres, 1861. Shortfin Corvina or Shortfin Weakfish. To 60 cm (23.6 in) TL (Allen and 

Robertson 1994). Huntington Beach, southern California to Mazatlán, Mexico (Eschmeyer and Herald 

1983), including Gulf of California (Miller and Lea 1972). Intertidal and to 101 m (6–331 ft) (min.: 

Allen 1999; max.: LACM 8842.018). 

Cynoscion reticulatus (Günther, 1864). Striped Corvina or Striped Weakfish. To 90 cm (35.4 in) TL 

(Allen and Robertson 1994). Bahia Magdalena, southern Baja California (SIO 64-8) to northern Peru 

(Robertson and Allen 2002), including Gulf of California (Chao in Fischer et al. 1995). Estuaries (Allen 

and Robertson 1994), at depths of 1–107 m (3–351 ft) (min.: Robertson and Allen 2002; max.: Amezcua 


Cynoscion squamipinnis (Günther, 1867). Scalefin Weakfish, Scalyfin Corvina, or Yellowmouth Weakfish. 

To 64 cm (25.2 in) TL (Allen and Robertson 1994). Bahia Magdalena, southern Baja California (LACM 

38103.018) to Puerto Pizarro, Peru (Chirichigno 1974), including Gulf of California (Chao in Fischer 

et al. 1995). Inshore waters, occasionally estuaries (Allen and Robertson 1994), at depths of 1–30 m 

(3–99 ft; Robertson and Allen 2002). 

126

Cynoscion xanthulus Jordan & Gilbert, 1882. Orangemouth Corvina or Orangemouth Weakfish. To 90 cm 

(35.4 in) TL (Allen and Robertson 1994). Central Baja California (Chao in Fischer et al. 1995) to 

Acapulco, Mexico (Allen and Robertson 1994), including Gulf of California (Chao in Fischer et al. 

1995). Coastal waters (Allen and Robertson 1994) at 1–50 m (3–164 ft) (min.: González-Acosta et al. 


Elattarchus archidium (Jordan & Gilbert, 1882). Bluestreak Drum. To about 25 cm (9.8 in) TL (Allen and 

Robertson 1994). North of Boca Soledad (25°18'N, 112°11'W), southern Baja California (SIO 64-79) to 

Isla Lobos de Tierra, Peru (Chirichigno 1974), including Gulf of California (Chao in Fischer et al. 1995). 

At depths of 2–50 m (6–164 ft) (min.: Chao in Fischer et al. 1995; max.: Amezcua Linares 1996). 

Genyonemus lineatus (Ayres, 1855). White Croaker. To 41 cm (16.25 in) TL (Eschmeyer and Herald 1983). 

Barkley Sound, British Columbia (Eschmeyer and Herald 1983) to Bahia Magdalena, southern Baja 

California (Miller and Lea 1972). Surf zone and to 238 m (10–781 ft) (min.: Carlisle et al. 1960; max.: 

RACE). 

Isopisthus remifer Jordan & Gilbert, 1882. Bigeye Corvina or Silver Weakfish. To 35 cm (13.8 in) TL (Allen 

and Robertson 1994). Bahia San Juanico (26°03'N, 112°18'W), southern Baja California (SIO 63-488) to 

Peru (Allen and Robertson 1994), including Gulf of California (Robertson and Allen 2002). At depths of 

4–124 m (12–341 ft) (min.: SIO 80-23; max.: Amezcua Linares 1996). 

Larimus acclivis Jordan & Bristol, 1898. Steeplined Drum. To 30 cm (11.8 in) TL (Amezcua Linares 1996). 

Central Baja California (Chao in Fischer et al. 1995) to Talero, Peru (Chirichigno 1974), including Gulf 

of California (Chao in Fischer et al. 1995). At depths of 1–108 m (3–354 ft) (min.: Robertson and Allen 

2002; max.: Amezcua Linares 1996). 

Larimus argenteus (Gill, 1863). Silver Drum. To 35 cm (13.8 in) TL (Allen and Robertson 1994). Southern 

Baja California (Chao in Fischer et al. 1995) to Tumbes, Peru (Chirichigno and Vélez 1998), including 

lower Gulf of California (Chao in Fischer et al. 1995). Inshore waters and estuaries (Allen and Robertson 

1994) at 1–50 m (3–164 ft) (min.: Robertson and Allen 2002; max.: Amezcua Linares 1996). 

Larimus effulgens Gilbert, 1898. Shining Drum. To 28 cm (11 in) TL (Allen and Robertson 1994). Southern 

Baja California (Chao in Fischer et al. 1995) to Puerto Pizarro, Peru (Chirichigno 1974), including lower 

Gulf of California (Chao in Fischer et al. 1995). At depths of 1–25 m (3–83 ft) (min.: Robertson and 

Allen 2002; max.: Velasco and Thiel 2002); also enters river mouths (Velasco and Thiel 2002). 

Larimus pacificus Jordan & Bollman, 1890. Pacific Drum. To 30 cm (11.8 in) TL (Chao in Fischer et al. 1995). 

Bahia Magdalena, southern Baja California (SIO 62-112) to Coquimbo, central Chile (Kong and Valdés 

1990), including Gulf of California (Robertson and Allen 2002) and Islas Galápagos (Grove and Lavenberg 

1997). At depths of 1–273 m (3–895 ft) (min.: Robertson and Allen 2002; max.: Zeballos et al. 1998). 

Menticirrhus elongatus (Günther, 1864). Pacific Kingcroaker or Slender Kingcroaker. To 70 cm (28 in) TL 

(Amezcua Linares 1996). Bahia de Ballenas (26°44'N, 113°27'W), southern Baja California (SIO 48-91) 

to Paita, Peru (Chirichigno and Vélez 1998), including southern Gulf of California (Chao in Fischer et 

al. 1995). Surf zone and to 66 m (216 ft; Amezcua Linares 1996). 

Menticirrhus nasus (Günther, 1868). Highfin King Croaker or Highfin Kingfish. To 50 cm (19.7 in) TL 

(Allen and Robertson 1994). Laguna de San Ignacio, southern Baja California (De La Cruz-Agüero and 

Cota-Gómez 1998) into the Gulf of California (Chao in Fischer et al. 1995) to Caleta La Cruz, Peru 

(Chirichigno and Vélez 1998). Estuaries and nearshore waters (Allen and Robertson 1994) at 1–146 m 

(3–479 ft) (min.: Robertson and Allen 2002; max.: Zeballos et al. 1998). 

Menticirrhus panamensis (Steindachner, 1877). Panama Kingcroaker or Panama Kingfish. To 55 cm 

(21.7 in) TL (Allen and Robertson 1994). Laguna San Ignacio (26°50'N, 113°10'W), southern Baja 

California (Danemann and De La Cruz-Agüero 1993) to Chile (Allen and Robertson 1994), including 

127

Gulf of California (Chao in Fischer et al. 1995). At depths of 2–107 m (8–351 ft) (min.: SIO 64-76; max.: 

Amezcua Linares 1996). Evidently the correct date of publication of the species description is 1877, as 

given by Eschmeyer (1998 and online editions), not 1875 as seen elsewhere. 

Menticirrhus undulatus (Girard, 1854). California Corbina. To 83.6 cm (32.6 in) TL (M. Shane, pers. comm. 

to M. L.). Point Conception, central California to Gulf of California (Miller and Lea 1972); also reported 

from Ecuador (Béarez 1996) to northern Peru (Chirichigno and Vélez 1998). Surf zone and to 20 m 

(66 ft) (min.: Miller and Lea 1972; max.: Allen et al. 2002). 

Micropogonias altipinnis (Günther, 1864). Golden Croaker, Highfin Corvina, or Tailfin Croaker. To 66 cm 

(26 in) TL (Allen and Robertson 1994). North of Boca de Soledad (25°18'N, 112°11'W), southern Baja 

California (SIO 64-79) to Talara, Peru (Chirichigno and Vélez 1998), including Gulf of California (Chao 

in Fischer et al. 1995). Estuarine and marine waters (Chao in Fischer et al. 1995) at depths of 1–104 m 

(3–341 ft) (min.: Robertson and Allen 2002; max.: Amezcua Linares 1996). 

Micropogonias ectenes (Jordan & Gilbert, 1882). Slender Croaker. To 40 cm (15.7 in) TL (Allen and 

Robertson 1994). Bahia Magdalena, southern Baja California (De La Cruz-Agüero et al. 1994) to 

Acapulco, southern Mexico (Robertson and Allen 2002), including Gulf of California (Chao in Fischer 

et al. 1995). Coastal (Allen and Robertson 1994) brackish and marine waters (Chao in Fischer et al. 

1995) at 1–33 m (3–109 ft) (min.: González-Acosta et al. 1999; max.: LACM 38092.022), . 

*Micropogonias megalops (Gilbert, 1890). Bigeye Croaker or Gulf Croaker. To 40 cm (15.7 in) TL (Allen and 

Robertson 1994). Gulf of California (Chao in Fischer et al. 1995) to vicinity of Acapulco, Mexico (Allen 

and Robertson 1994), including southern tip of Baja California (Chao in Fischer et al. 1995). Brackish 

and marine waters (Chao in Fischer et al. 1995) at depths of 1–27 m (3–89 ft) (min.: Robertson and 

Allen 2002; max.: LACM 49694.005). 

Odontoscion xanthops Gilbert, 1898. Yelloweye Croaker. To 30 cm (11.8 in) TL (Allen and Robertson 1994). 

Southern Baja California (Chao in Fischer et al. 1995) to Tumbes, Peru (Chirichigno and Vélez 1998), 

including Gulf of California (Chao in Fischer et al. 1995). Estuaries and shallow coastal waters (Chao in 

Fischer et al. 1995) to at least 7 m (23 ft; Godinez-Dominguez et al. 2000), and perhaps to 30 m (99 ft; 


Ophioscion vermicularis (Günther, 1867). Vermiculated Croaker or Wormlined Croaker. To at least 35 cm 

(13.8 in) TL (Robertson and Allen 2002). Punta Marquez (listed as Punta Marquis; 23°57’N, 110°51’W), 

southern Baja California (SIO 62-706) and Panama (Robertson and Allen 2002) to Tumbes, Peru 

(Chirichigno and Veléz 1998). At depths of 1–20 m (3–66 ft; Robertson and Allen 2002). 

Pareques sp. Rock Croaker. To 30 cm (11.8 in) TL (Robertson and Allen 2002). Isla Cedros, central Baja 

California (M. L., unpubl. data) and on the mainland from Bahia Magdalena, southern Baja California 

(SIO 64-63) to Peru (Allen and Robertson 1994). At depths of 10 m to perhaps 35 m (33–115 ft; 

Robertson and Allen 2002). Formerly referred to as Pareques viola. Pareques viola occurs as far north as 

Panama (Robertson and Allen 2002). 

Paralonchurus goodei Gilbert, 1898. Angel Croaker. To about 35 cm (13.8 in) TL (Robertson and Allen 

2000). Bahia Magdalena, southern Baja California (Galván-Magaña et al. 2000) and lower eastern Gulf 

of California (Robertson and Allen 2002) to Puerto Pizarro, Peru (Chirichigno and Vélez 1998). At 

depths of 1 m to perhaps 30 m (3–98 ft; Robertson and Allen 2002). 

Roncador stearnsii (Steindachner, 1876). Spotfin Croaker. To 68.6 cm (27 in) TL (Miller and Lea 1972). 

Point Conception, central California (Miller and Lea 1972) to tip of Baja California (Robertson and 

Allen 2002). One individual reported from south San Francisco Bay (Pearson 1989). Surf zone and to 

22 m (73 ft) (min.: Miller and Lea 1972; max.: LACM 38107.023). 

128

Seriphus politus Ayres, 1860. Queenfish. To 30.5 cm (12 in) TL (Miller and Lea 1972). Burrard Inlet, 

Vancouver Island, British Columbia (Peden and Hughes 1986) to southern Gulf of California (Chao 

in Fischer et al. 1995). Surf zone and to depth of 181 m (594 ft) (min.: Carlisle et al. 1960; max.: M. L., 

unpubl. data). 

Stellifer ericymba (Jordan & Gilbert, 1882). Chimbera Stardrum or Hollow Stardrum. To 19 cm (7.6 in) 

TL (Amezcua Linares 1996). Laguna de San Ignacio, southern Baja California (De La Cruz-Agüero and 

Cota Gómez 1998) to Chile (Pequeño 1989). At depths of 1–104 m (3–341 ft) (min.: Robertson and 

Allen 2002; max.: Amezcua Linares 1996). The spelling Stellifer erycimba is occasionally seen. 

Umbrina analis Günther, 1868. Longspine Croaker or Longspine Drum. To 35 cm (13.8 in) TL (Chao in 

Fischer et al. 1995). Southern Baja California to Colombia, including lower Gulf of California (Chao in 

Fischer et al. 1995). At depths of 1–50 m (3–164 ft; Robertson and Allen 2002). 

Umbrina bussingi López, 1980. Bigeye Croaker or Bussing’s Drum. To 38.8 cm (15.5 in) TL (Béarez 2001). 

Southern Baja California to southern Colombia (Béarez 2001), including mouth of Gulf of California 

(Robertson and Allen 2002). At depths of 20–183 m (66–600 ft) or more (min.: Amezcua Linares 1996; 

max.: Walker and Radford 1992). 

Umbrina dorsalis Gill, 1862. Longfin Croaker or Longfin Drum. To 35 cm (13.8 in) TL (Chao in Fischer et al. 

1995). South of Bahia Magdalena, southern Baja California to Ecuador, including southern parts of Gulf 

of California (Walker and Radford 1992). Surf zone (SIO 90-30) and to at least 20 m (66 ft; Aguilar- 

Palomino et al. 2001); juveniles in tidepools (Walker and Radford 1992). 

Umbrina roncador Jordan & Gilbert, 1882. Yellowfin Croaker. To 55.6 cm (21.9 in) TL (M. Shane, pers. 

comm. to M. L.). Point Conception, central California (Miller and Lea 1972) to Bahia Magdalena, 

southern Baja California (De La Cruz-Agüero et al. 1994) and in Gulf of California (Robertson and 

Allen 2002); old records to San Francisco (Miller and Lea 1972). Surf zone to 46 m (150 ft; Miller and 

Lea 1972). 

Umbrina wintersteeni Walker & Radford, 1992. Cortez Croaker or Wintersteen Drum. To 35 cm (13.8 in) 

TL (Robertson and Allen 2002). Near Boca de Soledad, southern Baja California (SIO 64-84) and into 

Gulf of California (Chao in Fischer et al. 1995). At depths of 1–11 m (3–36 ft) (min.: Robertson and 

Allen 2002; max.: LACM 38104.026), and perhaps to 15 m (50 ft; Robertson and Allen 2002). 

Umbrina xanti Gill, 1862. Golden Drum, Polla Drum, or Surf Croaker. To 46.5 cm (18.3 in) TL (Amezcua 

Linares 1996). Bahia Magdalena, southern Baja California (De La Cruz-Agüero et al. 1997) to Chipana, 

Chile (Kong and Valdés 1990), including Gulf of California (Chao in Fischer et al. 1995). At depths 

of 1–107 m (3–351 ft) (min.: Robertson and Allen 2002; max.: Amezcua Linares 1996); juveniles in 

tidepools (Walker and Radford 1992). 

Family Mullidae — Goatfishes 

*Mulloidicthys vanicolensis (Valenciennes, 1831). Yellowfin Goatfish. To 31 cm (12.4 in) TL. Pacific and 

Indian oceans; tip of Baja California and several locations in Central America. At depths of 2–115 m 

(7–377 ft). All in Robertson and Allen (2002). 

Pseudupeneus grandisquamis (Gill, 1863). Bigscale Goatfish or Red Goatfish. To about 30 cm (12 in) TL 

(Eschmeyer and Herald 1983). San Onofre, southern California to Chile (Eschmeyer and Herald 1983), 

including Gulf of California (Schneider in Fischer et al. 1995) and Islas Galápagos (Grove and Lavenberg 

1997). At depths of 1–67 m (3–220 ft) (min.: Robertson and Allen 2002; max.: Zeballos et al. 1998). The 

Mulloidichthys dentatus noted from Long Beach, southern California (Eschmeyer and Herald 1983) was 

based on a misidentification of P. grandisquamis (Lea and Rosenblatt 2000). 

129

Family Chaetodontidae — Butterflyfishes 

Chaetodon humeralis Günther, 1860. Threebanded Butterflyfish. To 26.4 cm (10.6 in) TL (Amezcua Linares 

1996). King Harbor, southern California (Pondella et al. 1998) to Chile (Pequeño 1989), including Islas 

Galápagos (Miller and Lea 1972) and Gulf of California (Galván-Magaña et al. 1996). Tidepools and to 


*Forcipiger flavissimus Jordan & McGregor, 1898. Forcepsfish or Longnose Butterflyfish. To 22 cm (8.7 in) 

TL (Allen and Robertson 1994). Pacific and Indian oceans; Japan (Ida in Masuda et al. 1984); Cabo San 

Lucas and in Gulf of California (Thomson et al. 1979) to Chile (Pequeño 1989), and Islas Galápagos 

(Grove and Lavenberg 1997) and other offshore islands (Robertson and Allen 2002). At depths of 1– 

145 m (3–476 ft) (min.: Robertson and Allen 2002; max.: Ralston et al. 1986). 

Johnrandallia nigrirostris (Gill, 1862). Barberfish. To 20 cm (7.9 in) TL (Allen and Robertson 1994). Islas 

San Benito and Isla Cedros, central Baja California (M. L., unpubl. data) to Pucusana, Peru (Chirichigno 

and Vélez 1998), including Gulf of California and Islas Galápagos (Grove and Lavenberg 1997). At 

depths of 2–40 m (7–131 ft) (min.: LACM 9777.001; max.: Allen and Robertson 1994). 

Prognathodes falcifer (Hubbs & Rechnitzer, 1958). Scythe Butterflyfish or Scythe-marked Butterflyfish. To 

17 cm (6.8 in) TL (Robertson and Allen 2002). Santa Cruz Island, southern California (Richards and 

Engle 2001) to Islas Galápagos (Eschmeyer and Herald 1983), including southern tip of Baja California 

and a number of offshore islands (Robertson and Allen 2002). At depths of 3–270 m (10–896 ft) (min.: 

Pérez-España et al. 1996; max.: McCosker et al. 1997). Recently as Chaetodon falcifer. 

Family Pomacanthidae — Angelfishes 

Holacanthus clarionensis Gilbert, 1891. Clarion Angelfish. To 20 cm (7.8 in) TL (Krupp and Schneider 

in Fischer et al. 1995). Isla Guadalupe, central Baja California (SIO 84-64) and southern tip of Baja 

California, Isla Clárion (Krupp and Schneider in Fischer et al. 1995), and other offshore islands 

(Robertson and Allen 2002). At depths of 0–30 m (98 ft) (min.: Robertson and Allen 2002; max.: Allen 

and Robertson 1994). 

Holacanthus passer Valenciennes, 1846. King Angelfish. To about 30 cm (11.7 in) TL (Grove and Lavenberg 

1997). Isla Guadalupe, central Baja California (SIO 60-10) and Bahia Magdalena, southern Baja 

California (SIO 62-99) to Gulf of California (Krupp and Schneider in Fischer et al. 1995) to Talara, Peru 

(Chirichigno 1974) and Islas Galápagos (Grove and Lavenberg 1997). At depths of 1–80 m (3–262 ft) or 

more (min.: Robertson and Allen 2002; max.: Allen and Robertson 1994). 

Pomacanthus zonipectus (Gill, 1862). Cortez Angelfish. To about 50 cm (19.7 in) TL (Grove and Lavenberg 

1997). Redondo Beach, southern California (Lea and Rosenblatt 2000) to northern Gulf of California (Krupp 

and Schneider in Fischer et al. 1995) to Máncora, Peru (Chirichigno 1974) and Islas Galápagos (Grove and 

Lavenberg 1997). At depths of 1–50 m (4–164 ft) (min.: SIO 50-253; max.: Amezcua Linares 1996). 

Family Pentacerotidae — Armorheads 

Pseudopentaceros wheeleri Hardy, 1983. North Pacific Armorhead or Pelagic Armorhead. To 53 cm 

(21 in) TL (Hart 1973). Japan to Hawaii (Hardy 1983) and Gulf of Alaska (Mecklenburg et al. 2002) 

to central California (Eschmeyer and Herald 1983). Reported in error from Bering Sea (see discussion 

in Mecklenburg et al. [2002:658–659]). Pelagic and benthic, surface to 1,060 m (3,478 ft; Parin 

and Pakhorukov 2003). Includes North Pacific records of Pentaceros richardsoni Smith, 1844, and 

Pseudopentaceros richardsoni; see synonymy in Humphreys et al. (1989). Previously reported from the 

Indian Ocean, but those records represent a different species; pelagic and benthic records of P. wheeleri 

were mapped by Boehlert and Sasaki (1988). 

130

Family Kyphosidae — Sea Chubs 

Girella nigricans (Ayres, 1860). Opaleye. To 66 cm (26 in) TL (Eschmeyer and Herald 1983). Otter Rock, 

Oregon (Bond and Olson 1985) to Cabo San Lucas, southern Baja California (Miller and Lea 1972), 

with an isolated population in the Gulf of California (Robertson and Allen 2002). Intertidal and to 

about 32 m (105 ft) (min.: Eschmeyer and Herald 1983; max.: M. L., unpubl. data); pelagic juveniles 

near surface, often associated with floating material (Watson in Moser 1996). Occasionally found in 

estuaries (Ruiz-Campos et al. 2000). 

Hermosilla azurea Jenkins & Evermann, 1889. Zebraperch or Zebra Sea Chub. To 45 cm (17.7 in) TL 

(Robertson and Allen 2002). Klamath River estuary, northern California (Fritzsche et al. 1991) to Gulf 

of California (Miller and Lea 1972). Intertidal area and to 15 m (49 ft) (min.: Miller and Lea 1972; max.: 


Kyphosus analogus (Gill, 1862). Blue-bronze Chub or Striped Sea Chub. To 45 cm (17.75 in) TL (Eschmeyer and 

Herald 1983). Redondo Beach, southern California (Brooks 1987) to Isla San Lorenzo, Peru (Chirichigno 

and Vélez 1998), includng Islas Galápagos (Grove and Lavenberg 1997) and Gulf of California (Galván- 

Magaña et al. 1996). Surface to 20 m (60 ft) (min.: SIO 52-188; max.: Robertson and Allen 2002). 

Kyphosus elegans (Peters, 1869). Cortez Chub or Cortez Sea Chub. To 38 cm (15.0 in) TL (Sommer in Fischer 

et al. 1995). Pacific coast of southern Baja California and in Gulf of California (Sommer in Fischer et al. 

1995) to Ecuador (Béarez 1996), including Islas Galápagos (Grove and Lavenberg 1997). Shallow waters, 

including intertidal (Grove and Lavenberg 1997), to 20 m (66 ft; Robertson and Allen 2002). 

Medialuna californiensis (Steindachner, 1876). Halfmoon. To 48.3 cm (19 in) TL (Miller and Lea 1972). 

Vancouver Island, British Columbia (Nagtegaal and Farlinger 1981) to southwestern corner of Gulf of 

California (Robertson and Allen 2002). Surface to 44 m (144 ft; M. L., unpubl. data), including intertidal 

area (Allen 1999). 

Sectator ocyurus (Jordan & Gilbert, 1882). Bluestriped Chub or Rainbow Sea Chub. To 70 cm (27.6 in) TL 

(Robertson and Allen 2002). Tropical, mostly eastern Pacific; one record from Japan (Araga in Masuda 

et al. 1984); Redondo Beach, southern California (Brooks 1987) to Ecuador (Béarez 1996), apparently 

excluding Gulf of California (Robertson and Allen 2002) but including Islas Galápagos (Grove and 

Lavenberg 1997). Inshore and pelagic around floating material (Allen and Robertson 1994); on bottom 

to depth of at least 7 m (23 ft; Godinez-Dominguez et al. 2000). 

Family Kuhliidae — Flagtails 

*Kuhlia mugil (Forster, 1801). Barred Flagtail or Fivebar Flagtail. To 40 cm (15.7 in) TL (Sadovy and Cornish 

2000). Pacific and Indian oceans (Randall and Randall 2001); Japan (Mochizuki in Masuda et al. 1984); 

Cabo San Lucas, southern Baja California (De La Cruz-Agüero et al. 1997) to Colombia (Allen and 

Robertson 1994), including Islas Galápagos (Allen and Robertson 1994). Shallow waters (Allen and 

Robertson 1994), surface (SIO 46-220, nightlight) to at least 26 m (85 ft; SIO 64-1044); young fish in 

tidepools (Allen and Robertson 1994). 

Family Cirrhitidae — Hawkfishes 

*Cirrhitichthys oxycephalus (Bleeker, 1855). Coral Hawkfish. Probably no larger than 10 cm (3.9 in) TL 

(Grove and Lavenberg 1997). Pacific and Indian oceans; Japan (Hayashi in Nakabo 2002); Cabo San 

Lucas, southern Baja California (Bussing and Lavenberg in Fischer et al. 1995) into middle Gulf of 

California (Bussing and Lavenberg in Fischer et al. 1995) to Ecuador (Béarez 1996), including Islas 

Galápagos (Grove and Lavenberg 1997) and other offshore islands (Robertson and Allen 2002). At 

depths of 1–40 m (3–132 ft) (min.: Lieske and Myers 2002; max.: Grove and Lavenberg 1997). 

131

Cirrhitus rivulatus Valenciennes, 1846. Giant Hawkfish or Hieroglyphic Hawkfish. To 52 cm (20.4 in) TL 

(Allen and Robertson 1994). Bahia Magdalena, southern Baja California (Galván-Magaña et al. 2000) to 

Ecuador (Béarez 1996), including Gulf of California (Bussing and Lavenberg in Fischer et al. 1995) and 

Islas Galápagos (Grove and Lavenberg 1975). At depths of 1–20 m (3–66 ft) (min.: Robertson and Allen 

2002; max.: Allen and Robertson 1994). 

*Oxycirrhites typus Bleeker, 1857. Longnose Hawkfish. To 13 cm (5.1 in) TL (Bussing and Lavenberg in 

Fischer et al. 1995). Pacific and Indian oceans; Japan (Hayashi in Nakabo 2002); Cabo San Lucas, southern 

Baja California (Bussing and Lavenberg in Fischer et al. 1995) to Colombia (Allen and Robertson 1994), 

including Gulf of California (Bussing and Lavenberg in Fischer et al. 1995), Islas Galápagos (Grove and 

Lavenberg 1997), and Isla Malpelo (Robertson and Allen 2002). At depths of 5–100 m (15–328 ft) (min.: 

Thomson et al. 1979; max.:Allen and Robertson 1994). 

Family Cichlidae — Cichlids 

**Tilapia zillii (Gervais, 1848). Redbelly Tilapia. To 40 cm (15.7 in) SL (Van Oijen 1995). Long Beach Harbor 

area (Dill and Cordone 1997; M. L., unpubl. data). Primarily a freshwater species, T. zillii are periodically 

taken in Long Beach Harbor at least as far south as the Belmont Pier. They probably have been washed 

down rivers or creeks entering the harbor area. 

Family Embiotocidae — Surfperches 

Amphistichus argenteus Agassiz, 1854. Barred Surfperch. To 43.2 cm (17 in) TL (Miller and Lea 1972). Bodega 

Bay, northern California (Miller and Lea 1972) to Bahia Santa Rosalia (28°35'N, 114°10'W), northcentral 

Baja California (SIO 52-160). Surf zone and to 73 m (240 ft; Miller and Lea 1972); occasionally 

found in relatively low salinity conditions (to 24.6 ppt) in estuaries (Ruiz-Campos et al. 2000). 

Amphistichus koelzi (Hubbs, 1933). Calico Surfperch. To 30.5 cm (12 in) TL (Miller and Lea 1972). Cape 

Flattery, Washington (Eschmeyer and Herald 1983) to Arroyo San Isidro, northern Baja California 

(Miller and Lea 1972). Surf zone and to 9.1 m (30 ft; Miller and Lea 1972). 

Amphistichus rhodoterus (Agassiz, 1854). Redtail Surfperch. To 40.6 cm (16 in) TL (Miller and Lea 1972). 

Vancouver Island, British Columbia (Miller and Lea 1972) to Avila Beach, central California (Dentler 

and Grossman 1980). One specimen was reported from the ocean off San Diego, southern California by 

Eigenmann (1892). Surf zone and to 7.3 m (24 ft; Miller and Lea 1972). 

Brachyistius frenatus Gill, 1862. Kelp Perch or Kelp Surfperch. To 21.6 cm (8.5 in) TL (Miller and Lea 1972). 

Near Sitka, southeastern Alaska (Mecklenburg et al. 2002) to Bahia Tortugas, central Baja California, 

including Isla Guadalupe (Miller and Lea 1972). Intertidal area and to 76 m (249 ft) (min.: Hubbs 

and Hubbs 1954; max.: M. L., unpubl. data), seldom in tidepools and primarily at middepths among 

columns of giant kelp (particularly Macrocystis) (Hubbs and Hubbs 1954). 

Cymatogaster aggregata Gibbons, 1854. Shiner Perch, Shiner Surfperch, White Surf-fish, or Yellow Shiner. 

To 20.3 cm (8.0 in) TL (Evermann and Goldsborough 1907). Sitka, southeastern Alaska (Mecklenburg 

et al. 2002) to Bahia San Quintin, northern Baja California (Miller and Lea 1972). Surf zone and to 

146 m (480 ft) (min.: Evermann and Goldsborough 1907; max.: Eschmeyer and Herald 1983), reported 

to 303 m (1,000 ft; Lauth 1999); also in tidepools (Metz 1912). The Island Perch, Cymatogaster gracilis 

Tarp, 1952, is a junior synonym. 

Embiotoca jacksoni Agassiz, 1853. Black Perch or Black Surfperch. To 39 cm (15.35 in) TL (Miller and Lea 

1972). Fort Bragg, northern California to Punta Abreojos, central Baja California, including Isla Guadalupe 

(Miller and Lea 1972). Surface to 46 m (150 ft) (min.: Miller and Lea 1972; max.: Eschmeyer and Herald 

1983), including intertidal area (Eschmeyer and Herald 1983); rarely below 24 m (80 ft; Humann 1996). 

132

Embiotoca lateralis Agassiz, 1854. Blue Seaperch, Striped Seaperch, or Striped Surfperch. To 39.6 cm (15.6 in) 

TL (M. L., unpubl. data). Southeastern Alaska at Klakas Inlet, reported but without documentation as far 

north as Wrangell (see Mecklenburg et al. 2002:663), to Punta Cabras, northern Baja California (Miller 

and Lea 1972). Surface to 50 m (165 ft) (min.: Miller and Lea 1972; max.: M.L., unpubl. data), including 

intertidal area (Chotkowski 1994); reported to 96 m (312 ft; W. A. Palsson, pers. comm. to M. L.). 

Hyperprosopon anale Agassiz, 1861. Spotfin Surfperch. To 20 cm (8 in) TL (Eschmeyer and Herald 1983). Seal 

Rock, Oregon to Bahia Blanca, central Baja California (Miller and Lea 1972). Surface to 101 m (331 ft) 

(min.: Miller and Lea 1972; max.: Weinberg et al. 2002), including surf zone (M. L., unpubl. data). 

Hyperprosopon argenteum Gibbons, 1854. Walleye Surfperch. To 30.5 cm (12 in) TL (Miller and Lea 1972). 

Vancouver Island, British Columbia to Punta San Rosarito, central Baja California, including Isla 

Guadalupe (Miller and Lea 1972). Surface to 182 m (597 ft) (min.: Miller and Lea 1972; max.: M. L., 

unpubl. data), including surf zone (Carlisle et al. 1960). One taken inside the mouth of a stream (24.6 

ppt) during tidal inflow (Ruiz-Campos et al. 2000). 

Hyperprosopon ellipticum (Gibbons, 1854). Silver Surfperch. To 26.7 cm (10.5 in) TL (Miller and Lea 

1972). Brooks Peninsula, British Columbia (Peden and Hughes 1986) to Rio San Vicente, northern Baja 

California (Miller and Lea 1972). Intertidal and to 110 m (360 ft) (min.: Chotkowski 1994; max.: Miller 

and Lea 1972); also one report from a brackish lagoon (Saiki and Martin 2001). 

Hypsurus caryi (Agassiz, 1853). Rainbow Seaperch or Rainbow Surfperch. To 30.5 cm (12 in) TL (Miller and 

Lea 1972). Cape Mendocino, northern California (Miller and Lea 1972) to Punta Santo Tomas (31°33'N, 

116°24’W), northern Baja California (SIO 50-281). Surf zone and to 50 m (165 ft) (min.: Carlisle et al. 

1960; max.: D. Schroeder, pers. comm. to M. L.). 

Micrometrus aurora (Jordan & Gilbert, 1880). Reef Perch or Reef Surfperch. To 18 cm (7.1 in) TL. Tomales 

Bay, northern California to Punta Baja, central Baja California. Intertidal and to 6.1 m (20 ft). All in 

Miller and Lea (1972). 

Micrometrus minimus (Gibbons, 1854). Dwarf Perch or Dwarf Surfperch. To 16 cm (6.25 in) TL (Miller 

and Lea 1972). Bodega Bay, northern California to Isla Cedros, central Baja California (Miller and Lea 

1972). Intertidal and to 9.1 m (30 ft; Miller and Lea 1972). One individual collected from the mouth of 

a coastal creek at a salinity of 1.1 ppt (Ruiz-Campos et al. 2000). 

Phanerodon atripes (Jordan & Gilbert, 1880). Sharpnose Seaperch or Sharpnose Surfperch. To 29 cm 

(11.5 in) TL (Miller and Lea 1972). Yaquina Bay, Oregon (Bond and Olson 1985) to Islas San Benito, 

central Baja California (Miller and Lea 1972). Surface to 229 m (750 ft; Miller and Lea 1972). 

Phanerodon furcatus Girard, 1854. White Seaperch. To 31.5 cm (12.4 in) TL (Miller and Lea 1972). Vancouver 

Island, British Columbia (Miller and Lea 1972) to Bahia San Carlos (29°36'N, 115°12'W; SIO 52-209), 

central Baja California. Surf zone and to 70 m (230 ft) (min.: Carlisle et al. 1960; max.: Allen 1982). 

Rhacochilus toxotes Agassiz, 1854. Rubberlip Seaperch. To 47.0 cm (18.5 in) TL (Miller and Lea 1972). 

Mendocino County, northern California to Cabo Thurloe, southern Baja California, including Isla 

Guadalupe (Miller and Lea 1972). Surf zone and to 50 m (164 ft) (min.: Carlisle et al. 1960; max.: D. 

Schroeder, pers. comm. to M. L.). 

Rhacochilus vacca (Girard, 1855). Pile Perch or Porgee. To 44.2 cm (17.4 in) TL (Miller and Lea 1972). 

Southern British Columbia (Mecklenburg et al. 2002) to Isla Guadalupe, central Baja California (Miller 

and Lea 1972). Individuals were observed at Bahia Playa Maria (28°52'N, 114°30'W; SIO 52-166) 

but specimens were not saved. A report of occurrence from Wrangell, southeastern Alaska lacks 

documentation (Mecklenburg et al. 2002). Intertidal and to 90 m (295 ft) (min.: Chotkowski 1994; 

max.: M. L., unpubl. data), reported to 210 m (690 ft) (W. A. Palsson, pers. comm. to M. L.). Originally 

and still occasionally seen as Damalichthys vacca. 

133

Zalembius rosaceus (Jordan & Gilbert, 1880). Pink Seaperch or Pink Surfperch. To 20.3 cm (8 in) TL (Miller 

and Lea 1972). Point Delgada, northern California (Allen and Smith 1988) to Bahia de San Cristobal, 

central Baja California (Miller and Lea 1972); isolated population in Gulf of California (Miller and Lea 

1972). Surf zone and to 229 m (750 ft) (min.: Carlisle et al. 1960; max.: Eschmeyer and Herald 1983), 

reported to 238 m (784 ft; RACE). 

Family Pomacentridae — Damselfishes 

Abudefduf declivifrons (Gill, 1862). Mexican Night Sergeant. To 18 cm (7.1 in) TL (Allen and Robertson 

1994). Bahia Magdalena, southern Baja California and Gulf of California to Costa Rica (Robertson and 

Allen 2002). Tidepools (SIO 59-208) and to 5 m (17 ft; Allen and Robertson 1994). 

Abudefduf troschelii (Gill, 1862). Panamic Sergeant Major. To 22.9 cm (9 in) TL (Thomson et al. 1979). King 

Harbor, Redondo Beach, southern California (Pondella 1997) to Pucusana, Peru (Chirichigno and Vélez 

1998), including Gulf of California (Schneider and Krupp in Fischer et al. 1995) and Islas Galápagos 

(Grove and Lavenberg 1997) and other offshore islands (Robertson and Allen 2002). Tidepools (Watson 

in Moser 1996) and to 15 m (50 ft; Robertson and Allen 2002). 

Azurina hirundo Jordan & McGregor, 1898. Swallow Damselfish. To 17 cm (6.8 in) TL (Robertson and Allen 

2002). Anacapa, Santa Catalina, and San Clemente islands, southern California (Richards and Engle 

2001); Isla Guadalupe, Rocas Alijos, and Islas Revillagigedo (Allen and Robertson 1994). Shallow waters. 

Chromis alta Greenfield & Woods, 1980. Oval Chromis, Oval Damselfish, or Silverstripe Chromis. To 15 cm 

(5.9 in) TL (Allen and Robertson 1994). Santa Catalina Island, southern California (Richards and Engle 

2001), Islas San Benito, central Baja California (SIO 85-199), and (mainland) Arrecife Sacramento 

(29°40'N, 115°47'W; M. L., unpubl. data), central Baja California to Pucusana, Peru (Chirichigno and 

Vélez 1998), including Gulf of California (Allen and Robertson 1994), Islas Galápagos (Grove and 

Lavenberg 1997), and many other offshore islands (Robertson and Allen 2002). At depths of 1–200 m 

(4–656 ft) (min.: Grove and Lavenberg 1997; max.: McCosker et al. 1997). 

Chromis atrilobata Gill, 1862. Scissortail Chromis or Scissortail Damselfish. To about 13 cm (5.1 in) TL 

(Grove and Lavenberg 1997). Isla Guadalupe (SIO 57-190) and Isla Cedros (M. L., unpubl. data), central 

Baja California and (mainland) Rocas Chester (27°53'N, 115°47'W; M. L., unpubl. data) to Pucusana, 

Peru (Chirichigno and Vélez 1998), including Gulf of California (Schneider and Krupp in Fischer et al. 

1995) and Islas Galápagos (Grove and Lavenberg 1997). At depths of 1–80 m (3–262 ft) (min.: Robertson 

and Allen 2002; max.: Schneider and Krupp in Fischer et al. 1995). 

*Chromis limbaughi Greenfield & Woods, 1980. Blue-and-Yellow Chromis or Limbaugh’s Damselfish. To 

12 cm (4.7 in) TL (Allen and Robertson 1994). Gulf of California to southern tip of Baja California 

(Schneider and Krupp in Fischer et al. 1995). At depths of 5–76 m (17–249 ft) (min.: Schneider and 

Krupp in Fischer et al. 1995; max.: Thomson et al. 2000). 

Chromis punctipinnis (Cooper, 1863). Blacksmith. To 30.5 cm (12 in) TL (Miller and Lea 1972). Monterey 

Bay, central California to Punta San Pablo, central Baja California (Miller and Lea 1972). At depths of 

2–62 m (7–203 ft) (min.: Pondella and Allen 2003; max.: M. L., unpubl. data). 

Hypsypops rubicundus (Girard, 1854). Garibaldi. To 35.6 cm (14 in) TL (Miller and Lea 1972). Monterey 

Bay, central California (Miller and Lea 1972) to southwest corner of Gulf of California, southern Baja 

California (Robertson and Allen 2002). Intertidal and to 29 m (95 ft) (min.: Mitchell 1953; max.: Miller 

and Lea 1972). 

*Microspathodon bairdii (Gill, 1862). Bumphead Damselfish or Sheephead Mickey. To 31 cm (12.1 in) TL 

(Grove and Lavenberg 1997). Gulf of California, including southern tip of Baja California (Schneider and 

Krupp in Fischer et al. 1995), to Ecuador (Thomson et al. 2000), Islas Galápagos (Grove and Lavenberg 

134

1997), and many other offshore islands (Robertson and Allen 2002). At depths of 1–10 m (3–33 ft) 

(min.: Robertson and Allen 2002; max.: Allen and Robertson 1994). 

Microspathodon dorsalis (Gill, 1862). Giant Damselfish. To 31 cm (12.4 in) TL (Grove and Lavenberg 1997). 

Bahia Magdalena, southern Baja California (Grove and Lavenberg 1997) and central Gulf of California to 

Ecuador (Béarez 1996), including Islas Galápagos (Grove and Lavenberg 1997) and many other offshore 

islands (Robertson and Allen 2002). At depths of 1–25 m (3–83 ft; Robertson and Allen 2002). 

*Stegastes acapulcoensis (Fowler, 1944). Acapulco Damselfish or Acapulco Major. To 18 cm (7.2 in) TL 

(Robertson and Allen 2002). Lower Gulf of California (Schneider and Krupp in Fischer et al. 1995) to Islas 

Lobos de Afuera, Peru (Chirichigno and Vélez 1998), including southern tip of Baja California (Schneider 

and Krupp in Fischer et al. 1995) and Islas Galápagos (Grove and Lavenberg 1997). At depths of 1–16 m 

(3–53 ft) (min.: Robertson and Allen 2002; max.: Schneider and Krupp in Fischer et al. 1995). 

Stegastes flavilatus (Gill, 1862). Beaubrummel, Beaubrummel Gregory, or Beaubrummel Major. To 15 cm 

(6 in) TL (Robertson and Allen 2002). Isla Cedros and (mainland) Rocas Chester (27°53'N, 115°47'W; 

M. L., unpubl. data), central Baja California to Pucusana, Peru (Chirichigno and Vélez 1998), including 

Gulf of California (Galván-Magaña et al. 1996), Islas Galápagos (Grove and Lavenberg 1997), and other 

offshore islands (Robertson and Allen 2002). At depths of 1–38 m (3–125 ft) (min.: Schneider and 

Krupp in Fischer et al. 1995; max.: Thomson et al. 2000). Also recently as Eupomacentrus flavilatus. 

Stegastes leucorus (Gilbert, 1892). Whitetail Damselfish or Whitetail Major. To 17 cm (6.7 in) TL (Allen and 

Robertson 1994). Isla Guadalupe (Allen and Robertson 1994) and Islas San Benito (SIO 77-396), central Baja 

California to Mazatlán, Mexico (Thomson et al. 1979), including Gulf of California (Schneider and Krupp in 

Fischer et al. 1995). At depths of 0–18 m (59 ft) (min.: Robertson and Allen 2002; max.: SIO 77-396). 

Stegastes rectifraenum (Gill, 1862). Cortez Damselfish or Cortez Gregory. To 12.7 cm (5.1 in) TL (Thomson 

et al. 1979). Isla San Martin (30°28'N, 116°07'W; M. L., unpubl. data), northern Baja California to 

Pucusana, Peru (Chirichigno and Vélez 1998), including Gulf of California (Thomson et al. 1979) and 

Islas Revillagigedo. Tidepools and to 12 m (40 ft) (min.: Thomson and Lehner 1976; max.: Aburto- 

Oropeza and Balart 2001). 

Stegastes redemptus (Heller & Snodgrass, 1903). Clarion Damselfish or Clarion Major. To 14.5 cm (5.7 in) 

TL (Allen and Robertson 1994). Bahia Santa Maria (24°52'N, 112°15'W), southern Baja California (SIO 

64-43, out on loan and not verified), tip of Baja California (Thomson et al. 1979), and Islas Revillagigedo 

(Allen and Robertson 1994). Intertidal (SIO 73-69) and to 20 m (66 ft; Robertson and Allen 2002). 

Family Labridae — Wrasses 

Bodianus diplotaenia (Gill, 1862). Mexican Hogfish. To 76 cm (29.9 in) TL (Allen and Robertson 1994). Isla 

Guadalupe (Thomson et al. 2000) and Isla Cedros (M. L., unpubl. data), central Baja California and Bahia 

Magdalena, southern Baja California (SIO 62-95) to Chile (Pequeño 1989), including Gulf of California 

(Gomon in Fischer et al. 1995), Islas Galápagos (Grove and Lavenberg 1997), and other offshore islands 

(Robertson and Allen 2002). Parenti and Randall (2000) note that the Chile reference is questionable. The 

next furthest south reference is at Pucusana, Peru (Chirichigno and Vélez 1998). Surface (SIO 62-95) and 

3–76 m (10–250 ft) (min.: Pérez-España et al. 1996; max.: Gomon in Fischer et al. 1995). 

*Decodon melasma Gomon, 1974. Blackspot Wrasse. To 23 cm (9 in) TL (Gomon in Fischer et al. 1995). 

Gulf of California (Gomon in Fischer et al. 1995) to Banco de Máncora, Peru (Chirichigno and Vélez 

1998), including vicinity of Cabo San Lucas, southern Baja California (Gomon in Fischer et al. 1995) 

and Islas Galápagos (Baldwin and McCosker 2001). At depths of 40–160 m (132–525 ft; Allen and 


*Halichoeres adustus (Gilbert, 1890). Black Wrasse. To 12.5 cm (5 in) TL (Gomon in Fischer et al. 1995). 

135

Cabo San Lucas, southern Baja California and offshore islands of Mexico and central America (Robertson 

and Allen 2002). At depths of 0–5 m (17 ft; Robertson and Allen 2002). 

Halichoeres chierchiae Di Caporiacco, 1947. Wounded Wrasse. To 20 cm (7.9 in) TL (Allen and Robertson 

1994). Bahia Magdalena, southern Baja California (SIO 62-85) to Colombia (Robertson and Allen 2002), 

including Gulf of California (Gomon in Fischer et al. 1995) and Islas Galápagos (Victor et al. 2001). At 

depths of 1–70 m (5–230 ft) (min.: Robertson and Allen 2002; max.: Allen and Robertson 1994). 

Halichoeres dispilus (Günther, 1864). Chameleon Wrasse. To 25 cm (9.8 in) TL (Allen and Robertson 1994). 

Islas San Benito (Cowen 1985) and Isla Cedros, central Baja California (M. L., unpubl. data), to northern 

Chile (20°34'S; Vargas et al. 1998), including Islas Galápagos (Grove and Lavenberg 1997), and Gulf 

of California (Gomon in Fischer et al. 1995). Northernmost mainland site is Isla Asuncion (27°06'N, 

114°18'W), southern Baja California (M. L., unpubl. data). Tidepools and to 76 m (3–249 ft) (min.: 

Thomson and Lehner 1976; max.: Gomon in Fischer et al. 1995). 

Halichoeres melanotis (Gilbert, 1890). Golden Wrasse. To 15 cm (5.9 in) TL (Allen and Roberts 1994). Isla 

Cedros and Islas San Benito, central Baja California (M. L., unpubl. data) to Colombia (Robertson and 

Allen 2002), including Gulf of California (Allen and Robertson 1994). At depths of 5–40 m (17–132 ft; 


*Halichoeres nicholsi (Jordan & Gilbert, 1882). Spinster Wrasse. To 38.1 cm (15.2 in) TL (Thomson et al. 

2000). Gulf of California (Gomon in Fischer et al. 1995) to Ecuador (Béarez 1996), including vicinity of 

Cabo San Lucas, southern Baja California (Gomon in Fischer et al. 1995), Islas Galápagos (Grove and 

Lavenberg 1997), and other offshore islands (Robertson and Allen 2002). Tidepools and to depth of 

82 m (7–269 ft) (min.: Thomson and Lehner 1976: max.: Thomson et al. 2000). 

Halichoeres notospilus (Günther, 1864). Banded Wrasse. To 26 cm (10.2 in) TL (Robertson and Allen 2002). 

Bahia San Juanico (26°13'N, 112°28'W), southern Baja California (SIO 64-65) into Gulf of California 

(Gomon in Fischer et al. 1995) to Islas Lobos de Afuera, Peru (Chirichigno and Vélez 1998) and Islas 

Galápagos (Grove and Lavenberg 1997). At depths of 0.5–10 m (2–33 ft; Allen and Robertson 1994). 

Halichoeres semicinctus (Ayres, 1859). Rock Wrasse. To 38 cm (15 in) TL (Eschmeyer and Herald 1983). 

Diablo Cove, central California (J. Carroll, pers. comm. to M. L.) to southern Baja California (Robertson 

and Allen 2002); also at Isla Guadalupe, central Baja California (Miller and Lea 1972) and perhaps 

to Cabo San Lucas, southern Baja California (Gomon in Fischer et al. 1995) and Gulf of California 

(Gomon in Fischer et al. 1995). Tidepools (Eschmeyer and Herald 1983) and surface to 40 m (131 ft) 

(min.: Miller and Lea 1972; max.: Allen and Robertson 1994). 

Iniistius pavo (Valenciennes, 1840). Pacific Razorfish, Pavo Razorfish, Peacock Razorfish, or Peacock Wrasse. 

To 41 cm (16.1 in) TL (Lieske and Myers 2002). Pacific and Indian oceans; Japan (Yamakawa in Masuda 

et al. 1984); Punta Rosarito (28°34'N), central Baja California (Rodriguez-Romero et al. 1993) to 

Panama (Gomon in Fischer et al. 1995), including southwestern and central eastern Gulf of California 

(Robertson and Allen 2002), Islas Galápagos (Grove and Lavenberg 1997), and many other offshore 

islands (Robertson and Allen 2002). At depths of 2 m (7 ft; juveniles) to more than 100 m (320 ft; Myers 

1999). Recently as Xyrichtys pavo. 

*Novaculichthys taeniourus (Lacepède, 1801). Rockmover Wrasse. To 30 cm (12 in) TL (Gomon in Fischer 

et al. 1995). Pacific and Indian oceans; near tip of Baja California and Gulf of California to Colombia, 

including many offshore islands (Robertson and Allen 2002). At depths of 3–30 m (10–99 ft; Robertson 


Oxyjulis californica (Günther, 1861). Señorita. To 25.4 cm (10 in) TL (Miller and Lea 1972). Salt Point, 

northern California (Eschmeyer and Herald 1983) to Bahia Magdalena, southern Baja California (De 

La Cruz-Agüero et al. 1994); also reported, although without attribution, from Bahia Concepcion, Gulf 

136

of California (Galván-Magaña et al. 2000). Intertidal and to 97 m (318 ft) (min.: M. L., unpubl. data; 

max.: Lissner and Dorsey 1986). 

*Polylepion cruentum Gomon, 1977. Bleeding Wrasse. To 24 cm (9.4 in) TL (Gomon in Fischer et al. 1995). 

Lower Gulf of California (Gomon in Fischer et al. 1995) to Costa Rica (Parenti and Randall 2000), 

including Cabo San Lucas, southern Baja California (Gomon in Fischer et al. 1995). At depths of 132– 

236 m (430–774 ft) (min.: SIO 73-273; max.: SIO 79-9). 

*Pseudojuloides inornatus (Gilbert, 1890). Cape Wrasse. Known only from a juvenile collected at Cabo San 

Lucas, southern Baja California. Thomson et al. (2000) suggested that the validity of this species be reexamined. 

Parenti and Randall (2000) noted that the dentition is that of the genus Pseudojuloides and 

that the description of the color of the specimen in preservative by Gilbert (1890) does not match that 

of any known species of the genus. 

Semicossyphus pulcher (Ayres, 1854). California Sheephead. To 91.4 cm (36 in) TL (Miller and Lea 

1972). Monterey Bay, central California to Cabo San Lucas, southern Baja California (Miller and Lea 

1972), including Gulf of California (Gomon in Fischer et al. 1995) and Isla Guadalupe (Miller and 

Lea 1972). Intertidal and to 90 m (295 ft) (min.: Mitchell 1953; max.: M. L., unpubl. data). Recently as 

Pimelometopon pulchrum. 

Thalassoma grammaticum Gilbert, 1890. Green Wrasse, Island Wrasse, or Sunset Wrasse. To 32 cm (12.6 in) 

TL (Gomon in Fischer et al. 1995). Bahia Magdalena, southern Baja California (De La Cruz-Agüero et al. 

1994) into northern Gulf of California (Gomon in Fischer et al. 1995) and to Colombia (Robertson and 

Allen 2002), Islas Galápagos (Grove and Lavenberg 1997), and many other offshore islands (Robertson 

and Allen 2002). At depths of 0–65 m (213 ft; Robertson and Allen 2002). 

Thalassoma lucasanum (Gill, 1862). Cortez Rainbow Wrasse. To 15 cm (5.9 in) TL (Allen and Robertson 

1994). Islas San Benito and Isla Cedros (M. L., unpubl. data) and (mainland) Rocas Chester (27°53'N, 

115°04'W), central Baja California (M. L., unpubl. data) to Ecuador (Béarez 1996), including Gulf of 

California (Gomon in Fischer et al. 1995) and Islas Galápagos (Grove and Lavenberg 1997). At depths 

of 0.5–64 m (2–210 ft; Gomon in Fischer et al. 1995). 

*Thalassoma virens Gilbert, 1890. Emerald Wrasse or Long-finned Wrasse. To 30 cm (11.8 in) TL (Gomon 

in Fischer et al. 1995). Islas Revillagigedo and Isla Clipperton (Allen and Robertson 1994) to tip of Baja 

California (Robertson and Allen 2002) and northwards into the Gulf of California around the La Paz 

area (Victor et al. 2001). At depths of 0–10 m (33 ft; Robertson and Allen 2002). 

Xyrichtys mundiceps Gill, 1862. Cape Razorfish. To 15.9 cm (6.4 in) SL (SIO 87-19). Bahia Magdalena 

(SIO 87-19) and Cabo San Lucas, southern Baja California (Thomson et al. 1979) and central Gulf 

of California to central Mexico (Robertson and Allen 2002). At depths of 5–27 m (17–90 ft) (min.: 

Robertson and Allen 2002; max.: SIO 87-19). 

Family Scaridae — Parrotfishes 

*Calotomus carolinus (Valenciennes, 1840). Halftooth Parrotfish or Stareye Parrotfish. To 50 cm (19.7 in) 

TL. Pacific and Indian oceans; tip of Baja California, Islas Revillagigedo, and Islas Galápagos. At depths 

of 3–25 m (10–83 ft). All in Robertson and Allen (2002). 

Nicholsina denticulata (Evermann & Radcliffe, 1917). Loosetooth Parrotfish. To 30 cm (11.8 in) TL 

(Robertson and Allen 2002). Santa Catalina Island, southern California (Lea et al. 2001); also Islas 

San Benito and Isla Cedros (M. L., unpubl. data) and (mainland) Rocas Chester (27°53'N, 115°04'W), 

central Baja California (M. L., unpubl. data) to Islas Chincha, Peru (Chirichigno 1974), including Gulf 

of California (Robertson and Allen 2002) and Islas Galápagos (Grove and Lavenberg 1997). At depths 

of 1–10 m (4–33 ft) (min.: SIO 50-253; max.: Robertson and Allen 2002). 

137

*Scarus compressus (Osburn & Nichols, 1916). Azure Parrotfish. To at least 60 cm (23.6 in) TL (Robertson 

and Allen 2002). Southern tip of Baja California to Gulf of California (Bellwood in Fischer et al. 1995) 

and Ecuador (Béarez 1996), including Islas Galápagos (Grove and Lavenberg 1997). At depths of 3–25 m 

(10–83 ft) (min.: Pérez-España et al. 1996; max.: Allen and Robertson 1994). 

*Scarus ghobban Forsskål, 1775. Bluebanded Parrotfish, Bluebarred Parrotfish, Bluechin Parrotfish, or 

Yellowscale Parrotfish. To 80 cm (31.5 in) TL (Sadovy and Cornish 2000). Pacific and Indian oceans 

and Mediterranean Sea (Goren and Aronov 2002); Japan (Shimada in Nakabo 2002); Cabo San Lucas, 

southern Baja California (Rosenblatt and Hobson 1969) into Gulf of California (Allen and Robertson 

1994) to Ecuador (Allen and Robertson 1994), including Islas Galápagos (Grove and Lavenberg 1997) 

and other offshore islands (Robertson and Allen 2002). At depths of 1–30 m (3–99 ft) (min.: Robertson 

and Allen 2002; max.: Lieske and Myers 2002). 

Scarus perrico Jordan & Gilbert, 1882. Bumphead Parrotfish. To 80 cm (31.5 in) TL (Allen and Robertson 

1994). Bahia Almejas, southern Baja California (Watson in Moser 1996) to Islas Lobos de Afuera, Peru 

(Grove and Lavenberg 1997), including Gulf of California (Allen and Robertson 1994), Islas Galápagos 

(Grove and Lavenberg 1997), and Isla Malpelo (Robertson and Allen 2002). At depths of 1–30 m (4– 

98 ft) (min.: Robertson and Allen 2002; max.: Thomson et al. 2000). 

*Scarus rubroviolaceus Bleeker, 1847. Bicolor Parrotfish, Ember Parrotfish, or Redlip Parrotfish. To 71 cm 

(28 in) TL (Randall 1996). Pacific and Indian oceans; Japan (Shimada in Nakabo 2002); southern tip of 

Baja California (Bellwood in Fischer et al. 1995) to Ecuador (Béarez 1996), including southern Gulf of 

California (Bellwood in Fischer et al. 1995) and Islas Galápagos (Grove and Lavenberg 1997). At depths 

of 1–35 m (3–115 ft) (min.: Myers 1999; max.: Robertson and Allen 2002). 

Family Bathymasteridae — Ronquils 

Bathymaster caeruleofasciatus Gilbert & Burke, 1912. Alaskan Ronquil. To 30 cm (about 1 ft) TL (Eschmeyer 

and Herald 1983). Commander Islands, Russia and Aleutian Islands, Alaska (Mecklenburg et al. 2002) 

to Queen Charlotte Islands, northern British Columbia (Peden and Wilson 1976). Subtidal, at depths of 

5–225 m (16–738 ft; Stevenson and Matarese 2005). 

Bathymaster leurolepis McPhail, 1965. Smallmouth Ronquil. To 21 cm (8.25 in) TL (Eschmeyer and Herald 

1983). Pacific coast of Hokkaido, Japan (Wakimoto and Amaoka 1994) to Commander Islands, Aleutian 

Islands, and southeastern Bering Sea off Pribilof Islands to Little Port Walter, southeastern Alaska 

(Mecklenburg et al. 2002). Tidepools and shallow inshore areas (Eschmeyer and Herald 1983) and to 

depth of 97 m (318 ft; Stevenson and Matarese 2005). 

Bathymaster signatus Cope, 1873. Searcher. To 38 cm (15 in) TL (Mecklenburg et al. 2002). Pacific coast of 

Hokkaido, Japan (Shinohara et al. 1992), Sea of Okhotsk, and Kuril Islands to western Bering Sea and 

Commander Islands to East Siberian Sea; and Bering Sea, Alaska southeast from Navarin Canyon and 

throughout Aleutian Islands to Washington (Mecklenburg et al. 2002). Records as far south as northern 

British Columbia have good documentation, but those from Washington are uncertain (Stevenson and 

Matarese 2005). Adults at depths of 25–380 m (82–1,247 ft) (min.: Allen and Smith 1988; max.: Fedorov 

1973), juveniles often collected at surface. Reported to depth of 825 m (2,707 ft; Allen and Smith 1988), 

but the fish may not have entered the net near the maximum depth of the tow. 

Rathbunella alleni Gilbert, 1904. Stripefin Ronquil. To 16.1 cm (6.3 in) SL (Kiernan 1990). Marin County, 

north of San Francisco Bay, northern California (Kiernan 1990) to Bahia San Carlos, northern Baja 

California (Stevenson and Matarese 2005). At depths of 1.8–40 m (5.8–131 ft) (min.: Kiernan 1990; 

max.: Stevenson and Matarese 2005); reported to depth of 90 m (295 ft; Watson in Moser 1996) but 

more likely attributable to R. hypoplecta. Kiernan (1990) considered R. alleni to be an inshore species. 

138

Common name is from Nelson et al. (2004); previously called Rough Ronquil (Robins et al. 1980) or 

Stripedfin Ronquil (Robins et al. 1991). 

Rathbunella hypoplecta (Gilbert, 1890). Bluebanded Ronquil. To 21.5 cm (8.5 in) TL (Kiernan 1990). 

Point Conception, southern California to Santo Tomás anchorage (31°33'N, 116°24'W), northern Baja 

California (Stevenson and Matarese 2005). Previous reports from San Francisco and farther north 

are probably due to confusion with R. alleni and perhaps Ronquilus jordani (Stevenson and Matarese 

2005). At depths of 2.7–91.4 m (9–300 ft; Kiernan 1990), reported but not confirmed to 136 m (446 ft; 

SCCWRP). Evidently this is the “deepwater ronquil” of Eschmeyer and Herald (1983) (Stevenson and 

Matarese 2005). Common name, Bluebanded Ronquil, is from Nelson et al. (2004); previously called 

Smooth Ronquil (Robins et al. 1980). Although Stripefin Ronquil was a name in general use for this 

species (Fitch and Lavenberg 1975, Eschmeyer and Herald 1983), R. alleni is actually the stripefin form 

(Kiernan 1990). 

Ronquilus jordani (Gilbert, 1889). Northern Ronquil. To 20 cm (8 in) TL (Jordan and Starks 1895). 

Southeastern Bering Sea (Allen and Smith 1988) and Amchitka Island, Aleutian Islands (Simenstad et al. 

1977) to La Jolla, southern California (Stevenson and Matarese 2005). At depths of 3–275 m (10–908 ft) 

(min.: Eschmeyer and Herald 1983; max.: Allen and Smith 1988), usually shallower than 150 m (492 ft; 

Mecklenburg et al. 2002). 

Family Zoarcidae — Eelpouts 

Bothrocara brunneum (Bean, 1890). Twoline Eelpout. To 72 cm (28.3 in) TL (Glubokov and Orlov 2000). 

Sea of Okhotsk (Schmidt 1950) and Pacific Ocean off Kuril Islands (Sheiko and Fedorov 2000) to 

Commander –Aleutian chain and Bering Sea (Mecklenburg et al. 2002) to Islas Coronados (Miller and 

Lea 1972) and off Bahia Descanso (32°04'N, 117°12'W), northern Baja California (SIO 66-537); also 

Gulf of California (SIO 70-247, SIO 70-248). Benthic, at depths of 129–2,570 m (423–8,432 ft) (min.: 

Sheiko and Fedorov 2000; max.: Anderson 1994). 

Bothrocara molle Bean, 1890. Soft Eelpout. To 58.7 cm (23.2 in) TL (Mecklenburg et al. 2002 [UW 

17767]). Japan Sea (Anderson 1994) and Pacific coast of Honshu (Shinohara et al. 1996) to Bering Sea 

(Mecklenburg et al. 2002) to northern Baja California (30°47'N, 116°52'W; SIO 61-168); also reported 

from Gulf of California (SIO 70-248, SIO 70-249) and Chile (Mecklenburg et al. 2002 [MCZ 45051, 

confirmed by M. E. Anderson]). Benthic, at depths of 60–2,688 m (197–8,819 ft) (min.: Toyoshima in 

Amaoka et al. 1983; max.: Pearcy et al. 1982). Bothrocara remigerum Gilbert, 1915, is a junior synonym 

of B. molle. 

Bothrocara pusillum (Bean, 1890). Alaska Eelpout. To 15.5 cm (6.1 in) SL (Mecklenburg et al. 2002). Eastern 

Bering Sea (Anderson 1994) to Oregon (Gillespie 1993). Taken in bottom and midwater trawls at depths 

of 80–2,189 m (262–7,182 ft) (min.: UW 46034; max.: Pearcy et al. 1982). 

*Bothrocara zestum Jordan & Fowler, 1902. To 48.2 cm (19 in) TL (Jordan and Fowler 1902). Japan Sea and 

Pacific coast of Japan (Lindberg and Krasyukova 1975); possibly Bering Sea (Anderson and Fedorov 

2004; M. E. Anderson, pers. comm. to C. W. M.). Probably benthic, at depths of 600–1,370 m (1,968– 

4,494 ft) (min.: Anderson 1984; max.: Jordan and Fowler 1902). The status of this taxon is uncertain; 

more research is needed (Anderson and Fedorov 2004). Recently also as Lycogramma zesta. 

Derepodichthys alepidotus Gilbert, 1896. Cuskpout. To 15.1 cm (5.9 in) SL (Mecklenburg et al. 2002). Near 

Alaska off Dixon Entrance, northern British Columbia (G. E. Gillespie, pers. comm. to C. W. M.) to Gulf 

of California (Anderson and Hubbs 1981). Benthopelagic, at depths of 1,000–2,904 m (3,280–9,527 ft) 

(min.: Mecklenburg et al. 2002; max.: Anderson and Hubbs 1981). 

139

Eucryphycus californicus (Starks & Mann, 1911). Persimmon Eelpout. To 22 cm (8.75 in) TL (Eschmeyer 

and Herald 1983). Monterey Bay, central California to San Diego, southern California (Eschmeyer and 

Herald 1983). In drifting kelp and eelgrass accumulated at bottom of submarine canyons and basins 

(Eschmeyer and Herald 1983), at depths of 60–545 m (197–1,787 ft) (min.: SCCWRP; max.: Eschmeyer 

and Herald 1983). Recently as Maynea californica. 

Gymnelus hemifasciatus Andriashev, 1937. Halfbarred Pout. To 14 cm (5.5 in) SL. Sea of Okhotsk, 

Commander Islands, east coast of Kamchatka; Barents Sea; Beaufort Sea to northern Gulf of Alaska 

northeast of Kodiak Island. Benthic, from intertidal area to depth of 200 m (656 ft). All in Mecklenburg 

et al. (2002) after Anderson (1982). 

Gymnelus popovi (Taranetz & Andriashev, 1935). Aleutian Pout. To 16.3 cm (6.4 in) SL. Simushir Island, 

Kuril Islands; Commander Islands; Agattu Island (Wilimovsky 1964), Aleutian Islands to Kodiak 

Island at Karluk. Benthic, from intertidal above tidemark at low tide to water depth of 2 m (7 ft). All in 

Mecklenburg et al. (2002) primarily after Anderson (1982). 

Gymnelus viridis (Fabricius, 1780). Fish Doctor. To 26.0 cm (10.2 in) SL, more than 26.6 cm (10.5 in) 

TL (caudal rays broken; UW 44459). Circumpolar in Arctic Ocean; Beaufort Sea to Islands of Four 

Mountains in the eastern Bering Sea and to Gulf of Anadyr in the west (Mecklenburg et al. [2002], 

primarily after Anderson [1982]). Benthic, from intertidal area (Anderson 1982) to 318 m (1,043 ft; 

Koyanagi in Okamura et al. 1995). Chernova (1998) attributed specimens from the northern Bering Sea 

and Chukchi Sea to Gymnelus bilabrus Andriashev, 1937, a form which she resurrected from synonymy; 

this taxonomic problem requires further research. 

Lycenchelys alta Toyoshima, 1985. Short Eelpout. Known from one specimen, 12.7 cm (5.0 in) TL. Buldir 

Island, western Aleutian Islands. Benthic, at 336 m (1,102 ft). All in Mecklenburg et al. (2002) after 

Toyoshima (1985). 

Lycenchelys callista Anderson, 1995. To 20.3 cm (8.0 in) TL. Central Oregon (44°24'N, 125°07'W) to Tanner 

Basin, southern California. Benthic, at depths of 1,200–1,830 m (3,937–6,004 ft). All in Anderson (1995). 

Lycenchelys camchatica (Gilbert & Burke, 1912). Kamchatka Eelpout. To 43 cm (16.9 in) TL (Fedorov 1976). 

Sea of Okhotsk (Toyoshima 1985) and southeastern Kamchatka (Gilbert and Burke 1912), Shirshov 

Ridge (Fedorov 1976), and Commander Islands (Andriashev 1937); Bering Sea south of Cape Navarin 

to near Unalaska Island (Toyoshima 1985, Anderson 1995); Washington (Peden 1973) to northern Baja 

California (Anderson 1995). Benthic, at depths of about 200–2,100 m (656–6,890 ft) (min.: Andriashev 

1937; max.: Anderson 1995). Additional citations in Mecklenburg et al. (2002). 

Lycenchelys crotalinus (Gilbert, 1890). Snakehead Eelpout. To 46.8 cm (18.4 in) TL (Toyoshima 1985). 

Western Bering Sea across Shirshov Ridge and Commander Plateau (Fedorov 1976); eastern Bering Sea 

and Gulf of Alaska (Gilbert 1896, Mecklenburg et al. 2002) to northern Baja California (Anderson 1995). 

Benthic, at depths of 200–2,816 m (656–9,239 ft; Anderson 1995). Additional citations in Mecklenburg 

et al. (2002). Recently as Embryx crotalinus. 

*Lycenchelys hippopotamus Schmidt, 1950. Behemoth Eelpout or Hippopotamus Eelpout. To 22.3 cm 

(8.8 in) TL, but none recorded is fully mature (Anderson 1995). Southern Okhotsk Sea (Schmidt 1950) 

to western Bering Sea southwest of Cape Navarin (Fedorov 1976). Benthic, at depths of 840–1,340 m 

(2,756–4,396 ft) (min.: Fedorov 1976; max.: Toyoshima 1985). Additional citations in Mecklenburg et 

al. (2002). 

Lycenchelys jordani (Evermann & Goldsborough, 1907). Shortjaw Eelpout. To 38.9 cm (15.3 in) TL 

(Anderson 1995). Sitka Sound, southeastern Alaska (Evermann and Goldsborough 1907, Mecklenburg et 

al. 2002); central British Columbia (Peden 1973); and Oregon to Cabo Colnett, northern Baja California 

(Anderson 1995). Benthic, at depths of 1,500–2,570 m (4,921–8,432 ft; Anderson 1995). 

140

Lycenchelys micropora Andriashev, 1955. Manytoothed Eelpout or Pale Eelpout. To 34.9 cm (13.7 in) TL 

(Andriashev 1955). Northern Bering Sea, one record in U.S. waters; Pacific Ocean off British Columbia 

(Mecklenburg et al. 2002) to Gulf of Tehuantepec, central Mexico (14°28'N, 93°09'W; Anderson 

1995). Benthic, at depths of 2,377–3,512 m (7,798–11,522 ft; Anderson 1995). Additional citations in 


Lycenchelys monstrosa Anderson, 1982. To 27.6 cm (10.9 in) TL. Southern Baja California at 27°20'N, 

115°23'W to Gulf of Panama. Benthic, at depths of 3,193–4,188 m (10,476–13,740 ft). All in Anderson 

(1995). 

Lycenchelys pearcyi Anderson, 1995. To 38.5 cm (15.2 in) TL. Northern Oregon to southern tip of Baja 

California. Benthic, at depths of 2,663–3,051 m (8,737–10,010 ft). All in Anderson (1995). 

Lycenchelys plicifera Andriashev, 1955. Keeled Eelpout. To 19.1 cm (7.5 in) TL (a juvenile; Andriashev 1958). 

Western North Pacific off Paramushir Island (Kuril–Kamchatka Trench; Andriashev 1955, 1958); Bering 

Sea north of Near Islands, Aleutian Islands (Aleutian Basin; Andriashev 1955). Benthic, at depths of 

3,820–4,070 m (12,697–13,353 ft) (min.: Andriashev 1955; max.: Andriashev 1958). Additional citations 

in Mecklenburg et al. (2002). Lycenchelys birsteini Andriashev, 1958, is a junior synonym. 

Lycenchelys rassi Andriashev, 1955. Earless Eelpout. To 23.2 cm (9.1 in) TL (Toyoshima 1985). Okhotsk 

Sea off Sakhalin (Andriashev 1955) and Hokkaido (Toyoshima in Amaoka et al. 1983); southwestern 

Bering Sea at Kronotskiy Bay (Anderson 1995); one record from southeastern Bering Sea, Alaska north 

of Unalaska Island (Peden 1973, Mecklenburg et al. 2002). Benthic, at depths of 920–1,805 m (3,018– 

5,922 ft) (min: Dudnik and Dolganov 1992; max.: Peden 1973). 

Lycenchelys ratmanovi Andriashev, 1955. Manypore Eelpout. To 19.0 cm (7.5 in) TL (Andriashev 1955). 

Western Pacific off southeast Kamchatka and northern Kuril Islands; western Bering Sea southwest of 

Cape Navarin and off Cape Olyutorskiy; eastern Bering Sea slope south to Unalaska Island (Fedorov 

1976, Toyoshima 1985, Anderson 1995, Mecklenburg et al. 2002). Benthic, at depths of 620–1,120 m 

(2,034–3,674 ft; Anderson 1995). Known only from immature individuals. Lycenchelys longirostris 

Toyoshima, 1985, is a junior synonym. 

Lycenchelys rosea Toyoshima, 1985. Rosy Eelpout. To 23.7 cm (9.3 in) TL. Known from two specimens. 

Central Aleutian Islands. Benthic, at depths of 358 and 750 m (1,174 and 2,461 ft). All in Mecklenburg 

et al. (2002) after Toyoshima (1985). 

*Lycenchelys volki Andriashev, 1955. Longnape Eelpout. Known from one specimen, 20.8 cm (8.2 in) TL. 

Southwestern Bering Sea northeast of Medny Island, Commander Islands. Benthic, at depth of 3,940 m 

(12,926 ft). All in Mecklenburg et al. (2002), mainly from Andriashev (1955). 

Lycodapus dermatinus Gilbert, 1896. Looseskin Eelpout. To 12.2 cm (4.8 in) SL (Peden and Anderson 

1978). Welker Seamount, Gulf of Alaska (Peden and Anderson 1981); British Columbia (Peden 2003); 

northern Oregon (Peden and Anderson 1978) to Gulf of California (Peden and Anderson 1978) and 

Peru (Anderson 1989). Bering Sea and western Gulf of Alaska reports not verifiable (Mecklenburg et al. 

2002); M. E. Anderson (pers. comm. to C. W. M.) recently commented that the Unimak Island record is 

surely a label switching error (see Mecklenburg et al. 2002:740). Mesopelagic and bathypelagic, at depths 

of 198–1,370 m (650–4,495 ft) (min.: UW 47326; max.: Peden and Anderson 1978). 

Lycodapus endemoscotus Peden & Anderson, 1978. Deepwater Eelpout. To 13.2 cm (5.2 in) SL (Peden 

and Anderson 1978). Southern Bering Sea north of Pribilof Islands (D. E. Stevenson, pers. comm. to 

C. W. M.; identified by M. E. Anderson) and off central Aleutian Islands (Anderson 1989) to Gulf of 

California (Peden and Anderson 1978) and off Peru (Anderson 1989). Mesopelagic and bathypelagic, at 

depths to 439–2,225 m (1,440–7,300 ft) (min.: Anderson 1989; max.: Peden and Anderson 1978). 

141

Lycodapus fierasfer Gilbert, 1890. Blackmouth Eelpout. To 14.1 cm (5.6 in) SL (Mecklenburg et al. 2002). 

Western Bering Sea on Shirshov Ridge (Mecklenburg et al. 2002); eastern Bering Sea (Peden and Anderson 

1978, 1981); and off Dixon Entrance, northern British Columbia (G. E. Gillespie, pers. comm. to C. W. M.) 

to Peru (Anderson 1989). Mesopelagic and bathypelagic to benthopelagic, at depths to 102–2,189 m 

(335–7,182 ft; Peden and Anderson 1978). Lycodapus grossidens Gilbert, 1915, in part, is a synonym. 

Lycodapus leptus Peden & Anderson, 1981. Slender Eelpout. To 9.8 cm (3.9 in) SL. Eastern Bering Sea. 

Mesopelagic, at depths to 465–760 m (1,526–2,493 ft). All in Peden and Anderson (1981). 

Lycodapus mandibularis Gilbert, 1915. Pallid Eelpout. To 19.8 cm (7.8 in) SL (Peden and Anderson 1978). 

Prince William Sound, Gulf of Alaska to La Jolla Canyon, southern California (Peden and Anderson 

1978). A report of occurrence off Peru is a mistake (M. E. Anderson, pers. comm. to C. W. M., 1 Dec. 

1998). Mesopelagic, typically taken in midwater tows at depths to 800 m (2,625 ft) but sometimes in 

bottom trawls (Mecklenburg et al. 2002); reported as shallow as 203 m (666 ft; W. A. Palsson, pers. 

comm. to M. L.) and deep as 1,237 m (4,058 ft; Lauth 2000). 

Lycodapus pachysoma Peden & Anderson, 1978. Stout Eelpout. To 20 cm (7.9 in) TL (Anderson in Gon 

and Heemstra 1990). Eastern Pacific Ocean and Southern Ocean (Peden and Anderson 1978); Bering 

Sea, Alaska (D. E. Stevenson, pers. comm. to C. W. M.; specimen identified by M. E. Anderson); near 

Alaska off Dixon Entrance, northern British Columbia (G. E. Gillespie, pers. comm. to C. W. M.) to 

Oregon (50°54'N; Peden and Anderson 1978). Mesopelagic and bathypelagic, at depths of 534–2,600 m 

(1,752–8,530 ft) (min.: UW 47335; max.: Anderson in Gon and Heemstra 1990). 

Lycodapus parviceps Gilbert, 1896. Smallhead Eelpout. To 12.2 cm (4.8 in) TL (Peden and Anderson 1978), 

perhaps to 16.6 cm (6.5 in) TL (Mecklenburg et al. 2002). Southeastern Bering Sea off Unalaska Island 

(Gilbert 1896) to Strait of Juan de Fuca near British Columbia–Washington border (Peden and Anderson 

1978). Mesopelagic, at depths to 81–469 m (266–1,539 ft) (min.: Peden and Anderson 1978; max.: UW 47562). 

Lycodapus poecilus Peden & Anderson, 1981. Variform Eelpout. To 12.6 cm (5.0 in) SL (Peden and Anderson 

1981). Eastern Bering Sea continental slope (Peden and Anderson 1981). Mesopelagic, at depths to 

313–900 m (1,027–2,952 ft) (min.: UW 47567; max.: Peden and Anderson 1981). 

Lycodapus psarostomatus Peden & Anderson, 1981. Specklemouth Eelpout. To 15.5 cm (6.1 in) SL (Peden 

and Anderson 1981). Eastern Bering Sea (Peden and Anderson 1981); British Columbia (Peden 2003); 

Monterey Bay, central California (Anderson 1989). Mesopelagic, at depths to 470–590 m (1,542–1,936 ft; 

Peden and Anderson 1981). The one record from California was a 9.8 cm SL specimen collected by 

midwater trawl at 0–15 m (0–49 ft; Anderson 1989). 

Lycodes brevipes Bean, 1890. Shortfin Eelpout. To 32.8 cm (12.9 in) TL (Toyoshima 1985). Eastern Chukchi 

Sea (UAM 4563; 69°40'N, 168°39'W), western and eastern Bering Sea and eastern Aleutian Islands 

(Mecklenburg et al. 2002) to central California (34°34'N; Weinberg et al. 2002). Benthic, at depths of 13– 

973 m (42–3,192 ft) (min.: W. A. Palsson, pers. comm. to M. L.; max.: Allen and Smith 1988), reported 

at about 2 m (7 ft) or less in beach seine catch (Miller et al. 1977). 

Lycodes brunneofasciatus Suvorov, 1935. Tawnystripe Eelpout. To 65.5 cm TL (Toyoshima 1985). Sea of 

Okhotsk and North Pacific off Hokkaido to southeastern Kamchatka and Commander Islands; one 

record from eastern North Pacific near Unalaska Island, Alaska. Benthic, at depths of 20–800 m. All 

except length in Mecklenburg et al. (2002). 

Lycodes concolor Gill & Townsend, 1897. Ebony Eelpout. To about 80 cm (31.5 in) TL (Mecklenburg et al. 

2002). Western Bering Sea to southern Okhotsk Sea and northern Kuril Islands; one eastern Chukchi 

Sea record; eastern Bering Sea from Navarin Canyon to Aleutian Islands and west to Stalemate Bank, and 

south of Aleutian Islands to Kodiak Island, western Gulf of Alaska (Mecklenburg et al. 2002). Benthic, at 

depths of 42–1,200 m (138–3,937 ft) (min.: Allen and Smith 1988; max.: Hoff and Britt 2003). 

142

Lycodes cortezianus (Gilbert, 1890). Bigfin Eelpout. To 49.3 cm (19.4 in) TL (Bali and Bond 1959). Prince 

of Wales Island, southeastern Alaska (Allen and Smith 1988) to San Diego, southern California (Miller 

and Lea 1972). Not documented from western Gulf of Alaska or Bering Sea (Mecklenburg et al. 2002). 

Benthic, at depths of 61–1,158 m (200–3,799 ft) (min.: Weinberg et al. 2002; max.: Ramsey et al. 2002), 

reported as shallow as 20 m (66 ft) (W. A. Palsson, pers. comm. to M. L.). 

Lycodes diapterus Gilbert, 1892. Black Eelpout or Blackfin Eelpout. To 37.1 cm (14.6 in) TL (Toyoshima 

1985). Sea of Japan and Sea of Okhotsk to northern Bering Sea at Navarin Canyon, west to Attu Island 

in Aleutian Islands and to San Diego, southern California (Allen and Smith 1988). Benthic, at depths of 

13–1,300 m (42–4,265 ft) (min.: Eschmeyer and Herald 1983; max.: Allen and Smith 1988). 

Lycodes eudipleurostictus Jensen, 1902. Doubleline Eelpout. To 44.5 cm (17.5 in) TL. Atlantic Arctic; one 

record from Beaufort Sea north of Kaktovik, Alaska. Benthic, at depths of 25–975 m (82–3,199 ft). All 


Lycodes japonicus Matsubara & Iwai, 1951. Japanese Eelpout. To 34.0 cm SL (Nalbant 1994). Sea of Japan 

off Honshu in Toyama Bay and near Sado Island; one record from eastern North Pacific from Bering 

Sea north of Near Islands (western Aleutian Islands), Alaska. Benthic, at depths of about 300–303 m 

(984–994 ft). All in Mecklenburg et al. (2002). 

*Lycodes jugoricus Knipowitsch, 1906. Shulupaoluk. To 40 cm (15.7 in) TL (Andriashev in Whitehead et al. 

1986). White Sea east to Laptev Sea, New Siberian Islands (Andriashev 1954), and East Siberian Sea (mouth 

of Kolyma River; Andriashev in Whitehead et al. 1986); Arctic Canada from eastern Beaufort Sea, Yukon 

Territory (McAllister 1962) to Boothia Peninsula, Nunavut (Hunter et al. 1984). Not reported from Alaska 

although likely occurs there. Reported but not confirmed from Chukchi Sea; see range note in Mecklenburg 

et al. (2002:706). Benthic, at depths of 9–90 m (29–295 ft; Andriashev in Whitehead et al. 1986). 

Lycodes mucosus Richardson, 1855. Lightcheek Eelpout or Saddled Eelpout. To 49 cm (19.3 in) TL 

(Andriashev 1954); at 48.5 cm SL, UW 111520 was probably a bit more than 49 cm TL but the caudal 

rays are broken off (C. W. M., unpubl. data). Russian Arctic to Gulf of Anadyr; Beaufort Sea off Canada 

and Alaska to Bering Sea near Pribilof Islands (Mecklenburg et al. 2002). Benthic, at depths of 1.5–80 m 

(5–262 ft) (min.: UW 41493; max.: Mecklenburg et al. 2002). 

Lycodes pacificus Collett, 1879. Blackbelly Eelpout. To 46 cm (18 in) TL (Jordan and Evermann 1898). Aleutian 

Islands and Gulf of Alaska (Mecklenburg et al. 2002) to Ensenada, northern Baja California (Miller and 

Lea 1972). Benthic, at depths of 7–1,036 m (23–3,399 ft) (min.: SCCWRP; max.: Ramsey et al. 2002). 

Lycodes palearis Gilbert, 1896. Wattled Eelpout. To 62.0 cm (24.4 in) TL (UW 28872, UW 28873). Okhotsk 

Sea to Chukchi Sea, over the continental shelf in the Bering Sea and off the Aleutian Islands to Oregon 

(Mecklenburg et al. 2002). Benthic, at depths of about 2 m (7 ft) or less to 925 m (3,035 ft) (min.: Miller 

et al. 1977 and UW 978 [beach seine]; max.: Allen and Smith 1988), nearly always less than 200 m 

(656 ft; Mecklenburg et al. 2002). Rarely recorded from very shallow water, L. palearis were caught in 

about 3 m (9.8 ft) of water at low tide at Jackson Beach, San Juan Island, on two different days (A. P. 

Summers, pers. comm. to M. L. and C. W. M.). 

Lycodes polaris (Sabine, 1824). Canadian Eelpout or Polar Eelpout. To 24.5 cm (9.6 in) TL (Andriashev 

1954). Nearly circumpolar along Arctic coasts; Beaufort and Chukchi seas to eastern Bering Sea between 

Hall Island and St. Lawrence Island to western Bering Sea off Cape Olyutorskiy. Benthic, at depths of 5– 

236 m (16–774 ft). All in Mecklenburg et al. (2002). The American Fisheries Society (Nelson et al. 2004) 

calls this fish the Canadian Eelpout, but its range is nearly circumpolar and Canadian (e.g., McAllister 

1990, Coad 1995) and Russian scientists (e.g., Sheiko and Fedorov 2000), as well as many U.S. scientists 

(e.g., Mecklenburg et al. 2002), call it the Polar Eelpout. With the specific epithet polaris, it is logical and 

less confusing to use the name Polar Eelpout. 

143

Lycodes raridens Taranetz & Andriashev, 1937. Marbled Eelpout or Sparse-tooth Lycod. To 70 cm (27.6 in) 

TL. Western Bering Sea and Commander Islands to Okhotsk Sea; Chukchi and Bering seas to Bristol 

Bay, and one record north of Near Islands, western Aleutian Islands. Benthic, at depths of 8–360 m 

(26–1,181 ft). All in Mecklenburg et al. (2002). Maximum depth of 525 m (1,722 ft) was reported for 

L. raridens wintering off the shelf in the Okhotsk Sea (Kim Sen Tok 2001). 

*Lycodes reticulatus Reinhardt, 1835. Arctic eelpout. To 76 cm (29.9 in) TL (Morosova 1982). Arctic Canada 

to Greenland and Gulf of St. Lawrence, and east to Barents, Kara, and Laptev seas. Records nearest to 

our area are from just east of the Alaska–Yukon border in the Beaufort Sea (Mecklenburg et al. 2002). 

Benthic, at depths of 20–930 m (66–3,051 ft; Mecklenburg et al. 2002). 

Lycodes rossi Malmgren, 1865. Threespot Eelpout. To 31 cm (12.3 in) TL (Andriashev 1954). Greenland 

and Norwegian seas to Kara Sea; Chukchi and Beaufort seas off Alaska east to Canadian Arctic at Dease 

Strait (Mecklenburg et al. 2002). Benthic, at depths of 42–365 m (138–1,197 ft), except juveniles as 

shallow as 9 m (29 ft; Mecklenburg et al. 2002). 

Lycodes sagittarius McAllister, 1976. Archer Eelpout. To 27.8 cm (10.9 in) TL (Mecklenburg et al. 2002). 

Beaufort Sea, Alaska; Northwest Territories, Canada; and Kara Sea (Mecklenburg et al. 2002). Benthic, 

at depths of 335–600 m (1,099–1,968 ft) (min.: Mecklenburg et al. 2002; max.: Andriashev in Whitehead 

et al. 1986). 

Lycodes seminudus Reinhardt, 1837. Longear Eelpout. To 51.7 cm (20.3 in) TL (Mecklenburg et al. 2002). 

Arctic Ocean from Beaufort Sea, Alaska to Norwegian and Kara Seas (Mecklenburg et al. 2002). Benthic, 

at depths of 130–1,400 m (426–4,593 ft; Andriashev in Whitehead et al. 1986). 

Lycodes soldatovi Taranetz & Andriashev, 1935. Dipline Eelpout. To 80 cm (31.5 in) TL (Balanov et al. 

2004). Okhotsk and Japan seas to Bering Sea (Lindberg and Krasyukova 1975). One record from Alaska 

(Mecklenburg et al. 2002). Balanov et al. (2004) question whether this species occurs in the Sea of Japan. 

Benthic, at depths of 154–1,030 m (505–3,379 ft; Sheiko and Fedorov 2000). 

Lycodes squamiventer Jensen, 1904. Scalebelly Eelpout. To 26 cm (10.2 in) TL. Beaufort Sea off Alaska to 

Norwegian Sea. Benthic, at depths of 357–1,808 m (1,171–5,932 ft). All in Mecklenburg et al. (2002). 

Lycodes turneri Bean, 1879. Estuarine Eelpout or Polar Eelpout. To 64 cm (25.2 in) TL (Mecklenburg et al. 

2002). Beaufort and Chukchi seas to Bristol Bay in the eastern Bering Sea and to about Cape Olyutorskiy 

in the western Bering Sea (Mecklenburg et al. 2002). Benthic, at depths of 10–125 m (33–410 ft) (min.: 

Mecklenburg et al. 2002; max.: Allen and Smith 1988). The AFS–ASIH fish names committee (Nelson et 

al. 2004) calls this fish the Polar Eelpout, the name we prefer for L. polaris. 

Lyconema barbatum Gilbert, 1896. Bearded Eelpout. To 18 cm (7.1 in) TL (Allen et al. 2002). Northern 

Oregon (45°00'N, 124°23'W; A. Cramer, pers. comm. to M. L.) to between Islas San Benito and Isla 

Cedros (28°17'N, 115°28'W), central Baja California (SIO 71-121). Published reports of occurrence 

in the Bering Sea are mistaken (Mecklenburg et al. 2002:676). Benthic, at depths of 45–400 m (148– 

1,312 ft) (min.: SCCWRP; max.: Wakefield 1990). 

Melanostigma pammelas Gilbert, 1896. Midwater Eelpout or Pacific Softpout. To 12.2 cm (4.8 in) SL (SIO 

64-1027), 13.3 cm (5.2 in) TL (Lancraft 1982). Off Queen Charlotte Islands, British Columbia (Grinols 

1966) to Gulf of Tehuantepec, Mexico (Anderson 1994). Not documented from Alaska (Mecklenburg et 

al. 2002). Mesopelagic and possibly bathypelagic, collected in nets towed from 97 m (318 ft) to as deep 

as 2,012 m (6,601 ft; Mecklenburg et al. 2002). 

Nalbantichthys elongatus Schultz, 1967. Thinskin Eelpout. To 13.8 cm (5.4 in) TL (Springer and Anderson 

1997). Bering Sea near western Aleutian Islands (Schultz 1967, Anderson 1984) at positions estimated 

and plotted in Mecklenburg et al. (2002). Benthic, at depths of 300–520 m (984–1,706 ft) (min.: Schultz 

1967; max.: Anderson 1984). 

144

Opaeophacus acrogeneius Bond & Stein, 1984. Bulldog Eelpout. To 15.4 cm (6.1 in) SL. Seguam and Umnak 

Islands, Aleutian Islands. Benthic, at depths of 500–800 m (1,640–2,625 ft). All in Mecklenburg et al. 

(2002) after Bond and Stein (1984). 

Pachycara bulbiceps (Garman, 1899). Snubnose Eelpout. To 52.5 cm (20.7 in) SL (Anderson and Peden 

1988). Pacific and North Atlantic; Queen Charlotte Islands, northern British Columbia (Mecklenburg et 

al. 2002) to Chile (25°27'N, 71°52'W; SIO 72-160). Benthic, at depths of 2,400–4,780 m (7,874–15,682 ft; 

Anderson and Peden 1988). 

Pachycara gymninium Anderson & Peden, 1988. Nakednape Eeelpout. To 42.2 cm (16.6 in). Queen Charlotte 

Islands, northern British Columbia to vicinity of Isla Guadalupe, central Baja California; and Gulf of 

California. Benthic, at depths of 1,829–3,219 m (6,000–10,561 ft). All in Mecklenburg et al. (2002) after 

Anderson and Peden (1988). 

Pachycara lepinium Anderson & Peden, 1988. Scalynape Eelpout. To 59.7 cm (23.5 in) TL. Queen Charlotte 

Islands, northern British Columbia to vicinity of Isla Guadalupe, central Baja California. Benthic, at 

depths of 1,728–2,970 m (5,669–9,744 ft). All in Mecklenburg et al. (2002) after Anderson and Peden 

(1988). 

Puzanovia rubra Fedorov, 1975. Tough Eelpout. To 38 cm (15.0 in) TL (Tokranov et al. 2004). Okhotsk 

Sea (Fedorov 1975), Pacific Ocean off Hokkaido (Amaoka et al. 1977) to northern Kuril Islands, and 

Shirshov Ridge, southwestern Bering Sea (Fedorov 1975); Cape Navarin, northern Bering Sea to Pribilof 

Islands and north of Aleutian Islands (Fedorov 1975, Mecklenburg et al. 2002). Benthic, at depths of 

200–1,038 m (656–3,405 ft) (min.: Fedorov 1975; max.: Hoff and Britt 2003). 

Taranetzella lyoderma Andriashev, 1952. Ghostly Eelpout. To 16.0 cm (6.3 in) SL, 16.5 cm (6.6 in) TL 

(Anderson 1995). Suruga Bay, Japan (Machida and Ohta 1996); western Bering Sea at Olyutorskiy Bay 

(Andriashev 1952); eastern Bering Sea off southern British Columbia (Peden and Jamieson 1988) to Isla 

Guadalupe, central Baja California (Anderson 1995). Benthopelagic, at depths of 986–3,000 m (3,235– 

9,842 ft) (min.: Machida and Ohta 1996; max.: Pearcy et al. 1982). Additional citations in Mecklenburg 

et al. (2002). 

Family Stichaeidae — Pricklebacks 

Acantholumpenus mackayi (Gilbert, 1896). Blackline Prickleback or Pighead Prickleback. To 70 cm (27.6 in) 

SL (Amaoka and Miki in Masuda et al. 1984). Okhotsk and Japan seas, Pacific coast of Hokkaido, and 

southeastern Kamchatka; Canadian Beaufort Sea to eastern Chukchi Sea, eastern Bering Sea, Aleutian 

Islands, and Gulf of Alaska (Mecklenburg et al. 2002). Shallow water near shore at depths of 2–56 m (7– 

184 ft) (min.: B. A. Sheiko, pers. comm. to C. W. M.; max.: Mecklenburg et al. 2002), often in brackish 

waters of river mouths and coastal lakes. Collections from depths as great as 150 m (492 ft) have been 

reported, but they lack documentation and could represent misidentified Lumpenus sagitta, a common 

misidentification in older museum lots (C. W. M., unpubl. data). 

Alectrias alectrolophus (Pallas, 1814). Stone Cockscomb. To 12.8 cm (5.0 in) TL (Lindberg and Krasyukova 

1975). Sea of Okhotsk and northern Sea of Japan to southeastern Kamchatka and Commander Islands; 

Norton Sound, Bering Sea, Alaska; an uncertain record from Amchitka Island, Aleutian Islands 

(Mecklenburg et al. 2002). Intertidal (primarily) and shallow subtidal to 100 m (328 ft) (min.: Peden 

1967; max.: Sheiko and Fedorov 2000). 

Alectridium aurantiacum Gilbert & Burke, 1912. Lesser Prickleback. To 10.2 cm (4.0 in) SL (Balanov et al. 

1999). Kuril Islands, Commander Islands, and Aleutian Islands (Balanov et al. 1999). Lower intertidal 

and shallow subtidal to depth of 56 m (184 ft) (min.: Peden 1967; max.: Sheiko and Fedorov 2000), 

including tidepools (Balanov et al. 1999). 

145

Anisarchus medius (Reinhardt, 1837). Stout Eelblenny. To 18 cm (7.1 in) TL (Mecklenburg et al. 2002). 

Nearly circumpolar in Arctic Ocean; southern Greenland to Gulf of St. Lawrence; Barents Sea and along 

Siberian coasts to Chukchi and Beaufort seas to Tatar Strait (northern Sea of Japan) and Okhotsk Sea, 

and to southeastern Alaska at Auke Bay (Mecklenburg and Sheiko 2004) and Coco Harbor (55°03'N, 

133°02'W; B. L. Wing, pers. comm. to C. W. M.). Depth range 2.5–265 m (8–869 ft) (min.: Thorsteinson 

et al. 1991; max.: ZIN 50346). Classified by some authors in Lumpenus. Date of the original species 

description is 1837, although previously given as 1836 (Mecklenburg and Sheiko 2004). 

Anoplarchus insignis Gilbert & Burke, 1912. Slender Cockscomb. To 11.8 cm (4.6 in) TL (Peden and Wilson 

1976). Attu Island, Aleutian Islands to Pribilof Islands and Bristol Bay, Bering Sea, Alaska (Mecklenburg 

et al. 2002) to Arena Cove, northern California (Eschmeyer and Herald 1983). Intertidal and to 55 m 

(180 ft) (min.: Eschmeyer and Herald 1983; max.: C. W. M., unpubl. data). 

Anoplarchus purpurescens Gill, 1861. High Cockscomb. To 20 cm (7.8 in) TL (Hart 1973). Attu Island, 

Aleutian Islands and Pribilof Islands, Bering Sea (Mecklenburg et al. 2002) to Santa Rosa Island, southern 

California (Miller and Lea 1972). Intertidal and to 30 m (100 ft; Eschmeyer and Herald 1983), including 

tidepools (Cross 1981). 

Bryozoichthys lysimus (Jordan & Snyder, 1902). Longfin Moss Blenny, Longfin Prickleback, or Nutcracker 

Prickleback. To 27 cm (10.6 in) SL (Tokranov and Orlov 2004). Sea of Japan off Primorskii Krai (Russian 

coast; Antonenko et al. 2004), Hokkaido, and Tatar Strait, Pacific Ocean off Hokkaido, and Okhotsk Sea 

to Aleutian Islands, Bering Sea north to Cape Navarin and vicinity of St. Matthew Island, and western 

Gulf of Alaska (Mecklenburg et al. 2002). At depths of 45–490 m (148–1,608 ft; Lavrova 1990). 

Bryozoichthys marjorius McPhail, 1970. Pearly Prickleback. To 30 cm (1 ft) TL (Eschmeyer and Herald 

1983). Western Aleutian Islands to Gulf of Alaska (Mecklenburg et al. 2002) to La Perouse Bank, southern 

British Columbia (Peden and Wilson 1976). At depths of 99–374 m (325–1,227 ft) (min.: UW 110060; 

max.: UW 22302). Incorrectly spelled majorius by some authors. 

Cebidichthys violaceus (Girard, 1854). Monkeyface Prickleback. To 76.2 cm (30 in) TL (Miller and Lea 

1972). Southern Oregon (Eschmeyer and Herald 1983) to Bahia San Quintin, northern Baja California 

(Miller and Lea 1972). Intertidal and to depth of 24 m (80 ft; Miller and Lea 1972), reported but not 

confirmed to 91 m (300 ft; D. Pearson, pers. comm. to M. L.); typically intertidal. 

Chirolophis decoratus (Jordan & Snyder, 1902). Decorated Warbonnet. To 42 cm (16.5 in) TL (Eschmeyer 

and Herald 1983). Eastern Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands, Alaska (Mecklenburg et al. 2002) to 

Humboldt Bay, northern California (Eschmeyer and Herald 1983). Subtidal and to depth of 91 m 

(300 ft; Eschmeyer and Herald 1983). 

Chirolophis nugator (Jordan & Williams, 1895). Mosshead Warbonnet. To more than 14.6 cm (5.75 in) TL 

(Peden and Wilson 1976). Western Aleutian Islands, Alaska (Mecklenburg et al. 2002) to San Miguel 

Island, southern California (Miller and Lea 1972). Intertidal and to 80 m (264 ft; Miller and Lea 1972). 

Chirolophis snyderi (Taranetz, 1938). Bearded Warbonnet or Wendell’s Warbonnet. To 41.7 cm (16.4 in) 

TL (UW 21190). Sea of Okhotsk, west coast of Sakhalin (northern Sea of Japan), and Pacific coast of 

Hokkaido to Bering and Chukchi seas, Aleutian Islands west to Adak Island (UW 21190), to northwestern 

Gulf of Alaska (Mecklenburg et al. 2002). At depths of 3–490 m (10–1,608 ft) (min.: Barsukov 1958; 

max.: Lavrova 1990), typically less than 70 m (230 ft) . 

Chirolophis tarsodes (Jordan & Snyder, 1902). Matcheek Warbonnet. To 17.6 cm (6.9 in) SL (Peden 

1975). Pacific Ocean south of Sanak Islands and western Gulf of Alaska at Chiniak Bay, Kodiak Island 

(Mecklenburg et al. 2002); Queen Charlotte Islands, northern British Columbia (Peden 1975). At depths 

of 1–75 m (3–246 ft; Mecklenburg et al. 2002). 

146

Ernogrammus walkeri Follett & Powell, 1988. Masked Prickleback. To 28.8 cm (11.3 in) SL. Monterey Bay, 

central California to San Miguel Island, southern California. Intertidal and to depth of 21.3 m (70 ft). 

All in Follett and Powell (1988). 

Esselenichthys carli (Follett & Anderson, 1990). Threeline Prickleback. To 17.5 cm (6.9 in) SL. Pacific Grove, 

northern California to Bahia San Quintin, northern Baja California. At depths of 1.2–26 m (4–85 ft). All in 

Follett and Anderson (1990). The original genus name was Esselenia but this name is not available for fishes 

because it was already given to a grasshopper, so Anderson (2003) changed the name to Esselenichthys. 

Esselenichthys laurae (Follett & Anderson, 1990). Twoline Prickleback. To 9.8 cm (3.9 in) SL. Farallon 

Islands, northern California to Punta Banda, northern Baja California. At depths of 10.7–46 m (35– 

151 ft). All in Follett and Anderson (1990). The original genus name was Esselenia but was preoccupied 

as a grasshopper name, so Anderson (2003) changed the name to Esselenichthys. 

Eumesogrammus praecisus (Krøyer, 1837). Fourline Snakeblenny. To 23 cm (9.1 in) TL. Sea of Okhotsk to 

northern Bering Sea and Chukchi and Beaufort seas, Alaska through Canadian Arctic to western North 

Atlantic. At depths of 16–400 m (52–1,312 ft), typically less than 70 m (230 ft). All in Mecklenburg et al. 

(2002) and Mecklenburg and Sheiko (2004). 

Gymnoclinus cristulatus Gilbert & Burke, 1912. Trident Prickleback. To 11.6 cm (4.6 in) SL. Hokkaido to 

Kuril Islands, eastern Kamchatka, Commander Islands, and western Aleutian Islands at Amchitka Island, 

Alaska. Intertidal and to depth of 40 m (131 ft), usually in tidepools or shallower than 20 m (66 ft). All 


Kasatkia seigeli Posner & Lavenberg, 1999. Sixspot Prickleback. To 14 cm (5.5 in) TL. Mendocino County, 

northern California to Diablo Cove, central California. Inshore and to depth of 26 m (85 ft). All in 

Eschmeyer and Herald (1983) from Kasatkia sp.; the species was later described and named by Posner 

and Lavenberg (1999). 

Leptoclinus maculatus (Fries, 1837). Daubed Shanny. To 20 cm (7.9 in) TL. Northern Scandinavia, White 

Sea to Spitsbergen, Iceland, southern Greenland to Cape Cod, Massachusetts; Arctic Canada to Beaufort 

Sea, Alaska to Sea of Okhotsk and Tatar Strait, Sea of Japan and to Puget Sound, Washington. At depths 

of 2–475 m (7–1,558 ft). All in Mecklenburg et al. (2002) and Mecklenburg and Sheiko (2004). Classified 

by some authors in Lumpenus. 

Lumpenella longirostris (Evermann & Goldsborough, 1907). Longsnout Prickleback. To 43 cm (17.2 in) TL 

(Antonenko et al. 2003). Western North Atlantic (one record from Greenland; Miki in Okamura et al. 

1995) and North Pacific; Sea of Japan (Lindberg and Krasyukova 1975, Grigor'ev 1993, Antonenko et 

al. 2004) and Sea of Okhotsk (Dudnik and Dolganov 1992) to Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands, Alaska 

(Mecklenburg et al. 2002) to Burrard Inlet, southern British Columbia (Hart 1973). At depths of 25– 

1,195 m (82–3,921 ft) (min.: Allen and Smith 1988; max.: Parin and Pakhorukov 2003), adults typically 

at 300–600 m (984–1,968 ft; Mecklenburg and Sheiko 2004). Lumpenlla nigricans is a junior synonym. 

Lumpenopsis clitella Hastings & Walker, 2003. Saddled Prickleback. To 5.5 cm (2.2 in) SL (Hastings and 

Walker 2003). Collected in southern California off San Diego and Santa Catalina Island (Hastings 

and Walker 2003). Observed from a manned submersible at a number of offshore banks in southern 

California (M. L., unpubl. data). Depth range 54–130 m (177–429 ft) (min.: Hastings and Walker 2003; 

max.: M. L., unpubl. data). Only two specimens have been collected. 

Lumpenopsis hypochroma (Hubbs & Schultz, 1932). Y-Prickleback. To 7.4 cm (2.9 in) SL (Hubbs and Schultz 

1932). Known with certainty only from British Columbia (Hastings and Walker 2003). At depths of 

30–100 m (98–328 ft; Campbell 1989). Moved from genus Allolumpenus to Lumpenopsis by Hastings 

and Walker (2003). The correct spelling of the specific name in the new combination is hypochroma, to 

agree with the gender (feminine) of Lumpenopsis (Mecklenburg and Sheiko 2004). 

147

Lumpenus fabricii Reinhardt, 1836. Slender Eelblenny. To 36.5 cm (14.4 in) TL. Barents Sea, Russia eastward 

across Siberia and Arctic North America to western Greenland, south to Nova Scotia (not in eastern 

North Atlantic); in Pacific region from Beaufort Sea to northern Sea of Okhotsk and to southeastern 

Alaska; not along Aleutian Islands west of Unimak Pass or Commander Islands. Subtidal and to depth 

of 175 m (574 ft); rarely, if ever, in intertidal area. All in Mecklenburg et al. (2002) and Mecklenburg 

and Sheiko (2004). 

Lumpenus sagitta Wilimovsky, 1956. Snake Prickleback. To 51 cm (20.1 in) TL (Mecklenburg et al. 2002). 

Sea of Japan and Sea of Okhotsk to Commander Islands (Russia), southern Bering Sea, and eastern 

Aleutian Islands, Alaska to Humboldt Bay, northern California (Mecklenburg et al. 2002). Reports 

from northern Bering Sea (NMFS data reported in Mecklenburg et al. 2002) may have been misidentified 

L. fabricii (C. W. M.). Near shore at intertidal depths (Miller et al. 1980) to unconfirmed depth of 

425 m (1,394 ft; Allen and Smith 1988), almost always shallower than 200 m (Mecklenburg et al. 2002). 

Phytichthys chirus (Jordan & Gilbert, 1880). Ribbon Prickleback. To 21.1 cm (8.3 in) TL. Aleutian Islands 

and Gulf of Alaska coasts to southern California. Intertidal and to depth of 12 m (39 ft), including 

tidepools (Cross 1981). Other citations in Mecklenburg et al. (2002). 

Plagiogrammus hopkinsii Bean, 1894. Crisscross Prickleback. To 19.7 cm (7.75 in) TL. Pacific Grove, central 

California to San Nicolas Island, southern California. Intertidal and to depth of 21 m (70 ft). All in 

Miller and Lea (1972). 

Plectobranchus evides Gilbert, 1890. Bluebarred Prickleback. To 13.7 cm (5.38 in) TL (Miller and Lea 1972). 

Central British Columbia to San Diego, southern California (Miller and Lea 1972). At depths of 73– 

368 m (239–1,206 ft) (min.: UW 5883, UW 5959; max.: Gilbert 1915), reported as shallow as 57 m 

(186 ft; W. A. Palsson, pers. comm. to M. L.). 

Poroclinus rothrocki Bean, 1890. Whitebarred Blenny or Whitebarred Prickleback. To 25.4 cm (10 in) TL 

(Miller and Lea 1972). Southeastern Bering Sea (57°N, 172°W; UW 48670, UW 49345) and Aleutian 

Islands (Mecklenburg et al. 2002), Alaska to San Diego, southern California (Miller and Lea 1972). At 

depths of 35–160 m (115–525 ft) (min.: UW 40935; max.: UW 49938, UW 49990). 

Stichaeus punctatus (Fabricius, 1780). Arctic Shanny. To 22 cm (8.7 in) TL. Canadian Arctic east to Greenland 

and Gulf of Maine (not in eastern North Atlantic), west to Beaufort and Chukchi seas, Alaska and south 

to Seas of Okhotsk and Japan and to Skidegate Inlet, British Columbia, including Commander–Aleutian 

chain. Shallow subtidal and to depth of 100 m (328 ft). All in Mecklenburg et al. (2002) and Mecklenburg 

and Sheiko (2004). 

Xiphister atropurpureus (Kittlitz, 1858). Black Prickleback. To 32.3 cm (12.7 in) TL (Mecklenburg et al. 

2002). Kodiak Island, western Gulf of Alaska to Rio Santo Tomas, northern Baja California (Miller and 

Lea 1972). Intertidal and to 12 m (39 ft) (min.: Miller and Lea 1972; max.: LACM 31938.003), including 

tidepools (Cross 1981). 

Xiphister mucosus (Girard, 1858). Rock Prickleback. To 58.6 cm (23.07 in) TL (Miller and Lea 1972). Kodiak 

Island, western Gulf of Alaska to Santa Cruz Island, southern California (Mecklenburg et al. 2002). 

Intertidal and to 18 m (60 ft; Miller and Lea 1972), including tidepools (Cross 1981). 

Family Cryptacanthodidae — Wrymouths 

Cryptacanthodes aleutensis (Gilbert, 1896). Dwarf Wrymouth or Red Devil. To 31 cm (12.2 in) TL 

(Mecklenburg et al. 2002). Southeastern Bering Sea and eastern Aleutian Islands from Unalaska Island 

(Mecklenburg et al. 2002) to Eureka, northern California (Eschmeyer and Herald 1983). Benthic, at 

depths of 21–750 m (70–2,460 ft) (min.: UW 21174; max.: UW 21163). Occasionally seen as Lyconectes 

aleutensis, the original name. 

148

Cryptacanthodes giganteus (Kittlitz, 1858). Giant Wrymouth. To 134.5 cm (52.9 in) TL (UW 21080). 

Southeastern Bering Sea and eastern Aleutian Islands from Unalaska Island (Mecklenburg et al. 2002) to 

Humboldt Bay, northern California (Miller and Lea 1972). Benthic, at depths of 6–331 m (20–1,086 ft) 

(min.: Miller and Lea 1972; max.: UW 47754). Occasionally seen as Delolepis gigantea, an old name for 

this species. 

Family Pholidae — Gunnels 

Apodichthys flavidus Girard, 1854. Penpoint Gunnel. To 46 cm (18 in) TL (Miller and Lea 1972). Kodiak 

Island, western Gulf of Alaska to Santa Barbara Island (Eschmeyer and Herald 1983) and Gaviota, 

southern California (SIO 61-426). Benthic; intertidal and to 8 m (25 ft) (min.: Miller and Lea 1972; 

max.: Burge and Schultz 1973), including tidepools (Cross 1981). 

Apodichthys fucorum Jordan & Gilbert, 1880. Rockweed Gunnel. To 22.9 cm (9 in) TL (Miller and Lea 1972). 

Banks Island, British Columbia (Eschmeyer and Herald 1983) to Punta Escarpada, northcentral Baja 

California (Miller and Lea 1972). Benthic; intertidal and to 9 m (30 ft; Miller and Lea 1972). 

Apodichthys sanctaerosae (Gilbert & Starks, 1897). Kelp Gunnel. To 28.6 cm (11.25 in) TL (Miller and Lea 

1972). Pacific Grove, central California to Bahia Papalote, northern Baja California and Isla Guadalupe, 

central Baja California (Miller and Lea 1972). Benthic; intertidal and to 12 m (40 ft) (min.: Chotkowski 

1994; max.: Miller and Lea 1972). Still classified by some authors in Ulvicola. 

Pholis clemensi Rosenblatt, 1964. Longfin Gunnel. To 13.4 cm (5.3 in) TL (Peden and Wilson 1976). One 

unverifiable record from Kodiak Island, western Gulf of Alaska (Mecklenburg et al. 2002); Fillmore 

Island, southeastern Alaska (Peden and Wilson 1976) to Arena Cove, northern California (Eschmeyer 

and Herald 1983). Benthic, at depths of 7.3–64 m (24–210 ft; Eschmeyer and Herald 1983). 

Pholis fasciata (Bloch & Schneider, 1801). Banded Gunnel. To 30 cm (11.8 in) TL. North Atlantic off 

Greenland and Labrador, Arctic seas off Canada and Alaska to Seas of Okhotsk and Japan and western 

Gulf of Alaska. Benthic; shallow subtidal to 46 m (150 ft), typically shallower than 20 m (65 ft). All 

in Mecklenburg et al. (2002). Pholis gilli Evermann & Goldsborough, 1907, is a junior synonym 

(Mecklenburg et al. 2002, Mecklenburg 2003). 

Pholis laeta (Cope, 1873). Crescent Gunnel. To 25.4 cm (10 in) TL (Miller and Lea 1972). Southeastern 

Kamchatka, Commander Islands, and Aleutian Islands, east along north side of Alaska Peninsula to 

Port Heiden, southeastern Bering Sea and Gulf of Alaska (Mecklenburg et al. 2002) to Crescent City, 

northern California (Miller and Lea 1972). Benthic; intertidal, including tidepools (Cross 1981), and to 

73 m (240 ft; Miller and Lea 1972), reported to 99 m (324 ft) (W. A. Palsson, pers. comm. to M. L.). 

Pholis ornata (Girard, 1854). Saddleback Gunnel. To 30.5 cm (12 in) TL (Miller and Lea 1972). Vancouver 

Island, southern British Columbia to Carmel Beach, central California (Eschmeyer and Herald 1983). 

Peden and Hughes (1984) demonstrated that records of P. ornata from Alaska were misidentified P. 

laeta. Consequently, we must view recent reports of occurrence in Alaska with scepticism, especially 

since specimens were not retained for verification. Benthic; intertidal and to 37 m (120 ft; Miller and 

Lea 1972), reported to 60 m (198 ft; W. A. Palsson, pers. comm. to M. L.). Reports of P. ornata from 

Hokkaido (e.g., Hatooka in Nakabo 2002), the Sea of Japan, and the Korean Peninsula are probably the 

western Pacific species Pholis nea (Peden and Hughes 1984) or these forms are conspecific or subspecies 

(Mecklenburg 2003). 

Pholis schultzi Schultz, 1931. Red Gunnel. To 12.7 cm (5 in) TL (Miller and Lea 1972). Rivers Inlet, north 

of Vancouver Island, British Columbia (Peden and Wilson 1976) to Diablo Cove, central California 

(Miller and Lea 1972). Benthic; intertidal and to 20 m (66 ft) (min.: Miller and Lea 1972; max.: LACM 

51970.007), reported to 26 m (84 ft) (W. A. Palsson, pers. comm. to M. L.). 

149

Rhodymenichthys dolichogaster (Pallas, 1814). Stippled Gunnel. To 25 cm (9.8 in) TL. Sea of Japan and 

Sea of Okhotsk to Kuril Islands, Commander Islands, and Aleutian Islands, to St. Lawrence Island and 

Norton Sound, northern Bering Sea. Benthic; intertidal, frequently in tidepools, and to depth of 148 m 

(485 ft); typically intertidal. All in Mecklenburg et al. (2002). 

Family Anarhichadidae — Wolffishes 

*Anarhichas denticulatus Krøyer, 1845. Northern Wolffish. To 144 cm (56.7 in) TL. Arctic and North Atlantic 

oceans; Greenland to southern New England (Moore et al. 2003), Iceland to Novaya Zemlya; probably occurs 

in deep water off northern Alaska; closest records to Alaska are Canadian high Arctic at Mould Bay, Prince 

Patrick Island and possibly Amundsen Gulf. Benthic or bathypelagic, recorded from surface to depth of 1,501 m 

(4,925 ft). All citations in Mecklenburg et al. (2002) except New England records of Moore et al. (2003). 

Anarhichas orientalis Pallas, 1814. Bering Wolffish. To 124 cm (48.8 in) TL. Canadian Arctic at Bathurst 

Inlet, Nunavut; Okhotsk and Japan seas to Bering, Chukchi, and Beaufort seas and to Prince William 

Sound, northern Gulf of Alaska (Mecklenburg et al. 2002). Intertidal area (e.g., under rocks at low 

tide [Nelson 1887]) and shallow water, 1.2 m (3.9 ft) or less (Frugé and Wiswar 1991), to about 100 m 

(330 ft; Mecklenburg et al. 2002). 

Anarrhichthys ocellatus Ayres, 1855. Wolf-eel. To 240 cm (nearly 8 ft) TL (Mecklenburg et al. 2002). 

Southeastern Bering Sea east to Cape Menshikof, west along Aleutian Islands to Krenitzin Islands, and 

Gulf of Alaska (Mecklenburg et al. 2002) to Imperial Beach, southern California (Miller and Lea 1972). 

A Wolf-eel recently found on the northeastern Bering Sea coast at Nome after a major storm (C. Lean, 

pers. comm. with photograph to L. K. T. and C. W. M.) may have drifted there from farther south in the 

Bering Sea. Intertidal and to 226 m (740 ft) (min.: Miller and Lea 1972; max.: Eschmeyer and Herald 

1983), reported but not confirmed to 416 m (1,365 ft; RACE). 

Family Ptilichthyidae — Quillfishes 

Ptilichthys goodei Bean, 1881. Quillfish. To 39.0 cm (15.3 in) SL (Mecklenburg 2003). Seas of Japan and 

Okhotsk to Litke Strait and Commander, Aleutian, and Pribilof islands, southern Bering Sea (Mecklenburg 

et al. 2002) to central Oregon (Eschmeyer and Herald 1983). Possibly buried in substrate during the day, 

recorded from surface to 360 m (1,181 ft) (min.: Hart 1973; max.: Mecklenburg et al. 2002). 

Family Zaproridae — Prowfishes 

Zaprora silenus Jordan, 1896. Prowfish. To 1 m (3.3 ft) TL or more (Mecklenburg 2003). Hokkaido, Japan and 

Sea of Okhotsk to Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands (Mecklenburg et al. 2002) to San Miguel Island, southern 

California (Allen and Smith 1988). At depths of 10–801 m (33–2,628 ft) (min.: Allen and Smith 1988; max.: 

Smith et al. 2004); adults near bottom, young fish often taken near surface (Mecklenburg et al. 2002). 

Family Scytalinidae — Graveldivers 

Scytalina cerdale Jordan & Gilbert, 1880. Graveldiver. To 15.2 cm (6 in) TL (Miller and Lea 1972), usually 

under 10 cm (4 in; Mecklenburg 2003). Western Aleutian Islands (Mecklenburg et al. 2002) to Diablo 

Cove, central California (Miller and Lea 1972). Benthic; intertidal, including tidepools, and to depth of 

7.6 m (25 ft; Eschmeyer and Herald 1983). 

Family Trichodontidae — Sandfishes 

Most systematists classify the family Trichodontidae within the order Perciformes (e.g., Nelson 1994, Eschmeyer 

1998). Recent morphological and molecular evidence indicates classification within the Scorpaeniformes 

as a cottoid family (Smith and Wheeler 2004) may more correctly reflect relationships. 

150

Arctoscopus japonicus (Steindachner, 1881). Sailfin Sandfish. To 16.8 cm (6.6 in) SL (Amaoka et al. 1995). 

Yellow Sea and Japan Sea off Korea to Okhotsk Sea, Kuril Islands (Lindberg and Krasyukova 1969), and 

Pacific coast of Hokkaido (Hatooka in Nakabo 2002); one record from Akutan Bay, Aleutian Islands 

(Mecklenburg et al. 2002). Bottom at depths of 100–400 m (328–1,312 ft) (min.: Hatooka in Nakabo 

2002; max.: Amaoka in Masuda et al. 1984), except spawning on seaweed beds at depths of about 2– 

10 m (7–33 ft; Amaoka in Masuda et al. 1984). The one A. japonicus recorded from Alaska could be a 

fish that drifted unusually far after hatching before it settled to the bottom, but recent records from the 

northern Okhotsk Sea indicate A. japonicus may not be as rare north of Japan as authors have believed 

it to be (Mecklenburg 2003). 

Trichodon trichodon (Tilesius, 1813). Pacific Sandfish. To 30.5 cm (12 in) TL (Miller and Lea 1972). Japan to 

Kuril Islands (rare), southeastern Kamchatka, and Commander–Aleutian chain to southeastern Bering 

Sea, including Pribilof Islands (Mecklenburg et al. 2002), to San Francisco, northern California (Miller 

and Lea 1972). Intertidal area, where it is often found buried in the sand after a receding tide (e.g., Lamb 

and Edgell 1986), and to reported depth of 375 m (1,230 ft) but usually found shallower than 150 m 

(492 ft; Allen and Smith 1988). Greatest depth we found from museum specimens is 172 m (564 ft; UW 

26863). 

Family Ammodytidae — Sand Lances 

Ammodytes hexapterus Pallas, 1814. Pacific Sand Lance or Stout Sand Lance. To 28 cm (11.0 in; Mecklenburg 

et al. 2002). Sea of Japan to Aleutian Islands, Bering Sea, and western Canadian Arctic (Mecklenburg et al. 

2002) to Balboa Island, southern California (Miller and Lea 1972). School near surface to fairly shallow 

depths and rest buried in substrate; intertidal and to 100 m (330 ft) (min.: Eschmeyer and Herald 1983; 

max.: Allen and Smith 1988), reported to 172 m (564 ft; W. A. Palsson, pers. comm. to M. L.). 

*Ammodytoides gilli (Bean, 1895). Panamic Sand Lance or Silver Sand Lance. To 13.5 cm (5.3 in) TL 

(Robertson and Allen 2002). Cabo San Lucas, southern Baja California (Collette and Robertson 2001) 

and central Mexico to Ecuador, including Islas Galápagos (Robertson and Allen 2002). At depths of 

1–25 m (3–82 ft) (min.: Robertson and Allen 2002; max.: Collette and Robertson 2001). 

Family Uranoscopidae — Stargazers 

Astroscopus zephyreus Gilbert & Starks, 1897. Electric Stargazer, Pacific Stargazer, or Zephyr Stargazer. To 

52 cm (20.5 in) TL (Jesus-Roldan et al. 1993). Huntington Beach, southern California (Jesus-Roldan et 

al. 1993) to Chimbote, Peru (Chirichigno and Vélez 1998), including Gulf of California (Jesus-Roldan 

et al. 1993). At depths of 7–385 m (23–1,263 ft) (min.: Godinez-Dominguez et al. 2000; max.: Robertson 


Kathetostoma averruncus Jordan & Bollman, 1890. Smooth Stargazer. To 32 cm (12.6 in) TL (Bussing and 

Lavenberg in Fischer et al. 1995). Piedras Blancas Point, central California (Fitch and Lavenberg 1968) 

to Isla Lobos de Tierra, Peru (Chirichigno 1974), including mouth of Gulf of California (Robertson 

and Allen 2002) and Islas Galápagos (Grove and Lavenberg 1997). At depths of 13–600 m (42–1,968 ft) 

(min.: Miller and Lea 1972; max.: Robertson and Allen 2002). 

Family Tripterygiidae — Triplefins 

*Axoclinus nigricaudus Allen & Robertson, 1991. Cortez Triplefin. To 4.5 cm (1.8 in) TL (Allen and 

Robertson 1994). Gulf of California to Cabo San Lucas, southern Baja California (Watson in Moser 

1996). Intertidal (Allen and Robertson 1994) and to 5 m (17 ft; Robertson and Allen 2002). Classified by 

some authors in Enneanectes; see review of taxonomic status in Smith and Williams (2002). 

151

Axoclinus storeyae (Brock, 1940). Carmine Triplefin. To 3 cm (1.2 in) TL. Southern Baja California to central 

Mexico, including Gulf of California. At depths of 1–5 m (3–17 ft). All in Robertson and Allen (2002). 

*Crocodilichthys gracilis Allen & Robertson, 1991. Lizard Triplefin. To 7.6 cm (3 in) TL (Robertson and 

Allen 2002). Gulf of California to Cabo San Lucas, southern Baja California (Watson in Moser 1996). At 

depths of 3–40 m (10–132 ft; Robertson and Allen 2002). 

Enneanectes carminalis (Jordan & Gilbert, 1882). Carmine Triplefin or Delicate Triplefish. To 3.8 cm (1.5 in) 

SL (Thomson et al. 2000). Islas San Benito (LACM 37009.005) and Bahia Magdalena, southern Baja 

California into central Gulf of California to Oaxaca, Mexico (Thomson et al. 2000). At depths of 3–5 m 

(10–16 ft) (Robertson and Allen 2002). Classified by some authors in Axoclinus; see review of taxonomic 

status in Smith and Williams (2002). 

Enneanectes reticulatus Allen & Robertson, 1991. Flag Triplefin, Network Triplefin, or Reticulated Triplefin. 

To 4.5 cm (1.8 in) TL (Allen and Robertson 1994). Isla Guadalupe, central Baja California and, 

on mainland, Bahia de Sebastian Vizcaino, central Baja California (Thomson et al. 2000) to Gulf of 

California (Allen and Roberts 1991). At depths of 0–55 m (180 ft) (min.: Allen and Robertson 1994; 

max.: Thomson et al. 2000). Classified by some authors in Gillias; see review of taxonomic status in 

Smith and Williams (2002). 

*Enneanectes sexmaculatus (Fowler, 1944). Delicate Triplefin. Cabo San Lucas, southern Baja California 

(SIO 59-210) and central Gulf of California to Panama (Thomson et al. 2000). At depths of 1–14 m 

(4–45 ft) (min.: SIO 76-284; max.: SIO 62-55). 

Enneanectes sp. Isla Guadalupe and Bahia de Sebastian Vizcaino, central Baja California to Gulf of California 

(Watson in Moser 1996). 

Family Dactyloscopidae — Sand Stargazers 

Dactylagnus mundus Gill, 1863. Giant Sand Stargazer or Giant Stargazer. To 16.5 cm (6.5 in) TL (Robertson 

and Allen 2002). Bahia Ojo de Liebre (Scammons Lagoon), central Baja California to Panama, including 

Gulf of California (Dawson 1976) and perhaps Islas Galápagos (Grove and Lavenberg 1997). At depths 

of 0.5–15 m (2–50 ft) (min.: Dawson 1976; max.: De La Cruz-Agüero et al. 1997). 

Dactylagnus parvus Dawson, 1976. Dwarf Sand Stargazer or Panamic Stargazer. To 5.8 cm (2.3 in) TL 

(Robertson and Allen 2002). Punta Marquez, southern Baja California to Panama (Dawson 1976). At 

depths of 0–6 m (20 ft; Dawson 1976). 

Dactyloscopus byersi Dawson, 1969. Notchtail Stargazer. To 8.3 cm (3.3 in) TL (Robertson and Allen 2002). 

Bahia San Juanico, southern Baja California (Dawson 1975) to Gulf of California (De La Cruz-Agüero 

et al. 1997) and to Ecuador (Robertson and Allen 2002). At depths of 0–8 m (26 ft; Dawson 1975). 

Dactyloscopus fimbriatus (Reid, 1935). Fringed Sand Stargazer or Fringed Stargazer. To 10.4 cm (4.1 in) TL 

(Robertson and Allen 2002). Bahia Santa Maria (24°45'N, 112°15'W), southern Baja California (Dawson 

1975) to Ecuador, including Gulf of California (Robertson and Allen 2002). At depths of less than 2 m 

(7 ft) to 40 m (131 ft) (min.: Dawson 1975; max.: Robertson and Allen 2002). 

Dactyloscopus lunaticus Gilbert, 1890. Moonstruck Stargazer. To 8.5 cm (3.4 in) TL (Robertson and Allen 

2002). Punta Tosca, southern Baja California to Ecuador, including Gulf of California (Dawson 1975). 

At depths of 5–138 m (17–452 ft; Dawson 1975). 

Dactyloscopus pectoralis Gill, 1861. Whitesaddle Stargazer. To at least 5.2 cm (2.1 in) TL (Robertson and 

Allen 2002). Bahia Santa Maria, southern Baja California into Gulf of California (Dawson 1975) to 

northern Peru and some offshore islands (Robertson and Allen 2002). Tidepools and to 45 m (148 ft) 

(min.: Thomson and Lehner 1976; max.: De La Cruz-Agüero et al. 1997). 

152

Gillellus arenicola Gilbert, 1890. Sandloving Stargazer or Sandy Stargazer. To 5.5 cm (2.2 in) TL (Allen 

and Robertson 1994). Punta Marquis (23°57'N, 110°52'W; SIO 62-704) and Cabo San Lucas area, 

southern Baja California; Oaxaca and Colima, Mexico (Dawson 1977). At depths of 10–40 m (33–131 ft; 


*Gillellus ornatus Gilbert, 1892. Ornate Sand-Stargazer or Ornate Stargazer. To 6 cm (2.4 in) TL (Robertson 

and Allen 2002). Near tip of Baja California and in central and southern Gulf of California (Robertson 

and Allen 2002). At depths of 2–55 m (6–180 ft) (min.: SIO 65-297; max.: Robertson and Allen 2002). 

Gillellus semicinctus Gilbert, 1890. Halfbanded Stargazer or Smooth-tip Sand Stargazer. To 5.2 cm (2 in) 

TL (Allen and Robertson 1994). Isla Guadalupe and vicinity of Punta Eugenia, central Baja California 

to Colombia, including Gulf of California, Islas Galápagos (Watson in Moser 1996), and other offshore 

islands (Robertson and Allen 2002). At depths of 5–137 m (17–449 ft; Dawson 1977). 

Heteristius cinctus (Osburn & Nichols, 1916). Banded Sand Stargazer or Banded Stargazer. To 4.5 cm (1.8 in) 

TL (Allen and Robertson 1994). Bahia Magdalena, southern Baja California to Cabo San Francisco, 

Ecuador (Dawson 1977), including mouth of Gulf of California (Robertson and Allen 2002). At depths 

of 1–27 m (3–89 ft; Dawson 1977). 

Myxodagnus opercularis Gill, 1861. Dart Stargazer. To 9.1 cm (3.6 in) TL (Robertson and Allen 2002). 

Punta Hughes (about 29°45'N), southern Baja California and Gulf of California (Dawson 1976) to 

Costa Rica and some offshore islands (Robertson and Allen 2002). Intertidal area and to 20 m (66 ft) 

(min.: Dawson 1976; max.: Robertson and Allen 2002). 

Family Chiasmodontidae — Swallowers 

Chiasmodon niger Johnson, 1864. Black Swallower. To 25.0 cm (9.8 in) SL (UW 47234), and “probably 

exceeding” this length (Johnson and Keene in Quéro et al. 1990). Widespread in temperate to tropical 

waters; in Atlantic north to Greenland (Krefft in Hureau and Monod 1973); Japan and southern Kuril 

Islands (Parin et al. 1995); in mid-North Pacific recorded north to 43°N (Mecklenburg et al. 2002); 

in eastern North Pacific from Washington (47°33'N, 125°19'W; UW 45555) to southern California 

(32°43'N, 117°39'W; SIO 51-148) and in the south, Panama (5°52'N, 85°02'W; SIO 96-137) to Chile 

(20°19'S, 71°15'W; SIO 72-180). Larvae of this species have been taken off Colombia (Beltrán-León 

and Rios Herrara 2000). Mesopelagic and bathypelagic, recorded to about 2,740 m (8,989 ft), most 

specimens taken below 750 m (2,461 ft; Mecklenburg et al. 2002). 

Dysalotus oligoscolus Johnson & Cohen, 1974. To 22.7 cm (8.9 in) SL (Johnson and Cohen 1974). Widespread 

in temperate to tropical waters except not recorded from North Atlantic; southern California to Gulf of 

California (Johnson and Cohen 1974). Bathypelagic, taken in nets towed as deep as 3,580 m (11,745 ft; 

Johnson and Cohen 1974). 

Kali indica Lloyd, 1909. Shortnose Swallower. To 26.2 cm (10.3 in) SL (Johnson and Cohen 1974). Widespread, 

typically in temperate to tropical waters; off northern Honshu, Japan (Shinohara et al. 1996); eastern 

Bering Sea (58°22'N, 175°01'W; Yabe et al. 1981) and off Vancouver Island, southern British Columbia 

(G. E. Gillespie, pers. comm. to M. L. and C. W. M.) to central Baja California (Johnson and Cohen 

1974). Mesopelagic and bathypelagic, recorded to about 2,870 m (9,416 ft), most adults taken at depths 

greater than 900 m (2,953 ft; Mecklenburg et al. 2002). 

Kali macrodon (Norman, 1929). To 26.0 cm (10.2 in) SL (Johnson and Cohen 1974). Widespread in 

temperate to tropical waters, a few records from subarctic North Atlantic (Moore et al. 2003); southern 

Baja California (Johnson and Cohen 1974). Bathypelagic, most records deeper than 1,500 m (4,920 ft; 

Johnson and Keene in Quéro et al. 1990). 

153

Kali macrura (Parr, 1933). Longnose Swallower. To 12.3 cm (4.8 in) SL (Johnson 1969). Widespread in 

temperate to tropical waters; southern California to Baja California (Johnson and Cohen 1974). 

Mesopelagic and bathypelagic, at 600 m (1,968 ft) or deeper (Moore et al. 2003). 

Kali normani (Parr, 1931). Needletooth Swallower. To 20.1 cm (7.9 in) SL (Johnson and Cohen 1974). 

Widespread in temperate to tropical waters; La Jolla, southern California (SIO 79-184) to Chile (Pequeño 

1989). Mesopelagic and bathypelagic, adults taken in hauls from 500 m (1,650 ft) to more than 1,500 m 

(4,920 ft; Johnson and Keene in Quéro et al. 1990). 

*Pseudoscopelus scriptus Lütken, 1892. Luminous Swallower. To 17.2 cm (6.8 in) SL (Mecklenburg et 

al. 2002). Widespread in temperate to tropical waters; Japan (Okamura in Okamura et al. 1985) and 

southern Kuril Islands (Parin et al. 1995); western Bering Sea off northeastern Kamchatka and vicinity 

of Commander Islands (Sheiko and Fedorov 2000); probably inhabits deep waters north and south of 

the Aleutian Islands and in the Gulf of Alaska (Mecklenburg et al. 2002). Mesopelagic and bathypelagic, 

recorded from depths of 200–2,100 m (656–6,890 ft; Mecklenburg et al. 2002). Most authors include 

the western Pacific form Pseudoscopelus sagamianus Tanaka, 1908, as a junior synonym; it was originally 

named as a subspecies of P. scriptus and later treated as a distinct species (Mecklenburg et al. 2002). 

Family Labrisomidae — Labrisomid Blennies 

Alloclinus holderi (Lauderbach, 1907). Island Kelpfish. To 10.2 cm (4 in) TL (Miller and Lea 1972). San 

Miguel Island, southern California (D. Kushner, pers. comm. to M. L.) to Punta San Pablo (27°12'N, 

114°29'W), southern Baja California (Miller and Lea 1972). Intertidal and to 91 m (298 ft) (min.: M. L., 

unpubl. data; max.: SCCWRP). 

Cryptotrema corallinum Gilbert, 1890. Deepwater Blenny or Deepwater Kelpfish. To 12.7 cm (5 in) TL 

(Miller and Lea 1972). Off Cook Point, San Miguel Island, southern California (D. Schroeder, pers. 

comm. to M. L.) to Bahia San Quintin, northern Baja California (Miller and Lea 1972). At depths of 

24–195 m (78–639 ft) (min.: Miller and Lea 1972; max.: M. L., unpubl. data). 

Exerpes asper (Jenkins & Evermann, 1889). Sargassum Blenny. To 6.5 cm (2.6 in) TL (Allen and Robertson 

1994). Lagunas Ojo de Liebre-Guerrero Negro, central Baja California (De La Cruz-Agüero et al. 1996) 

into upper Gulf of California (Allen and Robertson 1994). Tidepools and to 10 m (33 ft) (min.: Thomson 

and Lehner 1976; max.: Robertson and Allen 2002). 

Labrisomus multiporosus Hubbs, 1953. Porehead Blenny. To about 13 cm (5.1 in) TL (Allen and Robertson 

1994). Lagunas Ojo de Liebre-Guerrero Negro, central Baja California (De La Cruz-Agüero et al. 1996) 

into upper Gulf of California (Thomson et al. 2000) to Islas Chincha, Peru (Chirichigno 1974), including 

Islas Galápagos (Grove and Lavenberg 1997). Intertidal and to 20 m (65 ft) (min.: SIO 48-65; max.: SIO 

64-49). 

*Labrisomus striatus Hubbs, 1953. Green Blenny. To 6 cm (2.4 in) TL (Allen and Robertson 1994). Cabo 

San Lucas, southern Baja California to southern Mexico (Allen and Robertson 1994) and central Gulf 

of California (Robertson and Allen 2002). At depths of 1–9 m (3–30 ft) (min.: SIO 62-9; max.: SIO 

61-237). 

Labrisomus wigginsi Hubbs, 1953. Baja Blenny. To 9 cm (3.5 in) SL (SIO 64-42). Punta Eugenia, central 

Baja California (SIO 52-115) to Arroyo Seco (“half way between Magdalena Bay and Cape San Lucas”), 

southern Baja California (Hubbs 1953). Intertidal (Hubbs 1953) and to 4 m (12 ft; SIO 64-65). 

Labrisomus xanti Gill, 1860. Largemouth Blenny. To 17.8 cm (7 in) TL (Thomson et al. 1979). Isla Cedros, 

central Baja California (M. L., unpubl. data) and (mainland) Bahia de Sebastian Vizcaino, southern Baja 

California into Gulf of California (Thomson et al. 1979) and to northern Peru (Chirichigno and Vélez 

1998). Tidepools and to 11 m (36 ft) (min.: Thomson and Lehner 1976; max.: LACM 31768.028). 

154

Malacoctenus ebisui Springer, 1959. Fishgod Blenny. To 6.5 cm (2.6 in) TL (Robertson and Allen 2002). Isla 

Guadalupe, central Baja California (SIO 70-50), tip of Baja California, and Mazatlán, Mexico to Panama 

and Isla Malpelo; apparently not in Gulf of California (Robertson and Allen 2002). Intertidal area (SIO 

70-356) and to 18 m (59 ft; SIO 70-50). 

Malacoctenus hubbsi Springer, 1959. Redside Blenny. To 9 cm (3.5 in) TL (Allen and Robertson 1994). Bahia de 

Sebastian Vizcaino, central Baja California into northern Gulf of California to Acapulco, Mexico (Thomson 

et al. 1979). At depths of 1–7.6 m (3–25 ft) (min.: Robertson and Allen 2002; max.: Thomson et al. 1979). 

*Malacoctenus margaritae (Fowler, 1944). Margarita Blenny. To 6.5 cm (2.6 in) TL (Robertson and Allen 

2002). Tip of Baja California and Gulf of California to Ecuador (Robertson and Allen 2002). At depths 

of 1–21 m (3–70 ft) (min.: Robertson and Allen 2002; max.: SIO 64-57). 

Malacoctenus tetranemus (Cope, 1877). Speckled Blenny or Throatspotted Blenny. To 7.5 cm (3 in) TL 

(Allen and Robertson 1994). Bahia Magdalena (SIO 62-100) and Cabo San Lucas, southern Baja 

California (Thomson et al. 1979) to Chile (Grove and Lavenberg 1997), including Gulf of California 

(Thomson et al. 2000) and Islas Galápagos (Grove and Lavenberg 1997). Intertidal area (Grove and 

Lavenberg 1997) and to 25 m (83 ft; Robertson and Allen 2002). 

*Malacoctenus zacae Springer, 1959. Zaca Blenny. To 6.5 cm (2.6 in) TL (Allen and Robertson 1994). Tip of 

Baja California (Robertson and Allen 2002) to Acapulco, Mexico (Allen and Robertson 1994); also Cabo 

San Lucas area, but not including Gulf of California (Thomson et al. 2000). Shallow water (Thomson et 

al. 1979) to perhaps 10 m (33 ft; Robertson and Allen 2002). 

*Mnierpes macrocephalus (Günther, 1861). Foureye Rockskipper. To 11 cm (4.3 in) TL (Allen and Robertson 

1994). Cabo San Lucas, southern Baja California to Colombia (Thomson et al. 2000). Intertidal area and 

to 5 m (15 ft) (min.: Thomson et al. 2000; max.: SIO 70-359). 

Paraclinus beebei Hubbs, 1952. Pink Blenny. To 4.3 cm (1.8 in) TL (Robertson and Allen 2002). Arroyo 

Seco, southern Baja California to Bahia Honda, Panama (Rosenblatt and Parr 1969), including Gulf 

of California south of La Paz (Thomson et al. 2000). Intertidal and to 9 m (30 ft; Rosenblatt and Parr 

1969). 

Paraclinus integripinnis (Smith, 1880). Reef Finspot. To 6.4 cm (2.5 in) TL (Miller and Lea 1972). Santa Cruz 

Island, southern California (Rosenblatt and Parr 1969) and Naples, Santa Barbara County, southern 

California (S. Norton, pers. comm. to M. L.) to Bahia Almejas, southern Baja California (Miller and Lea 

1972). Intertidal and to 15 m (50 ft; Miller and Lea 1972). 

Paraclinus magdalenae Rosenblatt & Parr, 1969. Magdalena Blenny. To 3.9 cm (1.5 in) TL. Bahia Magdalena 

and vicinity, southern Baja California. At 8–21 m (25–70 ft). All in Rosenblatt and Parr (1969). 

Paraclinus sini Hubbs, 1952. Flapscale Blenny. To 6 cm (2.4 in) TL (Allen and Robertson 1994). Laguna Ojo 

de Liebre, central Baja California into northern Gulf of California (Rosenblatt and Parr 1969). Intertidal 

and to 15 m (50 ft; Rosenblatt and Parr 1969). 

Paraclinus stephensi Rosenblatt & Parr, 1969. Professor Blenny. To 3.9 cm (1.5 in) TL (Robertson and Allen 

2002). Bahia Magdalena, southern Baja California (Galván-Magaña et al. 2000) and central to southern 

Mexico (Robertson and Allen 2002). At depths of 0–15 m (49 ft; Robertson and Allen 2002). 

*Paraclinus tanygnathus Rosenblatt & Parr, 1969. Longjaw Blenny. To 3.5 cm (1.4 in) TL (Allen and 

Robertson 1994). Gulf of California to southern Mexico (Allen and Robertson 1994), including Cabo 

San Lucas (Rosenblatt and Parr 1969). At depths of 0–15 m (50 ft; Robertson and Allen 2002). 

Paraclinus walkeri Hubbs, 1952. San Quintin Blenny. To 8.7 cm (3.5 in) TL (Rosales-Casián 2000). Bahia 

San Quintin, northern Baja California (Hubbs 1952). Shallow water (Hubbs 1952) to 10 m (33 ft; 

Rosales-Casián 2000) . 

155

Starksia guadalupae Rosenblatt & Taylor, 1971. Guadalupe Blenny. To 4.4 cm (1.7 in) TL. Isla Guadalupe, 

central Baja California and Rocas Alijos, southern Baja California. At depths of 9–18 m (30–60 ft). All 

in Rosenblatt and Taylor (1971). 

*Starksia spinipenis Al-Uthman, 1960. Phallic Blenny. To 6.5 cm (2.6 in; Robertson and Allen 2002). Cabo 

San Lucas, southern Baja California to southern Mexico, including Gulf of California (Rosenblatt and 

Taylor 1971). At depths of 1–20 m (3–65 ft) (min.: Robertson and Allen 2002; max.: SIO 61-242). 

*Xenomedea rhodopyga Rosenblatt & Taylor, 1971. Redrump Blenny. To 6.5 cm (2.6 in) TL (Allen and 

Robertson 1994). Cabo San Lucas, southern Baja California into northern Gulf of California (Rosenblatt 

and Taylor 1971). At depths of 1–33 m (2–100 ft; Rosenblatt and Taylor 1971). 

Family Clinidae — Kelp Blennies 

Gibbonsia elegans (Cooper, 1864). Spotted Kelpfish. To 15.7 cm (6.2 in) TL (Miller and Lea 1972). Piedras 

Blancas Point, central California to Bahia Magdalena, southern Baja California, including Isla Guadalupe 

(Eschmeyer and Herald 1983). Intertidal and to 56 m (185 ft) (min.: Wells 1986; max.: Eschmeyer and 

Herald 1983). The Spotted Kelpfish was mistakenly given the name Gibbonsia evides by Eschmeyer 

(1998); for explanation see Nelson et al. (2004:243). 

Gibbonsia metzi Hubbs, 1927. Striped Kelpfish. To 23.5 cm (9.25 in) TL (Miller and Lea 1972). Vancouver 

Island, British Columbia to Punta Rompiente, central Baja California (Miller and Lea 1972). Intertidal, 

including tidepools, and to 9 m (30 ft) (min.: Eschmeyer and Herald 1983; max.: Miller and Lea 1972). 

Gibbonsia montereyensis Hubbs, 1927. Crevice Kelpfish. To 13.9 cm (5.5 in) SL (SIO 80-19). British Columbia 

(Miller and Lea 1972) to Isla Guadalupe (SIO 60-15) and Bahia San Carlos (SIO 52-215), central Baja 

California. Intertidal and to 37 m (121 ft) (min.: M. L., unpubl. data; max.: J. Carroll, pers. comm. to 

M. L.). Gibbonsia erythra Hubbs, 1952, is a junior synonym (Stepien and Rosenblatt 1991). 

Heterostichus rostratus Girard, 1854. Giant Kelpfish. To 61.0 cm (24 in) TL (Miller and Lea 1972). British 

Columbia to Cabo San Lucas, southern Baja California, including Isla Guadalupe (Miller and Lea 1972). 

Intertidal and to 40 m (132 ft) (min.: M. L., unpubl. data; max.: Eschmeyer and Herald 1983). 

Family Chaenopsidae —Tube Blennies 

*Acanthemblemaria balanorum Brock, 1940. Clubhead Barnacle Blenny. To 4.5 cm (1.8 in) TL (Allen and 

Robertson 1994). Cabo San Lucas, southern Baja California into southern Gulf of California (Thomson 

et al. 1979) to Isla Gorgona, Colombia (Robertson and Allen 2002). At depths of 0–5 m (17 ft) (min.: 

Robertson and Allen 2002; max.: Allen and Robertson 1994). 

*Acanthemblemaria crockeri Beebe & Tee-Van, 1938. Browncheck Barnacle Blenny or Browncheek Blenny. 

To 6 cm (2.4 in) TL (Robertson and Allen 2002). Cabo San Lucas, southern Baja California into northern 

Gulf of California (Thomson et al. 1979). At depths of 1–60 m (3–198 ft; Allen and Robertson 1994). 

Acanthemblemaria macrospilus Brock, 1940. Barnacle Blenny or Mexican Barnacle Blenny. To 6 cm (2.4 in) 

TL (Allen and Robertson 1994). Punta Marquis (23°56'N, 11°52'W), southern Baja California (SIO 

62-704) and Gulf of California to Acapulco, Mexico (Allen and Robertson 1994). At depths of 1–15 m 

(3–49 ft) (min.: Robertson and Allen 2002; max.: Allen and Robertson 1994). 

Chaenopsis alepidota (Gilbert, 1890). Orangethroat Pikeblenny. To 15.2 cm (6 in) TL (Miller and Lea 

1972). Pelican Harbor, Santa Cruz Island, southern California (Kushner et al. 2001) to Gulf of California 

(Thomson et al. 1979). The only known mainland population in southern California is in King Harbor, 

southern California (Stephens et al. 1989). At depths of 1–23 m (3–75 ft) (min.: Robertson and Allen 

2002; max.: Allen and Robertson 1994). 

156

Cirriemblemaria lucasana (Stephens, 1963). Plume Blenny. To 4 cm (1.6 in) TL (Allen and Robertson 1994). 

Bahia Magdalena, southern Baja California (Galván-Magaña et al. 2000) into central Gulf of California 

(Thomson et al. 1979) to southern Mexico (Robertson and Allen 2002). At depths of 5–30 m (17– 

98 ft) (min.: Robertson and Allen 2002; max.: Allen and Robertson 1994). Recently as Protemblemaria 

lucasana. 

*Coralliozetus angelicus (Böhlke & Mead, 1957). Angel Blenny or Angel Tube Blenny. To 3.5 cm (1.4 in) TL 

(Allen and Robertson 1994). Cabo San Lucas, southern Baja California to southern Mexico, including 

Gulf of California (Thomson et al. 1979). At depths of 1–5 m (3–17 ft) (min.: Allen and Robertson 1994; 

max.: Robertson and Allen 2002). 

Coralliozetus micropes (Beebe & Tee-Van, 1938). Scarletfin Blenny, Scarlet Tube Blenny, or Zebraface Blenny. 

To 4 cm (1.6 in) TL (Allen and Robertson 1994). Bahia Magdalena, southern Baja California into upper 

Gulf of California (Thomson et al. 1979). At depths of 1–5 m (3–17 ft; Robertson and Allen 2002). 

Coralliozetus rosenblatti Stephens, 1963. Speckled Tube Blenny or Spikefin Blenny. To 3.5 cm (1.4 in) TL 

(Allen and Robertson 1994). Bahia Magdalena, southern Baja California (Watson in Moser 1996) into 

northern Gulf of California (Thomson et al. 1979). At depths of 1–9 m (3–30 ft) (min.: Allen and 

Robertson 1994; max.: SIO 61-252). 

*Ekemblemaria myersi Stephens, 1963. Reef-sand Blenny or Reef-sand Tube Blenny. To 7 cm (2.8 in) TL 

(Allen and Robertson 1994). Cabo San Lucas, southern Baja California (SIO 59-210) to Colombia, 

including Gulf of California (Allen and Robertson 1994). At depths of 1–5 m (3–17 ft) (min.: Allen and 

Robertson 1994; max.: Robertson and Allen 2002). 

*Emblemaria hypacanthus (Jenkins & Evermann, 1889). Gulf Signal Blenny or Signal Blenny. To 5.1 cm 

(2 in) TL (Thomson et al. 1979). Cabo San Lucas, southern Baja California and throughout Gulf of 

California (Thomson et al. 1979). Tidepools and to 10 m (33 ft) (min.: Thomson and Lehner 1976; 

max.: Allen and Robertson 1994). 

Neoclinus blanchardi Girard, 1858. Sarcastic Fringehead. To 30.5 cm (12 in) TL (Miller and Lea 1972). San 

Francisco, northern California to Isla Cedros, central Baja California (Miller and Lea 1972). At depths 

of 3–73 m (10–239 ft) (min.: Miller and Lea 1972; max.: Carlisle 1969). 

Neoclinus stephensae Hubbs, 1953. Yellowfin Fringehead. To 10 cm (4 in) TL. Monterey Bay, central 

California to Punta San Hipolito, central Baja California. At depths of 3–27 m (10–90 ft). All in Miller 

and Lea (1972). 

Neoclinus uninotatus Hubbs, 1953. Onespot Fringehead. To 25 cm (9.75 in) TL (Eschmeyer and Herald 

1983). Bodega Bay, northern California to northern Baja California (Eschmeyer and Herald 1983). Surf 

zone to 55 m (180 ft) (min.: Carlisle et al. 1960; max.: Fay et al. 1978). 

Protemblemaria bicirris (Hildebrand, 1946). Warthead Blenny or Warthead Tube Blenny. To 4.5 cm (1.8 in) 

TL (Allen and Robertson 1994). Bahia Magdalena, southern Baja California and throughout Gulf of 

California (Thomson et al. 1979) to Bahia Independencia, Peru (Chirichigno and Vélez 1998). At depths 

of 5–20 m (17–66 ft; Robertson and Allen 2002). Recently as Emblemaria bicirris. 

Stathmonotus sinuscalifornici (Chabanaud, 1942). Gulf Worm Blenny or Worm Blenny. To 6.5 cm (2.6 in) 

TL (Allen and Robertson 1994). Bahia Magdalena, southern Baja California into northern Gulf of 

California (Hastings and Springer 1994). Reports of this species from Mazatlán, Sinaloa, Mexico are 

doubtful (Hastings and Springer 1994). At depths of 0–5 m (17 ft; Robertson and Allen 2002). 

157

Family Blenniidae — Combtooth Blennies 

Entomacrodus chiostictus (Jordan & Gilbert 1882). Notchfin Blenny or Rock Blenny. To 8 cm (3.1 in) TL 

(De La Cruz-Agüero et al. 1997). Bahia San Ignacio, southern Baja California (Galván-Magaña et al. 

2000) and Gulf of California to Colombia (De La Cruz-Agüero et al. 1997), including all offshore islands 

except Islas Galápagos (Robertson and Allen 2002). Tidepools (Allen and Robertson 1994) and to 14 m 


Hypsoblennius brevipinnis (Günther, 1861). Barnaclebill Blenny or Barnacled Blenny. To 7 cm (2.8 in) TL 

(Robertson and Allen 2002). Bahia Santa Maria (24°40'N, 112°11'W), southern Baja California (SIO 

60-311) and Gulf of California (Robertson and Allen 2002) to northern Peru (Chirichigno and Veléz 

1998), including Islas Galápagos, Cocos, and Malpelo (Robertson and Allen 2002). At depths of 1–10 m 


Hypsoblennius gentilis (Girard, 1854). Bay Blenny. To 14.7 cm (5.8 in) TL (Miller and Lea 1972). Monterey 

Bay, central California to Gulf of California (Miller and Lea 1972). Intertidal and to 24 m (3–80 ft; 


Hypsoblennius gilberti (Jordan, 1882). Rockpool Blenny. To 17 cm (6.75 in) TL (Miller and Lea 1976). Morro 

Bay, central California (J. Stephens, pers. comm. to M. L.) to Bahia Magdalena, southern Baja California 

(Miller and Lea 1972). Usually intertidal and subtidal; to 18 m (60 ft; Eschmeyer and Herald 1983). 

Hypsoblennius jenkinsi (Jordan & Evermann, 1896). Mussel Blenny. To 13 cm (5 in) TL (Eschmeyer and 

Herald 1983). Morro Bay, central California (J. Stephens, pers. comm. to M. L.) to Puerta Marquis, 

Mexico, including Gulf of California (Miller and Lea 1972). Intertidal and to 21 m (70 ft) (min.: Wells 


Ophioblennius steindachneri Jordan & Evermann, 1898. Large-banded Fanged Blenny or Panamic Fanged 

Blenny. To 18 cm (7.1 in) TL (Allen and Robertson 1994). Isla Cedros (M. L., unpubl. data) and (mainland) 

Arricefe Sacramento (29°40'N, 115°47'W; M. L., unpubl. data), central Baja California into northern Gulf 

of California (Thomson et al. 1979) and to Islas Lobos de Afuera, Peru (Chirichigno and Vélez 1998), 

including Islas Galápagos (Grove and Lavenberg 1997). At depths of 1–12 m (3–40 ft) (min.: SIO 48-82; 

max.: Aburto-Oropeza and Balart 2001) and perhaps to 20 m (66 ft; Robertson and Allen 2002). 

Plagiotremus azaleus (Jordan & Bollman, 1890). Sabertooth Blenny. To 10.2 cm (4.0 in) TL (Robertson 

and Allen 2002). King Harbor, southern California (Pondella and Craig 2001); Rocas Chester (27°53'N, 

115°04'W) and Isla Cedros, central Baja California (Pondella and Craig 2001) to Puerto Pizarro, Peru 

(Chirichigno and Vélez 1998), including Gulf of California (Allen and Robertson 1994), Islas Galápagos 

(Grove and Lavenberg 1997), and many other offshore islands (Robertson and Allen 2002). At depths of 

2–25 m (7–83 ft) (min.: Allen and Robertson 1994; max.: Robertson and Allen 2002). 

Family Icosteidae — Ragfishes 

Icosteus aenigmaticus Lockington, 1880. Ragfish. To 2.13 m (7 ft) TL (Clemens and Wilby 1946) or more 

(Hart 1973). Okhotsk Sea (Sheiko and Fedorov 2000) and Pacific coast of southern Honshu, Japan 

(Suzuki and Tsukada 1994) to Bering Sea and Gulf of Alaska (Mecklenburg et al. 2002) to Point Loma, 

southern California (Miller and Lea 1972). Larvae have been taken off northernmost Baja California 

(Moser et al. 1994). Surf zone and to 1,420 m (4,092 ft) (min.: Carlisle et al. 1960; max.: Mecklenburg 

et al. 2002). Ragfish under about 30 cm (12 in) TL in shallow water or offshore near surface; adults 

near bottom and deep (Mecklenburg et al. 2002). Adults occasionally found at the shoreline or in the 

surf zone evidently are out of their normal depth range and may be injured or disoriented. Acrotus 

willoughbyi Bean, 1888, is a junior synonym; complete synonymy given in Mecklenburg (2003). 

158

Family Gobiesocidae — Clingfishes 

*Arcos erythrops (Jordan & Gilbert, 1882). Rockwall Clingfish. To 5.4 cm (2.1 in) SL (SIO 61-279). Cabo 

San Lucas, southern Baja California and Gulf of California (De La Cruz-Agüero et al. 1997) to southern 

Mexico (Robertson and Allen 2002). At depths of 0–15 m (49 ft) (min.: Robertson and Allen 2002; max.: 

SIO 70-163). 

*Gobiesox ajustus Jordan & Gilbert, 1882. Panamic Clingfish. To 5 cm (2 in) TL (De La Cruz-Agüero et al. 

1997). Cabo San Lucas, southern Baja California and Gulf of California to Ecuador (De La Cruz-Agüero 

et al. 1997). At depths of 0 to perhaps 10 m (33 ft; Robertson and Allen 2002). 

Gobiesox eugrammus Briggs, 1955. Lined Clingfish. To 5.7 cm (2.25 in) TL (Miller and Lea 1972). Bird Rock, 

San Diego County, southern California (Miller and Lea 1972) to Islas San Benito (SIO 90-74) and Isla 

Guadalupe (Miller and Lea 1972), central Baja California. At depths of 9–82 m (30–270 ft; Miller and 

Lea 1972). 

Gobiesox maeandricus (Girard, 1858). Northern Clingfish. To 16 cm (6.5 in) TL (Eschmeyer and Herald 

1983). Noyes Island, southeastern Alaska (Mecklenburg et al. 2002) to central Baja California (between 

Isla Guadalupe and mainland on drifting kelp; Miller and Lea 1972). Intertidal zone and to 18 m (59 ft) 

(min.: Miller and Lea 1972; max.: Cross 1981), including tidepools (Cross 1981; also numerous museum 

records, e.g., UW 2318, UW 21223, UW 22447). 

Gobiesox papillifer Gilbert, 1890. Bearded Clingfish. To 8 cm (3.2 in) TL (Robertson and Allen 2002). 

San Pedro, southern California to Panama Bay (Miller and Lea 1972), including Gulf of California 

(Robertson and Allen 2002). Intertidal and to 5 m (17 ft; Robertson and Allen 2002). 

*Gobiesox pinniger Gilbert, 1890. Feathered Clingfish or Tadpole Clingfish. To 13 cm (5.1 in) TL (Robertson 

and Allen 2002). Cabo San Lucas, southern Baja California into northern Gulf of California (Thomson 

et al. 1979). Intertidal and to 5 m (17 ft) (min.: Thomson et al. 1979; max.: LACM 50801.003). 

Gobiesox rhessodon Smith, 1881. California Clingfish. To 6.4 cm (2.5 in) TL (Miller and Lea 1972). Pismo 

Beach, central California (Eschmeyer and Herald 1983) to Bahia Magdalena, southern Baja California (SIO 

64-10). Intertidal and to 11 m (35 ft) (min.: Eschmeyer and Herald 1983; max.: Miller and Lea 1972). 

Rimicola cabrilloi Briggs, 2002. Channel Islands Clingfish. To 3.5 cm (1.4 in) SL (Briggs 2002). Islands off 

southern California (Santa Rosa, Santa Cruz, Santa Catalina, and San Nicolas). Intertidal and shallow 

subtidal (min.: SIO 47-81; max.: SIO 51-244). 

Rimicola dimorpha Briggs, 1955. Southern Clingfish. To 3.4 cm (1.35 in) TL (Miller and Lea 1972). Gaviota 

(SIO 61-426) and northern Channel Islands, southern California to Islas San Benito, central Baja 

California (Miller and Lea 1972). Kelp, occasionally in tidepools (Watson in Moser 1996). 

Rimicola eigenmanni (Gilbert, 1890). Slender Clingfish. To 5.7 cm (2.25 in) TL (Miller and Lea 1972). 

Palos Verdes, southern California to Bahia San Juanico, southern Baja California (Miller and Lea 1972). 

Intertidal and to 15 m (48 ft) (min.: Miller and Lea 1972; max.: Fitch 1952). 

Rimicola muscarum (Meek & Pierson, 1895). Kelp Clingfish. To 7 cm (2.75 in) TL (Eschmeyer and Herald 

1983). Glacier Bay, southeastern Alaska (Mecklenburg et al. 2002) to Punta Baja, northern Baja California 

(Watson in Moser 1996). Also reported from Kachemak Bay, northern Gulf of Alaska (Abookire 2002), 

but not verifiable. Evidently the arrival of R. muscarum in Kachemak Bay coincided with arrival of large 

quantitites of floating bull kelp (Nereocystis) which likely was their mode of travel (J. Figurski, pers. 

comm. to C. W. M.). Intertidal and in kelp beds (Miller and Lea 1972). The Glacier Bay specimen (UAM 

1997) may have been lost, as a different fish is now in the jar (K. D. Vogt, pers. comm. to C. W. M.). 

Rimicola sila Briggs, 1955. Guadalupe Clingfish. To at least 2.8 cm (1.1 in) SL. Isla Guadalupe, central Baja 

California. All in Briggs (1955). 

159

*Tomicodon boehlkei Briggs, 1955. Cortez Clingfish. To 7.5 cm (3 in) TL (Robertson and Allen 2002). Cabo 

San Lucas, southern Baja California to northern Gulf of California (Thomson et al. 1979). Intertidal 

area and to 12 m (39 ft) (min.: Thomson et al. 1979; max.: SIO 65-330). 

*Tomicodon eos (Jordan & Gilbert, 1882). Rosy Clingfish. To 5 cm (2 in) TL (Robertson and Allen 2002). 

Cabo San Lucas, southern Baja California and Gulf of California to Oaxaca, Mexico (De La Cruz-Agüero 

et al. 1997). Intertidal and to 14 m (46 ft) (min.: De La Cruz-Agüero et al. 1997; max.: SIO 62-55). 

*Tomicodon humeralis (Gilbert, 1890). Sonora Clingfish. To 10 cm (4 in) TL (Robertson and Allen 2002). 

Cabo San Lucas, southern Baja California into northern Gulf of California (Thomson et al. 1979). 

Intertidal and to 5 m (16 ft) (min.: Thomson et al. 1979; max.: Robertson and Allen 2002). 

Tomicodon zebra (Jordan & Gilbert, 1882). Zebra Clingfish. To 5.6 cm (2.2 in) TL (Robertson and Allen 

2002). Bahia Magdalena, southern Baja California (De La Cruz-Agüero et al. 1994) to Oaxaca, Mexico, 

including Gulf of California (Thomson et al. 2000). Intertidal zone (SIO 59-208) and to 6 m (20 ft; SIO 

61-225), perhaps to 10 m (33 ft; Robertson and Allen 2002). 

Family Callionymidae — Dragonets 

Synchiropus atrilabiatus (Garman, 1899). Antlered Dragonet, Black Dragonet, Blacklip Dragonet, or Sleepy 

Dragonet. To at least 13.1 cm (5.2 in) TL (Rodriguez-Romero et al. 1993). Santa Catalina Island and 

Point Loma, southern California (Groce, Rosenblatt, and Allen 2001) and Bahia Magdalena, southern 

Baja California (De La Cruz-Agüero et al. 1994) to Talara, Peru (Grove and Lavenberg 1997), including 

Gulf of California (Castro-Aguirre 1991) and Islas Galápagos (Grove and Lavenberg 1997) and Isla Cocos 

(Robertson and Allen 2002). At depths of 3–235 m (10–771 ft) (min.: SIO 52-166; max.: Robertson and 

Allen 2002). 

Family Eleotridae — Sleepers 

Dormitator latifrons (Richardson, 1844). Pacific Fat Sleeper or Spotted Sleeper. To 61 cm (2 ft) TL (Eschmeyer 

and Herald 1983). Palos Verdes, southern California to Peru (Bussing 1998), including Islas Galápagos 

(Grove and Lavenberg 1997); also Lake Merritt, San Francisco Bay area (Long 1996). Shallow inshore 

areas, usually in freshwaters (Eschmeyer and Herald 1983) to depth of 2 m (7 ft) or more (Robertson 


*Eleotris picta Kner, 1863. Spotted Sleeper. To at least 53 cm (20.8 in) TL (Robertson and Allen 2002). 

Southern tip of Baja California (23°03'N, 109°41'W; SIO 46-254) to Peru (Bussing 1998), including 

Gulf of California and Islas Galápagos (Grove and Lavenberg 1997) and Isla Cocos, often in fresh water 

(Bussing 1998). 

*Erotelis armiger (Jordan & Richardson, 1895). Armiger’s Goby or Flathead Sleeper. To 8.9 cm (3.5 in) SL 

(SIO 62-46). Tip of Baja California and mouth of Gulf of California to Colombia (Robertson and Allen 

2002). At depths of 0–5 m (17 ft; Robertson and Allen 2002). 

*Gobiomorus maculatus (Günther, 1859). Bigscale Sleeper or Pacific Sleeper. To 35 cm (13.8 in) TL (R. 

Robertson, pers. comm. to M. L.). Tip of Baja California into Gulf of California to northern Peru, 

including Islas Galápagos and Isla Cocos (Robertson and Allen 2002). At depths of 0–5 m (16 ft; 

Robertson and Allen 2002), often in fresh water (Bussing 1998). 

Family Gobiidae — Gobies 

**Acanthogobius flavimanus (Temminck & Schlegel, 1845). Yellowfin Goby. To 25 cm (9.75 in) TL in eastern 

Pacific, 30 cm (1 ft) TL in Japan (Eschmeyer and Herald 1983). Native to Russian coast of Sea of Japan 

(Vasil’eva 2003), Japan, China, and Korea. Tomales Bay (Moyle 2002), San Francisco Bay, and other 

160

central and southern California bays and estuaries (Eschmeyer and Herald 1983) to Ensenada, northern 

Baja California (Watson in Moser 1996). Bays and estuaries; ascends rivers (Eschmeyer and Herald 

1983). Intertidal and to at least 6.5 m (21 ft) (min.: Allen 1999; max.: Allen et al. 2002). 

Barbulifer mexicanus Hoese & Larson, 1985. Mexican Bearded Goby or Saddlebanded Goby. To 3.5 cm 

(1.4 in) TL (Robertson and Allen 2002). Punta Marquis, southern Baja California (SIO 62-706), tip of 

Baja California, central Mexico, and Islas Tres Marias (Robertson and Allen 2002). At depths of 0 to 


*Barbulifer pantherinus (Pellegrin, 1901). Panther Goby. To 5.2 cm (2 in) TL (Allen and Robertson 1994). 

Cabo San Lucas, southern Baja California into central Gulf of California (Thomson et al. 1979). Intertidal 

and to 32 m (105 ft; Robertson and Allen 2002). 

Bathygobius ramosus Ginsburg, 1947. Panamic Frillfin. To 11.4 cm (4.5 in) TL (Robertson and Allen 2002). 

Bahia Magdalena, southern Baja California (De La Cruz-Agüero et al. 1994) into northern Gulf of 

California (Thomson et al. 1979) to Paita, Peru (Chirichigno and Vélez 1998). Intertidal (Thomson et al. 

1979) and to 2 m (7 ft; Robertson and Allen 2002). The B. soporator listed from Bahia Magdalena by De 

La Cruz-Agüero et al. (1994) may be B. ramosus, since B. soporator is known to be an Atlantic species. 

*Chriolepis cuneata Bussing, 1990. Rail Goby. To 3.1 cm (1.2 in) SL (SIO 65-343). Cabo San Lucas and 

Gulf of California (Thomson et al. 2000) to Panama (Robertson and Allen 2002). At depths of 0–32 m 

(105 ft) (min.: Robertson and Allen 2002; max.: Thomson et al. 2000). 

*Chriolepis zebra Ginsburg, 1938. Gecko Goby. To 4.4 cm (1.8 in) TL (Thomson et al. 1979). Cabo San 

Lucas, southern Baja California to central Gulf of California (Thomson et al. 1979). At depths of 2–30 m 

(5–98 ft) (min.: Thomson et al. 1979; max.: Robertson and Allen 2002). 

Clevelandia ios (Jordan & Gilbert, 1882). Arrow Goby. To 5.7 cm (2.25 in) TL (Eschmeyer and Herald 1983). 

Rivers Inlet, British Columbia (Eschmeyer and Herald 1983) to Bahia San Bartolome, southern Baja 

California (Watson in Moser 1996) and in Gulf of California (Miller and Lea 1972). Estuaries, lagoons, and 

tidal sloughs (Eschmeyer and Herald 1983); 2 m (7 ft) or less (Allen 1982) to 45 m (148 ft; Levings 1973). 

Coryphopterus urospilus Ginsburg, 1938. Orangespot Goby or Redlight Goby. To 8 cm (3.1 in) TL (Grove 

and Lavenberg 1997). Isla Asuncion, southern Baja California (M. L., unpubl. data) to northern Gulf of 

California (Thomson et al. 1979) to Colombia, including Islas Galápagos (Grove and Lavenberg 1997). 

Subtidal and to 38 m (125 ft; Thomson et al. 1979). 

Ctenogobius sagittula (Günther, 1861). Lancetail Goby or Longtail Goby. To 20.3 cm (8 in) TL (Miller 

and Lea 1972). Marina de Rey, southern California (Lea and Rosenblatt 2000) to Puerto Pizarro, Peru 

(Chirichigno and Vélez 1998). Intertidal and to 5 m (17 ft) (min.: SIO 52-139; max.: Robertson and 

Allen 2002). Also recently as Gobionellus sagittula and G. longicaudus. 

*Elacatinus digueti (Pellegrin, 1901). Banded Cleaner Goby or Banded Cleaning Goby. To 3.2 cm (1.3 in) 

SL (SIO 65-351). Cabo San Lucas, southern Baja California (Hoese and Reader 2001) to central Gulf of 

California and to central Mexico (Robertson and Allen 2002). At depths of 1–21 m (4–69 ft) (min.: SIO 

67-37; max.: Hoese and Reader 2001). 

*Elacatinus limbaughi Hoese & Reader, 2001. Widebanded Cleaner Goby or Widebanded Cleaning Goby. 

To 3.4 cm (1.3 in) SL (SIO 65-263). Central Gulf of California to Bahia Banderas, central Mexico, 

including Cabo San Lucas, southern Baja California (Hoese and Reader 2001). At depths of 5–35 m 

(17–116 ft) (min.: Robertson and Allen 2002; max.: Hoese and Reader 2001). 

*Elacatinus puncticulatus (Ginsburg, 1938). Redhead Goby. To 41 cm (16.1 in) SL (SIO 65-330). Cabo San 

Lucas (Hoese and Reader 2001) and northern Gulf of California to Ecuador (Robertson and Allen 

2002). At depths of 1–21 m (3–69 ft) (min.: Robertson and Allen 2002; max.: Hoese and Reader 2001). 

161

Eucyclogobius newberryi (Girard, 1856). Tidewater Goby. To 5.7 cm (2.3 in) TL (Eschmeyer and Herald 

1983). Tillas Slough, mouth of Smith River, northern California (Moyle 2002) to Agua Hedionda 

Lagoon, San Diego County, southern California (Watson in Moser 1996). Coastal lagoons and brackish 

bays at mouths of freshwater streams (Eschmeyer and Herald 1983). 

Gillichthys mirabilis Cooper, 1864. Longjaw Mudsucker. To 21 cm (8.25 in) TL (Eschmeyer and Herald 

1983). Tomales Bay, northern California to Gulf of California (Miller and Lea 1972). Shallow waters of 

bays and mudflats (Miller and Lea 1972) to at least 4 m (13 ft; LACM 50502.001). 

Gobiosoma nudum (Meek & Hidebrand, 1928). Knobchin Goby. To 4.5 cm (1.8 in) TL (Allen and Robertson 

1994). Introduced to Atlantic; Punta Marquis, southern Baja California to Cabo Pulmo, Gulf of California 

and from Mazatlán to Colombia (Thomson et al. 1979). Intertidal and to 10 m (33 ft) (min.: Allen and 

Robertson 1994; max.: Robertson and Allen 2002). 

Gobiosoma sp. B. To 2.1 cm (0.8 in) TL. Central Baja California and Gulf of California. At depths of 1–10 m 

(3–33 ft). All in Robertson and Allen (2002). 

Gobulus crescentalis (Gilbert, 1892). Crescent Goby. To 6.1 cm (2.4 in) TL (Thomson et al. 1979). Laguna 

Ojo de Liebre (Scammon’s Lagoon), central Baja California into northern Gulf of California and to 

Guaymas, Mexico (Thomson et al. 1979). At depths of 1–18 m (3–59 ft) (min.: Robertson and Allen 

2002; max.: Thomson et al. 1979). 

Gymneleotris seminudus (Günther, 1864). Splitbanded Goby. To 5.1 cm (2 in) TL. Bahia Magdalena, 

southern Baja California into central Gulf of California and to Ecuador. At depths of 1–23 m (3–75 ft). 

All in Thomson et al. (2000). Hoese and Reader (2001) give Panama for the southern range limit. 

Ilypnus gilberti (Eigenmann & Eigenmann, 1889). Cheekspot Goby. To 6.4 cm (2.5 in) TL (Miller and Lea 

1972). Tomales Bay, northern California (Miller and Lea 1972) to Bahia Magdalena, southern Baja 

California (De La Cruz-Agüero et al. 1994) and Gulf of California (Miller and Lea 1972). Mudflats and 

shallow bays (Miller and Lea 1972) and estuaries (Ruiz-Campos et al. 2000); 0 to at least 7 m (23 ft) 

(min.: Robertson and Allen 2002; max.: LACM 49741.002). 

Lepidogobius lepidus (Girard, 1858). Bay Goby. To 10.2 cm (4 in) TL (Miller and Lea 1972). Kegan Cove, 

southeastern Alaska (Mecklenburg et al. 2002) to Isla Cedros (Miller and Lea 1972) and Bahia de Sebastian 

Vizcaino (SIO 84-90), central Baja California. Intertidal and to 305 m (1,000 ft) (min.: Eschmeyer and 

Herald 1983; max.: LACS 2002). 

Lethops connectens Hubbs, 1926. Halfblind Goby. To 6.4 cm (2.5 in) TL (Miller and Lea 1972). Carmel, 

central California to Cabo Colnett, northern Baja California (Miller and Lea 1972). Intertidal and to 

18 m (60 ft; Miller and Lea 1972). 

Lythrypnus dalli (Gilbert, 1890). Bluebanded Goby. To 6.4 cm (2.5 in) TL (Eschmeyer and Herald 1983). 

Morro Bay, central California (Miller and Lea 1972) to Islas Lobos de Afuera, Peru (Grove and Lavenberg 

1997), including Gulf of California (Robertson and Allen 2002) and Islas Galápagos (Miller and Lea 

1972). Intertidal and to 76 m (250 ft; Eschmeyer and Herald 1983). Islas Galápagos specimens previously 

identified as Lythrypnus crinitus. 

Lythrypnus pulchellus Ginsburg, 1938. Gorgeous Goby. To 4.5 cm (1.8 in) TL (Allen and Robertson 1994). 

Bahia Magdalena, southern Baja California to central Gulf of California (Thomson et al. 1979) and parts of 

central Mexico (Robertson and Allen 2002). At depths of 2–70 m (7–229 ft; Allen and Robertson 1994). 

Lythrypnus zebra (Gilbert, 1890). Zebra Goby. To 5.7 cm (2.25 in) TL (Eschmeyer and Herald 1983). Carmel 

Bay, central California (Eschmeyer and Herald 1983) to Cabo San Lucas, southern Baja California 

(Robertson and Allen 2002), Isla Clarión, and Islas Revillagigedo (Robertson and Allen 2002). Intertidal 

and to 97 m (318 ft; Eschmeyer and Herald (1983). 

162

Microgobius brevispinis Ginsburg, 1939. Balboa Goby or Shortspine Goby. To 8 cm (3.1 in) TL. Pacific coast 

of southern Baja California to Panama (SIO 71-224), including Gulf of California. At depths of 0–6 m 

(20 ft). All in Robertson and Allen (2002). 

Microgobius cyclolepis Gilbert, 1890. Roundscale Goby. To 6.5 cm (2.6 in) TL (Allen and Robertson 1994). 

Punta Pequena (26°14'N, 112°32'W), southern Baja California (SIO 64-888) to Panama (Allen and 

Robertson 1994). At depths of 2–36 m (5–118 ft) (min.: SIO 62-737; max.: SIO 64-888). 

Microgobius erectus Ginsburg, 1938. Erect Goby. To 6 cm (2.4 in) TL (Allen and Robertson 1994). Bahia 

Santa Maria, southern Baja California (SIO 62-729) to Gulf of California and Panama (Allen and 

Robertson 1994). At depths of 3–36 m (9–118 ft) (min.: SIO 64-356; max.: SIO 63-521). 

Microgobius tabogensis Meek & Hildebrand, 1928. Tagoba Goby. To 7 cm (2.8 in) TL (Robertson and Allen 

2002). Boca de Soledad (25°23'N, 112°05'W), southern Baja California (SIO 64-84) to Puerto Pizarro, 

Peru (Chirichigno 1974). At depths of 0–6 m (20 ft; Robertson and Allen 2002). 

Quietula y-cauda (Jenkins & Evermann, 1889). Shadow Goby. To 7.0 cm (2.75 in) TL (Miller and Lea 1972). 

Morro Bay, central California to Gulf of California (Miller and Lea 1972). Intertidal (Allen 1999) and to 


Rhinogobiops nicholsii (Bean, 1882). Blackeye Goby. To 15 cm (6 in) TL (Follett 1970). Near Sitka, 

southeastern Alaska (Csepp and Wing 2000) to south of Punta Rompiente (Miller and Lea 1972) and 

Isla Guadalupe (SIO 54-215) and Isla Cedros (M. L., unpubl. data), central Baja California. Intertidal 

and to more than 640 m (2,100 ft) (min.: Follett 1970; max.: Barnhart 1936). Classified until recently in 

genus Coryphopterus. 

**Tridentiger barbatus (Günther, 1861). Shokihaze Goby. To 10.9 cm (4.4 in) TL (Greiner 2002). Native to 

western Pacific; Japan and Korea as far south as Taiwan (Akihito et al. in Nakabo 2002). San Francisco 

Bay estuary (Moyle and Davis 2000). Brackish waters (Akihito et al. in Nakabo 2002) and marine waters 

(Hwang and Lee 1999) to depth of 25.9 m (85 ft; Greiner 2002). 

**Tridentiger bifasciatus Steindachner, 1881. Shimofuri Goby. To 10.4 cm (4.1 in) TL (S. Matern, pers. 

comm.). Native to Asia; China, Korea, Japan, and Russian Sea of Japan (Vasil’eva 2003). Sacramento– 

San Joaquin Delta and various freshwater systems in California (Matern and Fleming 1995). 

**Tridentiger trigonocephalus (Gill, 1859). Chameleon Goby. To 11 cm (4.5 in) TL (Eschmeyer and Herald 

1983). Native to China, Japan, and Siberia. Primarily marine, San Francisco Bay, Los Angeles Harbor 

(Eschmeyer and Herald 1983), and San Diego Bay (Allen 1997). Surf zone to more than 15 m (49 ft; 

Hwang and Lee 1999). Salt, brackish, and fresh water (Eschmeyer and Herald 1983). 

Typhlogobius californiensis Steindachner, 1879. Blind Goby. To 8.3 cm (3.25 in) TL (Eschmeyer and Herald 

1983). San Simeon Point, central California (Eschmeyer and Herald 1983) to Bahia Magdalena, southern 

Baja California (Miller and Lea 1972). Intertidal and to 15 m (50 ft; Eschmeyer and Herald 1983). 

Family Microdesmidae — Wormfishes 

*Clarkichthys bilineatus (Clark, 1936). Flagtail Wormfish. To 6.2 cm (2.4 in) TL (Robertson and Allen 

2002). Cabo San Lucas, southern Baja California to Ecuador (Robertson and Allen 2002), including Islas 

Galápagos (Watson in Moser 1996). Intertidal and to 10 m (33 ft; Robertson and Allen 2002). 

Microdesmus dorsipunctatus Dawson, 1968. Black-spotted Worm Goby or Spotback Wormfish. To 12.5 cm 

(4.9 in) TL (Robertson and Allen 2002). Bahia Almejas, southern Baja California (24°22'N, 111°42'W) 

to Panama (Dawson 1968). Intertidal and shallow subtidal (Dawson 1968), perhaps to 10 m (33 ft; 


163

Family Ephippidae — Spadefishes 

Chaetodipterus zonatus (Girard, 1858). Pacific Spadefish. To 66 cm (26.0 in) TL (Amezcua Linares 1996). 

San Diego, southern California (Miller and Lea 1972) to Bahia de Sechura, Peru (Chirichigno and Vélez 

1998), including Gulf of California (Schneider in Fischer et al. 1995). At depths of 1–107 m (3–351 ft) 

(min.: Robertson and Allen 2002; max.: Amezcua Linares 1996). 

Family Luvaridae — Louvars 

Luvarus imperialis Rafinesque, 1810. Louvar. To 2 m (78.7 in) TL (Bauchot in Fischer et al. 1995). 

Circumglobal; Washington (Matarese et al. 1989) to Chile (Miller and Lea 1972). Epipelagic to 

mesopelagic (Miller and Lea 1972). 

Family Zanclidae — Moorish Idols 

*Zanclus cornutus (Linnaeus, 1758). Moorish Idol. To 30 cm (11.8 in) TL (Araga in Masuda et al. 1984). 

Pacific and Indian oceans; Japan (Araga in Masuda et al. 1984); Cabo San Lucas, southern Baja California 

and southern Gulf of California to Peru (Robertson and Allen 2002) and Easter Island (Pequeño 

1989), including Islas Galápagos (Grove and Lavenberg 1997). At depths of 2–180 m (5–590 ft) (min.: 

Thompson et al. 1979; max.: Randall et al. 1990). Often referred to as Zanclus canescens. 

Family Acanthuridae — Surgeonfishes 

*Acanthurus achilles Shaw, 1803. Achilles Surgeon or Achilles Tang. To 26 cm (10.2 in) TL (Randall in 

Carpenter and Niem 2001). Pacific; Cabo San Lucas, southern Baja California (Thomson et al. 1979). 

Inshore surge areas (Allen and Robertson 1994) to 10 m (33 ft; Robertson and Allen 2002). 

*Acanthurus nigricans (Linnaeus, 1758). Goldrim Surgeonfish, Velvet Surgeonfish, or Whitecheek 

Surgeonfish. To 21.3 cm (8.4 in) TL (Allen and Robertson 1994). Tropical Pacific; southern tip of Baja 

California (Krupp in Fischer et al. 1995) to Ecuador (Béarez 1996), including Islas Galápagos (Grove 

and Lavenberg 1997). Shallow surge zone to 70 m (230 ft; Grove and Lavenberg 1997). 

*Acanthurus triostegus (Linnaeus, 1758). Convict Surgeonfish or Convict Tang. To 26.3 cm (10.4 in) TL 

(Allen and Robertson 1994). Pacific and Indian oceans; southern Japan (Shimada in Nakabo 2002); Gulf 

of California (Krupp in Fischer et al. 1995) to Chile (Pequeño 1989), including tip of Baja California 

(Krupp in Fischer et al. 1995) and Islas Galápagos (Grove and Lavenberg 1997). At depths of 0–90 m 

(295 ft) (min.: Lieske and Myers 2002; max.: Grove and Lavenberg 1997). 

*Acanthurus xanthopterus Valenciennes, 1835. Purple Surgeonfish, Yellowfin Surgeonfish, or Yellow-masked 

Surgeon. To 70 cm (27.6 in) TL (Robertson and Allen 2002). Pacific and Indian oceans; southern Japan 

(Shimada in Nakabo 2002); Gulf of California (Krupp in Fischer et al. 1995) to Ecuador (Béarez 1996), 

including tip of Baja California (Krupp in Fischer et al. 1995) and Islas Galápagos (Grove and Lavenberg 

1997). At depths of 1–100 m (3–328 ft) (min.: Robertson and Allen 2002; max.: Krupp in Fischer et al. 

1995). 

Prionurus punctatus Gill, 1862. California Sawtail, Yellowtail Sawtail, or Yellowtail Surgeonfish. To 60 cm 

(23.6 in) TL (Krupp in Fischer et al. 1995). Bahia Santa Maria (24°40'N, 112°11'W), southern Baja California 

(SIO 52-18) to Ecuador (Béarez 1996), including Gulf of California (Krupp in Fischer et al. 1995). At 

depths of 0–30 m (7–98 ft) (min.: Robertson and Allen 2002; max.: Krupp in Fischer et al. 1995). 

Family Sphyraenidae — Barracudas 

Sphyraena argentea Girard, 1854. Pacific Barracuda. To 122 cm (48 in) TL, reported to 152 cm (60 in) TL 

(Miller and Lea 1972). Kodiak Island, Gulf of Alaska (Van Cleve and Thompson 1938) to Cabo San Lucas, 

164

southern Baja California (Miller and Lea 1972), southwestern Gulf of California, and Islas Revillagigedo 

(Robertson and Allen 2002). Neritic epipelagic (Mecklenburg et al. 2002), surface to 38 m (125 ft) (min.: 

Miller and Lea 1972; max.: M. L., unpubl. data), including surf zone (Carlisle et al. 1960). 

Sphyraena ensis Jordan & Gilbert, 1882. Mexican Barracuda. To 70 cm (27.6 in) TL (Allen and Robertson 

1994). Oceanside, southern California (Shane 2001) to Chile (Pequeño 1989), including lower Gulf of 

California (Sommer in Fischer et al. 1995). Coastal waters (Sandknop and Watson in Fischer et al. 1995) 

to 25 m (82 ft; Robertson and Allen 2002). 

Sphyraena lucasana Gill, 1863. Cortez Barracuda or Lucas Barracuda. To 70 cm (27.6 in) TL (Allen and 

Robertson 1994). Isla Cedros (M. L., unpubl. data) and Bahia de Sebastian Vizcaino (Sandknop and 

Watson in Fischer et al. 1995), central Baja California into Gulf of California (Sommer in Fischer et al. 

1995) to central Mexico (Robertson and Allen 2002). Nearshore, as shallow as 3 m (10 ft; Pérez-España 

et al. 1996) to 25 m (82 ft; Robertson and Allen 2002). 

Family Gempylidae — Snake Mackerels 

Diplospinus multistriatus Maul, 1948. Lined Cutlassfish or Striped Escolar. To about 33 cm (13.0 in) SL 

(Nakamura and Parin 1993). Circumglobal in temperate and tropical waters; in western Pacific as far 

north as southern Japan (Nakabo in Nakabo 2002) and east of Kuril Islands (Savinykh et al. 2004); 

central California (35°N; Ambrose in Moser 1996) to Chile (Pequeño 1989). Oceanic mesopelagic, at 

depths of 50–1,000 m (164–3,280 ft) (min.: Parin in Whitehead et al. 1986; max.: Clarke and Wagner 

1976). 

Gempylus serpens Cuvier, 1829. Snake Mackerel. To about 100 cm (40 in) SL (Nakamura and Parin 1993). 

Circumglobal; in western Pacific as far north as southern Japan (Nakabo in Nakabo 2002); San Pedro, 

southern California to central Chile (Fitch and Lavenberg 1968), including Gulf of California (Robertson 

and Allen 2002) and Islas Galápagos (Grove and Lavenberg 1997). Oceanic epipelagic and mesopelagic, 

surface to 200 m (656 ft) and perhaps deeper (Nakamura and Parin 1993). 

Lepidocybium flavobrunneum (Smith, 1843). Escolar. To 220 cm (86.6 in) TL (Robertson and Allen 2002). 

Circumglobal; in western Pacific as far north as Japan (Nakabo in Nakabo 2002) and southern Kuril 

Islands (Savinykh 1998); Washington (Miller and Lea 1972) to Cabo Blanco, Peru (Chirichigno 1974) 

and Gulf of California (Robertson and Allen 2002). Oceanic pelagic, at depths of 25 to 200 m (82–656 ft) 

and more (min.: Azevedo and Heemstra 1995; max.: Nakamura and Parin in Carpenter and Niem 2001), 

usually caught at 100–300 m (328–984 ft) in tuna longline fishery (Nakamura and Parin 1993). 

Nealotus tripes Johnson, 1865. Black Mackerel, Black Snake Mackerel, or Striped Snake Mackerel. To 30 cm 

(11.8 in) TL (Nakamura in Masuda et al. 1984). Circumglobal in temperate and tropical waters; in 

western Pacific as far north as southern Japan (Nakabo in Nakabo 2002) and southern Kuril Islands 

(Parin 2003); southern Baja California (26°N; Ambrose in Moser 1996) to Chile (Pequeño 1989), 

including southern part of Gulf of California (Robertson and Allen 2002) and Islas Galápagos (Grove 

and Lavenberg 1997). Oceanic epipelagic and mesopelagic, surface to about 820 m (2,690 ft) (min.: 

Nakamura and Parin 1993; max.: Robertson and Allen 2002). 

Ruvettus pretiosus Cocco, 1833. Oilfish. To 203 cm (80 in) TL, reported to 305 cm (10 ft) TL (Eschmeyer 

and Herald 1983). Circumglobal in temperate and tropical waters; southern Japan (Nakabo in Nakabo 

2002) and southern Kuril Islands (Parin 2003); Encinitas, southern California (Miller and Lea 1972) to 

southern Baja California and Guatemala (Robertson and Allen 2002) to Chile (Pequeño 1989). Oceanic 

benthopelagic, at depths of 60 m (197 ft) and probably shallower, to 1,160 m (3,806 ft) (min.: Boltachev 

2001; max.: Pakhorukov 1999). 

165

Family Trichiuridae — Cutlassfishes 

Aphanopus intermedius Parin, 1983. Intermediate Scabbardfish. To 104 cm (40.9 in) SL (Fitch and Gotshall 

1972). Pacific and Atlantic oceans; Japan, Kuril Islands (Nakamura and Parin 1993), and southeastern 

Kamchatka (Sheiko and Fedorov 2000) to Hawaii and British Columbia to California, northern 

Chile (Nakamura and Parin 1993), Peru, and Islas Galápagos (McCosker et al. 1997). Benthopelagic, 

adults mostly at 800–1,350 m (2,624–4,428 ft; Nakamura and Parin 1993), at least one at about 494 m 

(1,630 ft; Fitch and Gotshall 1972); juveniles mesopelagic, at 300–1,000 m (984–3,280 ft; Nakamura 

and Parin 1993). North Pacific records of Aphanopus carbo Lowe, 1839, are now considered to belong 

to A. intermedius, while A. carbo is recognized as an Atlantic form. However, all North Pacific records of 

Aphanopus may belong to Aphanopus arigato Parin, 1994 (Nakabo in Nakabo 2002), called Pacific Black 

Scabbardfish (Sheiko and Fedorov 2000), but the status of this form is uncertain or it may include only 

western North Pacific records. 

Assurger anzac (Alexander, 1917). Razorback Scabbardfish. To 250 cm (98.4 in) SL (Nakamura in Fischer et 

al. 1995). Circumglobal in temperate and tropical waters, from scattered records (Nakamura and Parin 

1993); southern Japan (Nakabo in Nakabo 2002); Point Dume, southern California to Chile (Eschmeyer 

and Herald 1983). Adults probably benthopelagic, at depths of 150–400 m (492–1,312 ft; Nakamura 

and Parin 1993). 

Benthodesmus pacificus Parin & Becker, 1970. North Pacific Frostfish. To 112 cm (44.1 in) SL. Kyushu-Palau 

Ridge and Ryukyu Islands, Japan (Nakamura and Parin 1993); British Columbia and Puget Sound, 

Washington (Peden and Hughes 1986) to Monterey Bay, central California (Anderson and Cailliet 

1975). Benthopelagic, to 380 m and deeper, sometimes migrating to surface; juveniles mesopelagic 

(Nakamura and Parin 1993). Originally described as a subspecies of Benthodesmus elongatus, this form 

was treated as a full species by Nakamura and Parin (1993) and recognized as such by Nelson et al. 

(2004); B. pacificus occurs in the North Pacific, whereas B. elongatus occurs in the Southern Hemisphere 

in the Indian, Pacific, and Atlantic oceans. Records from British Columbia and Washington (Peden and 

Hughes 1986) were reported as B. tenuis. 

Lepidopus fitchi Rosenblatt & Wilson, 1987. Black Scabbardfish or Pacific Scabbardfish. To 210 cm (82.7 in) 

SL (Nakamura in Fischer et al. 1995). Eastern Pacific; off Newport, Oregon (collected by S. Meguffy; 

J. Cusick, pers. comm. to M. L.) to southern Peru (Chirichigno and Vélez 1998), including Gulf of 

California (Nakamura in Fischer et al. 1995). No collections appear to have been made between 20°N 

and 5°N; Rosenblatt and Wilson (1987) speculate that this is an example of antitropical distribution. 

Benthopelagic, adults at depths of 150–500 m (492–1,640 ft) (min.: Rosenblatt and Wilson 1987; max.: 

Fitch and Lavenberg 1968). Also recently as Lepidopus xantusi. 

Trichiurus nitens Garman, 1899. Pacific Cutlassfish. To 1.5 m (59 in) SL (Nakamura in Fischer et al. 1995). 

Western Pacific as far north as Sea of Japan (Parin 2003); Oxnard, southern California (Lea and Rosenblatt 

2000) to Callao, Peru (Chirchigno 1974), including Gulf of California (Nakamura in Fischer et al. 1995) 

and Islas Galápagos (Grove and Lavenberg 1997). Surface to 384 m (1,260 ft) (min.: Nakamura and 

Parin 1993; max.: Miller and Lea 1972). Nelson et al. (2004) note the confused systematics of Trichiurus 

and, pending further research, recognize T. nitens as a species separate from T. lepturus of the Atlantic. 

Family Scombridae — Mackerels 

Acanthocybium solandri (Cuvier, 1832). Wahoo. To 2.5 m (8.2 ft) TL (Robertson and Allen 2002). 

Circumglobal; in western Pacific as far north as Japan (Nakabo in Nakabo 2002) and southern Kuril 

Islands (Savinykh 1998); about 130 km (80 mi) south of the U.S.–Mexican border (M. L., unpubl. data) 

166

to Paita, Peru (Chirichigno and Vélez 1998) and Easter Island (Pequeño 1989), including Islas Galápagos 

(Grove and Lavenberg 1997). Oceanic epipelagic, surface to 15 m (49 ft; Robertson and Allen 2002). 

Recently and commonly as A. solanderi. 

Allothunnus fallai Serventy, 1948. Slender Tuna. To 96.5 cm (38 in) TL (Miller and Lea 1972). Warm waters 

of Southern Hemisphere to 50°S (Chirichigno and Vélez 1998); one report from North Pacific Subarctic 

Gyre (44°01'N, 151°13'W; Schaefer and Childers 1999) and one from Los Angeles–Long Beach Harbor, 

southern California (Miller and Lea 1972). Epipelagic, probably oceanic. 

Auxis rochei (Risso, 1810). Bullet Mackerel. To 55 cm (21.6 in) TL (Nakamura in Masuda et al. 1984). 

Circumglobal in warm waters; in western Pacific as far north as southern Kuril Islands (Parin 2003); 

Redondo Beach, southern California (Miller and Lea 1972) to northern Chile (Pequeño 1997), including 

Gulf of California (Collette in Fischer et al. 1995) and Islas Galápagos (Grove and Lavenberg 1997). Neritic 

and oceanic epipelagic, surface to perhaps 200 m (656 ft; Robertson and Allen 2002). The eastern Pacific 

form is recognized as a subspecies Auxis rochei eudorax (Collette and Aadland 1996, Collette 2003). 

Auxis thazard (Lacepède, 1800). Frigate Mackerel or Frigate Tuna. To 61 cm (24 in) TL (Miller and Lea 1972). 

Circumglobal in warm waters; in eastern Pacific from Santa Catalina Island, southern California to Chile 

(Pequeño 1989), including southern Gulf of California (Robertson and Allen 2002) and Islas Galápagos 

(Miller and Lea 1972). Neritic and oceanic epipelagic, surface to perhaps 200 m (656 ft; Robertson and 

Allen 2002). The eastern Pacific form is recognized as a subspecies Auxis thazard eurydorax (Collette and 

Aadland 1996, Collette 2003). The record of this species from the southern Kuril Islands in Savinykh 

(1998) appears to be in error and was changed to Auxis rochei in Parin (2003). 

Euthynnus affinis (Cantor, 1849). Kawakawa or Mackerel Tuna. To 110 cm (43.3 in) TL (Robertson and 

Allen 2002). Warm waters of Indian Ocean and western and central Pacific; southern Japan (Nakabo 

in Nakabo 2002); Los Angeles Harbor, southern California (Miller and Lea 1972). Neritic epipelagic, 

surface to perhaps 50 m (164 ft; Robertson and Allen 2002). 

Euthynnus lineatus Kishinouye, 1920. Black Skipjack. To 92 cm (36.2 in) TL (Robertson and Allen 2002). 

San Simeon, central California (Miller and Lea 1972) to northern Peru (Chirichigno and Vélez 1998), 

including Gulf of California (Miller and Lea 1972) and Islas Galápagos (Eschmeyer and Herald 1983). 

Neritic and oceanic epipelagic, surface to perhaps 40 m (131 ft; Robertson and Allen 2002). 

Katsuwonus pelamis (Linnaeus, 1758). Skipjack Tuna. To 120 cm (47.2 in) TL (Robertson and Allen 2002). 

Circumglobal in tropical and subtropical waters (Collette 2003); in western Pacific as far north as Japan 

(Nakabo in Nakabo 2002) and southern Kuril Islands (Savinykh 1998); Yakutat Bay, southeastern Alaska 

(Mecklenburg et al. 2002) to Chile (Collette and Nauen 1983), including southern Gulf of California 

(Robertson and Allen 2002) and Islas Galápagos (Grove and Lavenberg 1997). Oceanic epipelagic, 

surface to 260 m (853 ft; Robertson and Allen 2002). In some older guides as Euthynnus pelamis. 

Sarda chiliensis (Cuvier, 1832). Pacific Bonito. To 122 cm (48.0 in) TL (Robertson and Allen 2002). Eastern 

Pacific, with two populations: northern and eastern Gulf of Alaska (Quast 1964, Karinen et al. 1985, 

Mecklenburg et al. 2002) to southern Baja California (Eschmeyer and Herald 1983) and just into Gulf of 

California on Baja California side (Robertson and Allen 2002); and Máncora, Peru to Talcahuano, Chile 

(Collette and Nauen 1983). Neritic epipelagic, to depth of 110 m (361 ft; Robertson and Allen 2002). 

*Sarda orientalis (Temminck & Schlegel, 1844). Striped Bonito. To 117 cm (46.0 in) TL (Robertson and Allen 

2002). Pacific and Indian oceans; in western Pacific as far north as southern Japan (Nakabo in Nakabo 2002); 

tip of Baja California, central Mexico (Robertson and Allen 2002) to Cabo Blanco, Peru (Chirichigno 

and Vélez 1998). Neritic epipelagic, surface to about 30 m (98 ft; Robertson and Allen 2002). 

167

Scomber japonicus Houttuyn, 1782. Chub Mackerel, Pacific Chub Mackerel, or Pacific Mackerel. To nearly 

63.5 cm (25 in) TL (Fitch 1956). Pacific and Indian oceans; in western Pacific as far north as Japan 

(Collette and Nauen 1983), southern Kuril Islands (Savinykh 1998), and southeastern Kamchatka 

(Sheiko and Fedorov 2000); western Gulf of Alaska (Mecklenburg et al. 2002) to Gulf of California 

(Castro Hernández and Santana Ortega 2000) and Panama to Chile, including Islas Galápagos (Collette 

and Nauen 1983). Apparently absent from southern Mexico to northern Panama (Robertson and Allen 

2002). Coastal pelagic to epipelagic or mesopelagic over continental slope, surface to depth of about 

300 m (984 ft; Collette and Nauen 1983), sometimes near shore in surf zone (C. Valle, pers. comm. to 

M. L.). Previously treated as conspecific with Scomber colias Gmelin, 1789, of the Atlantic (Collette 1999, 

2003). 

Scomberomorus concolor (Lockington, 1879). Gulf Sierra or Monterey Spanish Mackerel. To 87 cm (34.2 in) 

TL (Robertson and Allen 2002). Soquel, Monterey Bay, central California to Gulf of California (Miller 

and Lea 1972) to central Mexico (Robertson and Allen 2002). Neritic epipelagic, to 15 m (49 ft) or more 

(Robertson and Allen 2002). 

Scomberomorus sierra Jordan & Starks, 1895. Pacific Sierra. To 112 cm (44.1 in) TL (Robertson and Allen 

2002). Santa Monica, southern California (Miller and Lea 1972) to central Chile (33°35'S; Brito 2002), 

including Gulf of California (Collette and Nauen 1983) and Islas Galápagos (Miller and Lea 1972). 

Neritic epipelagic, surface to 15 m (49 ft) or more (Robertson and Allen 2002). 

Thunnus alalunga (Bonnaterre, 1788). Albacore. To 152 cm (5.0 ft) TL (Foreman 1980). Circumglobal in 

tropical to temperate waters; in western Pacific north to Japan (Collette and Nauen 1983) and southern 

Kuril Islands (Savinykh 1998); northern and eastern Gulf of Alaska (Karinen et al. 1985, Mecklenburg 

et al. 2002) to Chile (Foreman 1980), including Islas Galápagos (Grove and Lavenberg 1997) and 

entrance to Gulf of California (G. Kira, pers. comm. with photographs to M. L.). Oceanic epipelagic and 

mesopelagic, surface to 600 m (1,968 ft; Robertson and Allen 2002). 

Thunnus albacares (Bonnaterre, 1788). Yellowfin Tuna. To 220 cm (86.6 in) TL (Robertson and Allen 2002). 

Circumglobal in tropical and subtropical waters; in western Pacific north to Japan (Collete and Nauen 

1983) and southern Kuril Islands (Savinykh 1998); eastern North Pacific at 50°00'N, 150°02'W (Larkins 

1964, Mecklenburg et al. 2002), and Morro Bay, central California (Squire 1987) to Chile (Miller and 

Lea 1972), including Islas Galápagos (Grove and Lavenberg 1997). Oceanic epipelagic, surface to 464 m 

(1,522 ft; Gunn and Block 1999). 

Thunnus obesus (Lowe, 1839). Bigeye Tuna. To 250 cm (8.2 ft) TL (Nakamura in Masuda et al. 1984). 

Circumglobal in tropical and subtropical waters; in western Pacific north to Japan (Collette and Nauen 

1983) and southern Kuril Islands (Parin 2003); Iron Springs, central Washington (Eschmeyer and Herald 

1983) to Chile (Pequeño 1989), including Islas Galápagos (Miller and Lea 1972); apparently not in 

Gulf of California (Robertson and Allen 2002). Oceanic epipelagic and mesopelagic, surface to 1,500 m 

(4,920 ft) (min.: Eschmeyer and Herald 1983; max.: Schaefer and Fuller 2002). 

Thunnus orientalis (Temminck & Schlegel, 1844). Pacific Bluefin Tuna. To about 3 m (10 ft) TL (Foreman 

and Ishizuka 1990). Japan (Nakabo in Nakabo 2002) to southern Kuril Islands (Savinykh 1998) and 

southern Okhotsk Sea; Shelikof Strait, Gulf of Alaska (Mecklenburg et al. 2002) to tip of Baja California 

(Robertson and Allen 2002). Oceanic epipelagic, surface to 450–550 m (1,476–1,804 ft; Marcinek et al. 

2001). Previously considered a subspecies of Thunnus thynnus (Linnaeus, 1758), raised to full species 

status by Collette (1999). The size of more than 3 m (10 ft) FL and weight of about 680 kg given by 

Mecklenburg et al. (2002), after Collette and Nauen (1983), pertains to the Atlantic species T. thynnus. 

The largest T. orientalis of record may be “about 555 kg (ca. 3 m)” from Japan, and 271.2 cm FL and 

457.7 kg off California (Foreman and Ishizuka 1990). 

168

Family Xiphiidae — Swordfishes 

Xiphias gladius Linnaeus, 1758. Swordfish. To 457 cm (15 ft) TL (Eschmeyer and Herald 1983). Circumglobal; 

in western Pacific as far north as southern Kuril Islands (Savinykh 1998); south of Vancouver Island 

(47°06'N, 131°03'W), British Columbia (Peden and Jamieson 1988) to Valdivia, Chile (Chirichigno and 

Vélez 1998), including southernmost part of Gulf of California (Robertson and Allen 2002) and Islas 

Galápagos (Grove and Lavenberg 1997). Surface to 2,878 m (9,442 ft; Pakhorukov 2001). 

Family Istiophoridae — Billfishes 

Istiophorus platypterus (Shaw, 1792). Sailfish. To 360 cm (11.7 ft) TL (Randall et al. 1990). Circumglobal; 

in western Pacific as far north as southern Kuril Islands (Parin 2003); Dana Point, southern California 

(Oliphant 1991) to Chile (Miller and Lea 1972), including Gulf of California (Robertson and Allen 

2002) and Islas Galápagos (Grove and Lavenberg 1997). Oceanic, near surface (Eschmeyer and Herald 

1983) to 30 m (98 ft) or more (Robertson and Allen 2002). 

Makaira indica (Cuvier, 1832). Black Marlin. To 5 m (16.3 ft) TL (Randall et al. 1990). Circumglobal; in 

western Pacific as far north as southern Kuril Islands (Savinykh 1998); southern California (Miller and 

Lea 1972) to northern Chile (Grove and Lavenberg 1997), including Gulf of California (Robertson and 

Allen 2002) and Islas Galápagos (Grove and Lavenberg 1997). Oceanic, near surface (Eschmeyer and 

Herald 1983) to 100 m (328 ft) or more (Robertson and Allen 2002). 

Makaira nigricans Lacepède, 1802. Blue Marlin. To 5 m (16.4 ft) TL (Heemstra in Smith and Heemstra 

1986). Circumglobal; Sea of Japan and off southern Kuril Islands (Parin 2003); southern California 

(Miller and Lea 1972) to Mejillones, Chile (Chirichigno and Vélez 1998), including Islas Galápagos 

(Grove and Lavenberg 1997). Oceanic, near surface to 200 m (656 ft; Robertson and Allen 2002). Also 

recently as M. mazara. 

Tetrapturus angustirostris Tanaka, 1915. Shortbill Spearfish. To at least 2.4 m (8 ft) TL (Eschmeyer and 

Herald 1983). Circumglobal; Cape Mendocino, central California (Miller and Lea 1972) to Mejillones, 

Chile (Chirichigno and Vélez 1998), including Islas Galápagos (Grove and Lavenberg 1997). Apparently 

not in Gulf of California (Robertson and Allen 2002). Oceanic, near surface to 1,830 m (6,004 ft) (min.: 

Eschmeyer and Herald 1983; max.: Robertson and Allen 2002). 

Tetrapturus audax (Philippi, 1887). Striped Marlin. To 4.2 m (13.8 ft) TL (Randall et al. 1990). Pacific and 

Indian oceans; in western Pacific as far north as southern Kuril Islands (Savinykh 1998); near Westport, 

Washington (W. A. Palsson, pers. comm. to M. L.) to Chile (35°S; Chirichigno and Vélez 1998), including 

central and southern Gulf of California (Robertson and Allen 2002) and Islas Galápagos (Grove and 

Lavenberg 1997). Oceanic, near surface to 289 m (948 ft) (min.: Eschmeyer and Herald 1983; max.: 

Bedford and Hagerman 1983). 

Family Centrolophidae — Medusafishes 

Icichthys lockingtoni Jordan & Gilbert, 1880. Medusafish. To about 46 cm (18.4 in) TL (Mecklenburg et al. 

2002). Japan and Kuril Islands (Haedrich 1967) to Pacific side of Aleutian Islands (Mecklenburg et al. 

2002) to about Punta Eugenia, central Baja California (Ahlstrom et al. 1976). Larvae have been taken 

somewhat to the south of Punta Eugenia, at Punta Abreojos, southern Baja California (Moser et al. 

1993). Oceanic pelagic, juveniles near surface, adults to 1,010 m (3,314 ft) (min.: Jordan 1923; max.: 

Amaoka et al. 1990) and perhaps to 1,257 m (4,124 ft; Lauth 2001); also reported as intertidal (Bolin 

1975). Haedrich (1967) opined that this species probably reaches bathypelagic depths. 

169

Family Nomeidae — Driftfishes or Flotsamfishes 

Cubiceps baxteri McCulloch, 1923. Black Fathead. To 115 cm (45.3 in) SL (Nakabo in Masuda et al. 1984); 

to at least 42 cm (16.5 in) SL (Last in Carpenter and Niem 2001). Circumglobal; Japan (Nakabo in 

Nakabo 2002); southern California (32°N) to Chile (Pequeño 1989), including Islas Galápagos (Grove 

and Lavenberg 1997). Not in oxygen minimum layer off Mexico and central America (Watson in Moser 

1996). Epipelagic (Watson in Moser 1996). 

Cubiceps capensis (Smith, 1845). Cape Cigarfish or Cape Fathead. To 100 m (39.3 in) TL (Agafonova 1994). 

Apparently circumglobal in subtropical and temperate waters (Agafonova 1994); one specimen taken 

145 km (90 mi) west-southwest of Morro Bay, central California (35°08'N, 122°24'W; McCosker et al. 

2004). Pelagic. 

Cubiceps paradoxus Butler, 1979. Longfin Cigarfish. To 70 cm (27.5 in) TL (Eschmeyer and Herald 1983). 

North Pacific; in western Pacific as far north as southern Kuril Islands (Savinykh 1998); Palos Verdes, 

southern California (Butler 1979). 

Nomeus gronovii (Gmelin, 1789). Man-of-War Fish. To 40 cm (15.7 in) TL (Robertson and Allen 2002). 

Circumglobal; Punta Gorda (23°05'N, 109°33'W) and near tip of southern Baja California (Fitch 1953) 

to Peru (Robertson and Allen 2002), including Islas Galápagos (Grove and Lavenberg 1997). Juveniles 

epipelagic; adults deeper, possibly benthopelagic (Watson in Moser 1996). 

Psenes pellucidus Lütken, 1880. Bluefin Driftfish. To 80 cm (31.5 in) TL (Haedrich in Whitehead et al. 1986). 

Circumglobal; Japan (Nakabo in Nakabo 2002) and southern Kuril Islands (Parin 2003); Santa Catalina 

Island, southern California (Ahlstrom et al. 1976) to southern end of Baja California (Watson in Moser 

1996) and about 5°N (Ahlstrom et al. 1976) to northwest of Callao, Peru (Chirichigno and Vélez 

1998), including Islas Galápagos (Grove and Lavenberg 1997). Juveniles epipelagic, adults mesopelagic 

and possibly bathypelagic (Haedrich in Whitehead et al. 1986) to depths of at least 1,000 m (3,280 ft; 


Psenes sio Haedrich, 1970. Sio Driftfish or Twospine Driftfish. To 24 cm (9.5 in) TL (Eschmeyer and Herald 

1983). Eastern Pacific; southern Baja California (Ahlstrom et al. 1976) to Punta Doña Maria, Peru 

(Chirichigno and Vélez 1998), including Gulf of California (Galván-Magaña et al. 1996) and Islas 

Galápagos (Grove and Lavenberg 1997). Surface to 500 m (1,640 ft; Robertson and Allen 2002). 

Family Tetragonuridae — Squaretails 

Tetragonurus atlanticus Lowe, 1839. Bigeye Squaretail. To 50 cm (19.7 in) SL (Haedrich in Whitehead et al. 

1986). Circumglobal; in eastern Pacific from central Baja California (28°N; Watson in Moser 1996) to 

Chile (Pequeño 1989) and west of Islas Galápagos (Ahlstrom et al. 1976). Larvae and juveniles have been 

reported off eastern Japan (Okamoto et al. 2001). Oceanic; young fish epipelagic, adults presumably 

mesopelagic (Haedrich in Whitehead et al. 1986). 

Tetragonurus cuvieri Risso, 1810. Smalleye Squaretail. To 70 cm (27.6 in) SL (Haedrich in Whitehead et al. 

1986). Circumglobal; Japan to south of Aleutian Islands (Mecklenburg et al. 2002) to Chile (Pequeño 

1989). Oceanic pelagic; young fish near surface, adults to about 700 m (2,296 ft; Mecklenburg et al. 2002). 

Family Stromateidae — Butterfishes 

Peprilus simillimus (Ayres, 1860). Pacific Butterfish or Pacific Pompano. To about 28 cm (11 in) TL (Clemens 

and Wilby 1961). Eastern North Pacific; Queen Charlotte Sound, British Columbia (Clemens and Wilby 

1961) to Bahia Magdalena, southern Baja California and Gulf of California (Miller and Lea 1972). 

Pelagic neritic, surf zone and to about 91 m (300 ft) (min.: Carlisle et al. 1960; max.: Eschmeyer and 

Herald 1983), reported to 311 m (1,026 ft; RACE). 

170

Peprilus snyderi Gilbert & Starks, 1904. Salema Butterfish. To 39 cm (15.3 in) TL (Robertson and Allen 2002). 

Bahia San Juanico, southern Baja California (Watson in Moser 1996) to northern Peru (Chirichigno and 

Vélez 1998), including Gulf of California (Haedrich and Schneider in Fischer et al. 1995). Pelagic neritic, 

shallow water to 108 m (354 ft; Amezcua Linares 1996). 

Order Pleuronectiformes 

Family Bothidae — Lefteye Flounders 

Bothus constellatus (Jordan, 1889). Pacific Eyed Flounder. To 20 cm (7.9 in) TL (Allen and Robertson 1994). 

Laguna San Ignacio, southern Baja California (Dannemann and De La Cruz-Agüero 1993) to Caleta 

Buena (19°53'S, 70°08'W), northern Chile (Sielfeld et al. 2003), including Gulf of California (Hensley 

in Fischer et al. 1995) and Islas Galápagos (Grove and Lavenberg 1997). Benthic, at depths of 1–121 m 

(3–397 ft; Hensley in Fischer et al. 1995). 

Bothus leopardinus (Günther, 1862). Pacific Leopard Flounder or Speckled Flounder. To 15 cm (5.9 in) TL 

(Allen and Robertson 1994). Boca de Carrizal (23°42'N, 110°38'W), southern Baja California (Castro- 

Aguirre et al. 1992) to Peru (Robertson and Allen 2002) and Islas Galápagos (Grove and Lavenberg 

1997), including Gulf of California (Hensley in Fischer et al. 1995). Benthic, at depths of 1–121 m (3– 

397 ft) (min.: Robertson and Allen 2002; max.: Hensley in Fischer et al. 1995). 

Engyophrys sanctilaurentii Jordan & Bollman, 1890. Speckledtail Flounder. To 20 cm (7.9 in) TL (Hensley 

in Fischer et al. 1995). North of La Jolla Submarine Canyon, southern California (Allen and Groce 2001) 

to Bahía Salinas, Huacho, Peru (Chirichigno 1974), including Gulf of California (Hensley in Fischer et 

al. 1995). Benthic, at depths of 20–232 m (66–766 ft; Amezcua Linares 1996). 

Monolene asaedai Clark, 1936. Dark Flounder. To 13.2 cm (5.2 in) TL (Castro-Aguirre et al. 1992). Isla Santa 

Margarita (at mouth of Bahia Magdalena), southern Baja California (Martinez-Muñoz and Ramirez- 

Cruz 1992); Pacific coast of Mexico (Hensley in Fischer et al. 1995) to Panama (Moser and Charter in 

Moser 1996). Benthic, about 20 m (66 ft; Aguilar-Palomino et al. 2001) to 209 m (686 ft; SIO 63-508). 

May be a junior synonym of Monolene dubiosa Garman, 1899 (Evseenko 1999). 

Perissias taeniopterus (Gilbert, 1890). Flag Flounder or Striped-fin Flounder. To 15 cm (5.9 in) TL (Amezcua 

Linares 1996). Central Baja California to Colombia (Robertson and Allen 2002), including Gulf of 

California (Hensley in Fischer et al. 1995). Benthic, at depths of 41–157 m (134–515 ft) (min.: Castro- 

Aguirre 1992; max.: Hensley in Fischer et al. 1995). 

Family Paralichthyidae — Sand Flounders 

Ancylopsetta dendritica Gilbert, 1890. Threespot Flounder or Threespot Sand Flounder. To 35 cm (13.8 in) TL 

(Robertson and Allen 2002). Bahia Magdalena, southern Baja California (Galván-Magaña et al. 2000) into 

Gulf of California (Hensley in Fischer et al. 1995) to northern Peru (4°56'S, 81°22'W; Chirichigno and Vélez 

1998). Benthic, at depths of 7–100 m (23–328 ft) (min.: SIO 69-386; max.: Hensley in Fischer et al. 1995). 

Citharichthys fragilis Gilbert, 1890. Gulf Sanddab. To 22 cm (8.7 in) TL (Hensley in Fischer et al. 1995). 

Manhatten Beach, southern California to Gulf of California (Eschmeyer and Herald 1983). Benthic, at 

depths of 18–347 m (60–1,138 ft; Eschmeyer and Herald 1983). 

Citharichthys gilberti Jenkins & Evermann, 1889. Bigmouth Sanddab. To 30 cm (11.8 in) TL (Amezcua 

Linares 1996). Central Baja California (Robertson and Allen 2002) to Gulf of California (Hensley in 

Fischer et al. 1995) to Paita, Peru (Chirichigno 1974), including Islas Galápagos (Grove and Lavenberg 

1997). Benthic, at depths of 1–36 m (3–118 ft) (min.: Robertson and Allen 2002; max.: Hensley in 

Fischer et al. 1995). Fresh, brackish, and marine waters (Hensley in Fischer et al. 1995). 

171

Citharichthys gordae Beebe & Tee-Van, 1938. Mimic Sanddab. To at least 14 cm (5.5 in) TL (Hensley in 

Fischer et al. 1995). Off Bahia Magdalena, southern Baja California (SIO 84-86) and perhaps to Panama 

(Moser and Sumida in Moser 1996), including Gulf of California (Hensley in Fischer et al. 1995). 

Benthic, at depths of 73–145 m (239–656 ft) (min.: Hensley in Fischer et al. 1995; max.: Robertson and 

Allen 2002). 

Citharichthys platophrys Gilbert, 1891. Small Sanddab. To 35 cm (13.7 in) TL (Morales-Nin 1994). Boca 

de Carrizal, southern Baja California (24°16'N, 111°32'W; Castro-Aguirre et al. 1992) to Huacho, Peru 

(Chirichigno and Vélez 1998), including Gulf of California (Hensley in Fischer et al. 1995). Benthic, 

at depths of 11–145 m (36–476 ft) (min.: Hensley in Fischer et al. 1995; max.: Robertson and Allen 

2002). 

Citharichthys sordidus (Girard, 1854). Pacific Sanddab. To 41 cm (16 in) TL (Kramer et al. 1995), reported 

to 41.3 cm (16.2 in) FL (D. Pearson, pers. comm. to M. L.). Holiday Beach, Kodiak Island, western Gulf 

of Alaska (57°42'N, 152°28'W; UW 49445, collected by A. A. Abookire) to Cabo San Lucas, southern 

Baja California (Miller and Lea 1972). Records from southeastern Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands are in 

error or not verifiable (Mecklenburg 2002). Also reported off Peru (Zeballos et al. 1998). Benthic, from 

intertidal to about 549 m (1,800 ft) (min.: Carlisle et al. 1960; max.: Miller and Lea 1972). 

Citharichthys stigmaeus Jordan & Gilbert, 1882. Speckled Sanddab. To 17.8 cm (7 in) TL (Humann 1996), 

reported to 19 cm (7.5 in) TL (W. A. Palsson, pers. comm. to M. L.). Prince William Sound, northern 

Gulf of Alaska (Townsend 1935, Orsi et al. 1991) to Bahia Magdalena, southern Baja California (Miller 

and Lea 1972) and in Bahia Concepcion, Gulf of California (Galván-Magaña et al. 2000). Larvae have 

been collected as far west in the Gulf of Alaska as south of Kodiak Island (Matarese et al. 2003). Also 

reported from Ecuador (Béarez 1996) to Puerto Pizarro, Peru (Chirichigno and Vélez 1998). Benthic, 

from intertidal to 366 m (1,200 ft) (min.: Hart 1973; max.: Kramer et al. 1995). 

Citharichthys xanthostigma Gilbert, 1890. Longfin Sanddab. To 25 cm (10 in) TL (Eschmeyer and Herald 

1983). Monterey Bay, central California to Costa Rica, including Gulf of California (Miller and Lea 

1972). Benthic, at depths of 2.4–201 m (8–660 ft; Eschmeyer and Herald 1983). 

Cyclopsetta panamensis (Steindachner, 1876). God’s Flounder, Panamic Flounder, or Southern Flounder. 

To 29.5 cm (11.6 in) TL (Amezcua Linares 1996). Atlantic and Pacific; Bahia Magdalena, southern Baja 

California (De La Cruz-Agüero et al. 1994) to northern Peru (Chirichigno and Vélez 1998), including 

Gulf of California (Hensley in Fischer et al. 1995). Benthic, at depths of 1–114 m (3–374 ft) (min.: 

González-Acosta et al. 1999; max.: Amezcua Linares 1996). 

Cyclopsetta querna Jordan & Bollman, 1890. Toothed Flounder. To 43 cm (16.9 in) TL (Morales-Nin 1994). 

Boca de Carrizal (23°16'N, 110°11'W), southern Baja California (Castro-Aguirre et al. 1992) to Huacho, 

Peru (Chirichigno and Vélez 1998), including Gulf of California (Hensley in Fischer et al. 1995). Benthic, 

at depths of 1–92 m (3–302 ft) (min.: Robertson and Allen 2002; max.: Amezcua Linares 1996). Brackish 

and marine waters. 

Etropus crossotus Jordan & Gilbert, 1882. Fringed Flounder. To 22 cm (8.7 in) TL (Allen and Robertson 

1994). Atlantic and Pacific; Lagunas Ojo de Liebre-Guerrero Negro, central Baja California (Galván- 

Magaña et al. 2000) to Peru (De La Cruz-Agüero et al. 1997), including Gulf of California (Hensley in 

Fischer et al. 1995). Benthic, at depths of 1–108 m (3–354 ft) (min.: González-Acosta et al. 1999; max.: 

Amezcua Linares 1996). Brackish and marine waters (Hensley in Fischer et al. 1995). 

Etropus peruvianus Hildebrand, 1946. Peruvian Flounder. To 10 cm (3.9 in) TL (Hensley in Fischer et al. 

1995). Bahia Magdalena, southern Baja California (SIO 62-83) to Bahia de Sechura, Peru (Chirichigno 

and Vélez 1998), including Gulf of California (Hensley in Fischer et al. 1995). Benthic, in shallow water 

to 46 m (151 ft; Hensley in Fischer et al. 1995). 

172

Hippoglossina bollmani Gilbert, 1890. Spotted Flounder. To 20 cm (7.9 in) TL (Hensley in Fischer et al. 

1995). Off Laguna San Ignacio, southern Baja California (Martinez-Muñoz and Ramirez-Cruz 1992) to 

Paita, Peru (Chirichigno and Vélez 1998), including Gulf of California (Hensley in Fischer et al. 1995). 

Benthic, at depths of 18–191 m (59–626 ft) (min.: Hensley in Fischer et al. 1995; max.: SIO 84-81). 

Hippoglossina stomata Eigenmann & Eigenmann, 1890. Bigmouth Sole. To 39.9 cm (15.7 in) TL (Miller and 

Lea 1972). Monterey Bay, central California to Gulf of California, including Isla Guadalupe (Miller and 

Lea 1972). Benthic, at depths of 23–237 m (75–777 ft) (min.: Allen et al. 2002; max.: Martinez-Muñoz 

and Ramirez-Cruz 1992). One estuarine record (Ruiz-Campos et al. 2000). 

Hippoglossina tetrophthalma (Gilbert, 1890). Fourspot Flounder. To 40 cm (15.7 in) TL (Hensley in 

Fischer et al. 1995). Just west of Laguna de Guerrero Negro, central Baja California (Martinez-Muñoz 

and Ramirez-Cruz 1992) to Islas Lobos de Afuera, Peru (Chirichigno and Vélez 1998), including Gulf 

of California (Hensley in Fischer et al. 1995). Benthic, at depths of 23–233 m (75–768 ft) (min.: Cabrera 

Mancilla 1988; max.: Robertson and Allen 2002). 

Paralichthys aestuarius Gilbert & Scofield, 1898. Cortez Flounder or Cortez Halibut. To 58.3 cm (23.0 in) 

TL (Arellano-Martinez et al. 1997). Lagunas Ojo de Liebre-Guerrero Negro, central Baja California 

(Arellano-Martinez et al. 1997) to Gulf of California (Hensley in Fischer et al. 1995). Galván-Magaña et 

al. (2000) report on captures from Bahia de La Paz and Bahia Concepcion, Gulf of California, but do not 

give attributions. Benthic, in shallow estuaries to 44 m (144 ft; Hensley in Fischer et al. 1995). Brackish 

and marine waters (Hensley in Fischer et al. 1995). 

Paralichthys californicus (Ayres, 1859). California Halibut. To 152 cm (5 ft) TL (Eschmeyer and Herald 

1983). Quillayute River, northern Washington (Eschmeyer and Herald 1983) to Cabo Falsa (22°50'N), 

southern Baja California (Martinez Muñoz and Ramirez Cruz 1992). Benthic, surf zone to 281 m (922 ft) 

(min.: Carlisle et al. 1960; max.: RACE). Brackish and marine waters (Hensley in Fischer et al. 1995). 

Paralichthys woolmani Jordan & Williams, 1897. Dappled Flounder or Speckled Flounder. To 80 cm (31.5 in) 

TL (Robertson and Allen 2002). North of Boca Soledad (25°23'N, 112°06'W), southern Baja California 

(SIO 64-85) to Chimbote, Peru (Chirichigno 1974), including Gulf of California (Robertson and Allen 

2002) and Islas Galápagos (Grove and Lavenberg 1997). Benthic, at depths of 1–91 m (3–298 ft) (min.: 

Robertson and Allen 2002; max.: SIO 84-71). Brackish and marine waters (Hensley in Fischer et al. 

1995). 

Syacium latifrons (Jordan & Gilbert, 1882). Beach Flounder. To 25 cm (9.8 in) TL (Hensley in Fischer et al. 

1995). Bahia Magdalena, southern Baja California (SIO 62-111) to Peru (3°39'S, 80°55'W; Chirichigno 

and Vélez 1998), including Gulf of California (Hensley in Fischer et al. 1995). Benthic, at depths of 

12–94 m (39–308 ft) (min.: Godinez-Dominguez et al. 2000; max.: Hensley in Fischer et al. 1995). 

Syacium ovale (Günther, 1864). Oval Flounder. To 25 cm (9.8 in) TL (Morales-Nin 1994). Bahia Santa 

Maria (24°42'N, 112°11'W), southern Baja California (SIO 64-814) to Paita, Peru (Chirichigno and 

Vélez 1998), including Gulf of California (Hensley in Fischer et al. 1995) and Islas Galápagos (Grove and 

Lavenberg 1997). Larvae have been taken somewhat further north at about 26°N (Moser et al. 1994). 

Benthic, at depths of 7–60 m (23–341 ft) (min.: SIO 69-386; max.: Robertson and Allen 2002). 

Xystreurys liolepis Jordan & Gilbert, 1880. Fantail Sole. To 53 cm (21 in) TL (Eschmeyer and Herald 1983). 

Monterey Bay, central California to Gulf of California (Miller and Lea 1972). Benthic, surf zone to 

136 m (446 ft) (min.: Carlisle et al. 1960; max.: Martinez-Muñoz and Ramirez-Cruz 1992). 

173

Family Pleuronectidae — Righteye Flounders 

*Acanthopsetta nadeshnyi Schmidt, 1904. Scalyeye Plaice. To 46 cm (18.1 in) TL (Fadeev 1987). Japan Sea off 

Korean Peninsula to southern Okhotsk Sea and Pacific Ocean off Hokkaido to western Bering Sea off Cape 

Navarin (Lindberg and Fedorov 1993). Benthic, at depths of 29–900 m (95–2,953 ft), probably to 1,000– 

1,200 m (3,281–3,937 ft; Kim Sen Tok et al. 1999). Additional citations in Mecklenburg et al. (2002). 

Atheresthes evermanni Jordan & Starks, 1904. Asiatic Arrowtooth or Kamchatka Flounder. To 110 cm (44 in) 

TL (Mecklenburg et al. 2002). Sea of Okhotsk and northern Sea of Japan to Gulf of Anadyr, western Bering 

Sea (Lindberg and Fedorov 1992) to eastern Bering Sea, Aleutian Islands, and southwestern Gulf of Alaska 

(Zimmerman and Goddard 1996). Benthic, at depths of 25–1,200 m (83–3,960 ft; Mecklenburg et al. 2002). 

Atheresthes stomias (Jordan & Gilbert, 1880). Arrowtooth Flounder. To 86 cm (34 in) TL (Kramer et al. 

1995). Commander Islands and east coast of Kamchatka to Cape Navarin, Bering Sea to Aleutian Islands 

and Gulf of Alaska (Mecklenburg et al. 2002) to Santa Barbara, southern California (LACM 38362.001). 

San Pedro record of Miller and Lea (1972) is a mistakenly identified Lyopsetta exilis (Allen and Smith 

1988). Benthic, at depths of 9–1,145 m (29–3,756 ft) (min.: Levings 1973; max.: Ramsey et al. 2002). 

Clidoderma asperrimum (Temminck & Schlegel, 1846). Roughscale Sole. To 62 cm (24.4 in) TL (Tokranov 

and Orlov 2003). Yellow Sea off Korean Peninsula, Japan Sea, and Okhotsk Sea to Commander Islands 

(Lindberg and Fedorov 1993), Bering Sea, and Aleutian Islands (Lea et al 1989, Mecklenburg et al. 2002) 

to off Half Moon Bay, central California (37°30'N, 123°00'W; SIO 95-23); except no records for Gulf 

of Alaska to southern British Columbia (Mecklenburg et al. 2002). Benthic, at depths of 15–1,900 m 

(50–6,233 ft; Lindberg and Fedorov 1993). 

Embassichthys bathybius (Gilbert, 1890). Deepsea Sole. To 52 cm (20.5 in) TL (Mecklenburg et al. 2002). 

Hokkaido, Japan (Sakamoto in Masuda et al. 1984) to Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands (Mecklenburg et 

al. 2002) to northern Baja California (32°38'N, 119°24'W; LACM 37464.001). Benthic, at depths of 91– 

1,433 m (300–4,700 ft) (min.: UW 18139; max.: Miller and Lea 1972); individuals taken at the shallower 

depths in the range typically are juveniles. 

Eopsetta jordani (Lockington, 1879). Brill or Petrale Sole. To 70 cm (27.5 in) TL (Clemens and Wilby 1961). 

Aleutian Islands west at least as far as Unalaska Island, and Gulf of Alaska (Mecklenburg et al. 2002) 

to Islas Coronados, northern Baja California (Miller and Lea 1972). Benthic, at depths of 0–550 m 

(0–1,800 ft; Hart 1973). 

Glyptocephalus stelleri (Schmidt, 1904). Far-Eastern Long Flounder, Korean Flounder, or Small-mouth 

Plaice. To 53 cm (20.9 in) SL (Kim Sen Tok et al. 1999), 60 cm (24 in) TL (Kramer et al. 1995). Japan 

and Okhotsk seas to Kuril Islands and southern Kamchatka; one record from Bering Sea in vicinity 

of Pribilof Islands (Lindberg and Fedorov 1993). Benthic, at depths of about 5–1,600 m (16–5,250 ft; 

Lindberg and Fedorov 1993), with greatest densities in winter below 700 m (2,300 ft; Kim Sen Tok et al. 

1999). Additional citations in Mecklenburg et al. (2002). 

Glyptocephalus zachirus Lockington, 1879. Longfin Sole, Rex Sole, or Witch Sole. To 61 cm (24 in) TL (Kramer 

et al. 1995). Northern Kuril Islands (Orlov et al. 2002) to Commander Islands and western Bering Sea 

to Navarin Canyon, and Aleutian Islands, eastern Bering Sea, and Gulf of Alaska (Mecklenburg et al. 

2002) to Isla Cedros, central Baja California (Allen and Smith 1988). Benthic, at depths of 0–1,145 m 

(0–3,756 ft) (min.: Kramer et al. 1995; max.: Ramsey et al. 2002). Recently as Errex zachirus. 

Hippoglossoides elassodon Jordan & Gilbert, 1880. Cigarette Paper, Flathead Sole, or Paper Sole. To 56 cm 

(22 in) TL (Fadeev 1987). Okhotsk Sea off southwestern Kamchatka and northern Kuril Islands (B. A. 

Sheiko, pers. comm. to C. W. M.) to Gulf of Anadyr, Bering Sea and Commander–Aleutian chain to 

Monterey, central California (Allen and Smith 1988). Benthic, from intertidal zone (Kussakin et al. 

1997) to depth of 1,050 m (3,445 ft; Allen and Smith 1988). 

174

Hippoglossoides robustus Gill & Townsend, 1897. Bering Flounder. To 52 cm (20.5 in) TL (Fadeev 1987). 

Northern Japan Sea off Hokkaido, Okhotsk Sea, Pacific off Kamchatka (Lindberg and Fedorov 1993), 

and Commander Islands (B. A. Sheiko, pers. comm. to C. W. M.) to Bering Sea, Chukchi Sea, and possibly 

Beaufort Sea (Mecklenburg et al. 2002), and south to Alaska Peninsula and west to Akutan Island, Aleutian 

Islands (Allen and Smith 1988). Benthic, intertidal zone (Kussakin et al. 1997) and at depths of 2 m (7 ft; 

Lindberg and Fedorov 1993) to about 532 m (1,745 ft; Dudnik and Dolganov 1992). 

Hippoglossus stenolepis Schmidt, 1904. Pacific Halibut. To 267 cm (8.75 ft) TL (Clemens and Wilby 1961). 

Hokkaido, Japan and Sea of Okhotsk (Sakamoto in Masuda et al. 1984) to southeastern Chukchi Sea, Bering 

Sea, and Aleutian Islands to Punta Camalu, Baja California (Allen and Smith 1988); reported (Barber et 

al. 1997) but not confirmed farther north in Chukchi Sea off Cape Lisburne (Mecklenburg et al. 2002). 

Benthic, at depths of 6–1,100 m (20–3,600 ft) (min.: Miller and Lea 1972; max.: Clemens and Wilby 1961). 

Isopsetta isolepis (Lockington, 1880). Butter Sole or Scalyfin Sole. To 55.2 cm (21.75 in) TL (Miller and 

Lea 1972). Southeastern Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands (west to Amchitka Island; Wilimovsky 1964) 

to Ventura, southern California (Miller and Lea 1972). Benthic, at depths of 2 m or less to 425 m (7– 

1,404 ft) (min.: Miller et al. 1980; max.: Allen and Smith 1988). Recently as Pleuronectes isolepis. 

Lepidopsetta bilineata (Ayres, 1855). Rock Sole or Southern Rock Sole. To 59 cm (23.2 in) TL (Fadeev 

1965), reported but not confirmed to 69 cm (27.2 in) TL (Orr and Matarese 2000). Atka Island, Aleutian 

Islands (Zenger 2004) and southeastern Bering Sea (Slime Bank north of Unimak Island) to Cortes 

Bank, southern California (Orr and Matarese 2000). Benthic, 13–339 m (43–1,112 ft) (min.: W. A. 

Palsson, pers. comm. to M. L.; max.: Orr and Matarese 2000). Rock soles are commonly caught in beach 

seines and both species are likely to occur in nearshore collections (W. A. Palsson, pers. comm. to M. L.). 

The AFS–ASIH fish names committee (Nelson et al. 2004) chose to keep the name Rock Sole for this 

fish, but with the new species, the Northern Rock Sole, we feel it is less confusing to call L. bilineata the 

Southern Rock Sole, as recommended by Orr and Matarese (2000). 

Lepidopsetta polyxystra Orr & Matarese, 2000. Northern Rock Sole. To 69 cm (27.2 in) TL (Orr and Matarese 

2000). Northern coast of Hokkaido, Kuril Islands, and Okhotsk Sea to Gulf of Anadyr and vicinity of 

St. Lawrence Island, Bering Sea, and Commander–Aleutian chain to Puget Sound, Washington (Orr 

and Matarese 2000). Benthic, at depths of 3–5 m (10–16 ft) to 480–517 m (1,575–1,696 ft; B. A. Sheiko, 

pers. comm. to C. W. M.). Rock soles are commonly caught in beach seines and both species are likely to 

occur in nearshore collections (W. A. Palsson, pers. comm. to M. L.). 

Limanda aspera (Pallas, 1814). Muddab or Yellowfin Sole. To 49 cm (19.3 in) TL (Fadeev 1987). Japan Sea 

off Korea and Okhotsk Sea (Lindberg and Fedorov 1993) to Beaufort Sea off Point Barrow and south 

through Bering Sea and eastern Aleutian Islands (Mecklenburg et al. 2002) to Barkley Sound, British 

Columbia (Clemens and Wilby 1961). Benthic, at depths of 10–600 m (33–1,968 ft; Allen and Smith 

1988). Originally named Pleuronectes asper. 

Limanda proboscidea Gilbert, 1896. Longhead Dab. To 41 cm (16.1 in) TL (Andriashev 1954). Hokkaido, 

Japan (Nakabo in Nakabo 2002) and Okhotsk Sea (Sakamoto in Masuda et al. 1984) to Beaufort Sea 

off Point Barrow and to eastern Bering Sea north of Unimak Island (Mecklenburg et al. 2002). Benthic, 

at depths of 5–7 m (16–23 ft; ZIN 18165) to 125 m (410 ft; Allen and Smith 1988). Classified by some 

taxonomists in Pleuronectes or Myzopsetta. 

Limanda sakhalinensis Hubbs, 1915. Sakhalin Flounder or Sakhalin Sole. To 35 cm (14 in) TL (Kramer et 

al. 1995). Sea of Okhotsk and northern Sea of Japan (Tatar Strait) to Gulf of Anadyr and St. Lawrence 

Island, to southeastern Bering Sea (Lindberg and Fedorov 1993, Mecklenburg et al. 2002); one record 

from Chukchi Sea (Barber et al. 1997) but not verifiable (Mecklenburg et al. 2002). Benthic, at depths 

of 10–110 m (33–361 ft) or more (Lindberg and Fedorov 1993), perhaps to 360 m (1,181 ft; Sheiko and 

Fedorov 2000). Recently as Pleuronectes sakhalinensis. 

175

Lyopsetta exilis (Jordan & Gilbert, 1880). Rough Sole or Slender Sole. To 35 cm (13.7 in) TL (Hart 1973). 

Gulf of Alaska east of Kodiak Island at North Albatross Bank (Allen and Smith 1988) to Pacific off Boca 

de Santa Domingo (about 25°30'N), southern Baja California (Martinez-Muñoz and Ramirez-Cruz 

1992). Benthic, at depths of 9–1,145 m (30–3,756 ft) (min.: Kramer et al. 1995; max.: Ramsey et al. 

2002). Recently as Eopsetta exilis. 

Microstomus pacificus (Lockington, 1879). Dover Sole, Slime Sole, or Slippery Flounder. To 76 cm (30 in) TL 

(Kramer et al. 1995). Northwestern Bering Sea (Evseenko 2003), southeastern Bering Sea and Aleutian 

Islands from Stalemate Bank (Allen and Smith 1988) to just south of Punta San Juanico, southern Baja 

California (25°59'N, 113°17'W; Snytko 1987). Benthic, at depths of 2 m (7 ft) or less to 1,372 m (4,500 ft) 

(min.: Miller et al. 1980; max.: Kramer et al. 1995). 

Parophrys vetulus Girard, 1854. English Sole or Lemon Sole. To 61 cm (24 in) TL (Kramer et al. 1995). 

Nunivak Island, Bering Sea and Agattu Island, Aleutian Islands (Allen and Smith 1988) to Bahia San 

Cristobal, central Baja California (Knaggs et al. 1975). Benthic, intertidal zone (juveniles) and to about 

550 m (1,800 ft; Hart 1973). Recently as Pleuronectes vetulus. 

Platichthys stellatus (Pallas, 1787). Starry Flounder. To 91 cm (36 in) TL (Clemens and Wilby 1946). Sea of 

Japan off Korean Peninsula and Japan to Sea of Okhotsk, to Arctic Ocean in East Siberian Sea, Chukchi 

Sea, Beaufort Sea, and Canada to Bathurst Inlet, Northwest Territories, and Bering Sea and Commander– 

Aleutian chain (citations in Mecklenburg et al. 2002) to Los Angeles Harbor, southern California (Kramer 

et al. 1995). Benthic, intertidal area and to depth of about 600 m (1,968 ft) (min.: Kramer et al. 1995; 

max.: Fedorov 2000); enters lower reaches of rivers (Morrow 1980). The deepest records are from winter, 

when the fish move off the shelf (B. A. Sheiko, pers. comm. to C. W. M.). We follow Eschmeyer (1998 and 

online editions) in retaining 1787 for the date of publication; sometimes given as 1788. 

Pleuronectes glacialis Pallas, 1776. Arctic Flounder or Polar Flounder. To 35 cm (13.8 in) TL (Morrow 1980). 

Arctic Russia to Labrador in the Atlantic and Okhotsk Sea in western Pacific; in our area off Alaska from 

Beaufort Sea to southeastern Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands. Benthic, in shallow brackish waters of bays 

and estuaries to depth of about 19 m (62 ft); rarely, if ever, found in deeper water (Mecklenburg et al. 

2002) but reported to 91 m (298 ft; Kramer et al. 1995); sometimes enters fresh water (Morrow 1980). 

Pleuronectes quadrituberculatus Pallas, 1814. Alaska Plaice or Lemon Sole. To 62 cm (24.4 in) TL (Fadeev 

1987). Sea of Japan (Lindberg and Fedorov 1993) to Chukchi Sea (Barber et al. 1997) and possibly Beaufort 

Sea, to eastern Aleutian Islands and Gulf of Alaska to southeastern Alaska near Ketchikan (Mecklenburg 

et al. 2002); one record from Bellingham Bay, Washington (Townsend 1936). Benthic, at depths of 5– 

500 m (16–1,640 ft; Lindberg and Fedorov 1993), except reported to 850 m (2,789 ft) or more in winter 

in Okhotsk Sea (Kim Sen Tok et al. 1999). Pleuronectes pallasii Steindachner, 1880, is a junior synonym 

and the name under which the Washington record was published (Mecklenburg et al. 2002). 

Pleuronichthys coenosus Girard, 1854. C-O Sole or C-O Turbot. To 36 cm (14 in) TL (Clemens and Wilby 

1946). Southeastern Alaska (landed at Sitka but catch locality not known; well documented from sites 

farther south near Etolin Island and Ketchikan; Mecklenburg et al. 2002) to Punta Abreojos, southern 

Baja California (Charter and Moser in Moser 1996). Benthic, at 0–350 m (0–1,146 ft) (min.: Kramer et 

al. 1995; max.: Hart 1973). 

Pleuronichthys decurrens Jordan & Gilbert, 1881. California Turbot, Curlfin Sole, or Curlfin Turbot. To 37 cm 

(15 in) TL (Kramer et al. 1995), reported to 42 cm (16.5 in) TL (W. A. Palsson, pers. comm. to M. L.). 

Aleutian Islands off northwest coast of Unimak Island (Mecklenburg et al. 2002) and Gulf of Alaska to 

just south of Punta San Juanico, southern Baja California (25°59'N, 112°35'W; Snytko 1987). Benthic, surf 

zone (Carlisle et al. 1960) and to depth of 349 m (1,146 ft; Gilbert 1896). Maximum depth is sometimes 

given, incorrectly, as 533 m, 1,746 ft, or 291 fathoms. The error stems from Clemens and Wilby (1961) 

who, as pointed out by Fitch (1963:22), in giving a maximum depth of 291 fm (532 m) miscited Gilbert 

176

(1896). Gilbert collected this species as deep as 191 fm (349 m). The Albatross station data (Townsend 

1901) show that one of the seven stations listed by Gilbert (1896) as collecting P. decurrens was sampled by 

large beam trawl at 191 fm, and the rest were sampled at 21–56 fm. The greatest depth, even at 191 fm, was 

far from the norm. Miller and Lea (1972) reported the correct maximum depth of 1,146 ft (191 fm). 

Pleuronicthys guttulatus Girard, 1856. Diamond Turbot. To 45.7 cm (18 in) TL (Miller and Lea 1972). Cape 

Mendocino, northern California to Cabo San Lucas, southern Baja California (Kramer et al. 1995); 

isolated population in Gulf of California (Miller and Lea 1972). Benthic, surf zone and to 46 m (150 ft) 

(min.: Carlisle et al. 1960; max.: Miller and Lea 1972). Recently as Hypsopsetta guttulata. 

Pleuronichthys ocellatus Starks & Thompson, 1910. Ocellated Turbot. To 24 cm (9.4 in) TL (Sommer in 

Fischer et al. 1995). Bahia Magdalena, southern Baja California (De La Cruz-Agüero et al. 1994) to 

Gulf of California (Sommer in Fischer et al. 1995). Benthic, at depths of 1–140 m (3–459 ft; Sommer in 


Pleuronichthys ritteri Starks & Morris, 1907. Catalina Sanddab or Spotted Turbot. To 29 cm (11 in) TL 

(Kramer et al. 1995), reported to 33 cm (13.0 in) TL (RACE). Northern California (37°55'N; Weinberg 

et al. 2002) to southern Baja California (24°12'N, 111°21'W; Cabrera Mancilla et al. 1988). Benthic, 

at depths of 1–197 m (3–646 ft) (min.: Sommer in Fischer et al. 1995; max.: Martinez-Muñoz and 

Ramirez-Cruz 1992). 

Pleuronicthys verticalis Jordan & Gilbert, 1880. Hornyhead Turbot or Sharpridge Flounder. To 36.8 cm 

(14.5 in) TL (Miller and Lea 1972). Oregon (Kramer et al. 1995) to Bahia Magdalena, southern Baja 

California (Miller and Lea 1972); isolated population in Gulf of California (Eschmeyer and Herald 

1983). Benthic, at depths of 5–237 m (16–777 ft) (min.: M. L., unpubl. data; max.: Martinez-Muñoz and 

Ramirez-Cruz 1992). 

Psettichthys melanostictus Girard, 1854. Fringe Sole or Sand Sole. To 63 cm (24.75 in) TL (Clemens and 

Wilby 1961). Southeastern Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands from Unalaska Island to Port Heiden and Gulf 

of Alaska (Allen and Smith 1988) to Balboa Pier, southern California (33°36'N, 117°54'W; M. L., unpubl. 

data). Benthic, from intertidal area to 325 m (1,066 ft) (min.: Bolin 1975; max.: Allen and Smith 1988). 

Reinhardtius hippoglossoides (Walbaum, 1792). Pacific Black Halibut or Greenland Halibut. To 130 cm 

(51.2 in) TL (Fadeev 1987). North Atlantic, Arctic, and North Pacific; Japan and Okhotsk seas to Bering, 

Chukchi, and Beaufort seas, and Aleutian Islands and Gulf of Alaska (Mecklenburg et al. 2002) to just 

south of U.S.–Mexico border (Hubbs and Wilimovsky 1964); rare south of Alaska. Benthic, at depths of 

14–2,000 m (46–6,562 ft; Allen and Smith 1988). 

Family Achiridae — American Soles 

Achirus mazatlanus (Steindachner, 1869). Mazatlán Sole or Pacific Lined Sole. To 20 cm (7.9 in) TL (Allen 

and Robertson 1994). Islas Coronados, northern Baja California (Jordan 1923) to Puerto Pizarro, Peru 

(Chirichigno 1974), including Gulf of California (Krupp in Fischer et al. 1995). Benthic, at depths of 

1–55 m (3–180 ft) (min.: González-Acosta et al. 1999; max.: Amezcua Linares 1996). Fresh, brackish, 

and marine waters (Krupp in Fischer et al. 1995). 

*Achirus scutum (Günther, 1862). Network Sole. To 19 cm (7.5 in) TL (Robertson and Allen 2002). Gulf of 

California (Krupp in Fischer et al. 1995) to Puerto Pizarro, Peru (Chirichigno 1974), including southern tip 

of Baja California (Krupp in Fischer et al. 1995). Benthic, at 5–46 m (17–151 ft) (min.: Robertson and Allen 

2002; max.: Krupp in Fischer et al. 1995). Brackish and marine waters (Krupp in Fischer et al. 1995). 

*Trinectes fonsecensis (Günther, 1862). Spottedfin Sole or Spotted Sole. To 19 cm (7.5 in) TL (Robertson 

and Allen 2002). Lower Gulf of California (Krupp in Fischer et al. 1995) to Paita, Peru (Chirichigno 

1974), including southern tip of Baja California (Moser in Moser 1996) and Islas Galápagos (Grove and 

177

178 

Lavenberg 1997). Benthic, at depths of 3–107 m (10–351 ft) (min.: SIO 62-39); max.: Amezcua Linares 

1996). Adults in brackish and marine waters (Krupp in Fischer et al. 1995), juveniles sometimes found 

in fresh water (Bussing 1998). 

Family Cynoglossidae — Tonguefishes 

Symphurus atramentatus Jordan & Bollman, 1890. Barfinned Tonguefish, Halfspotted Tonguefish, Inkspot 

Tonguefish, or Spot-fin Tonguefish. To 14.4 cm (5.7 in) SL (Munroe et al. in Fischer et al. 1995). 

Bahia Magdalena, southern Baja California (De La Cruz-Agüero et al. 1994) to Isla San Lorenzo, Peru 

(Chirichigno and Vélez 1998), including Islas Galápagos (Grove and Lavenberg 1997) and Gulf of 

California (Munroe et al. in Fischer et al. 1995). Benthic, at depths of 1–120 m (3–394 ft; Munroe et al. 

in Fischer 1995). 

Symphurus atricaudus (Jordan & Gilbert, 1880). California Tonguefish. To 21.0 cm (8.25 in) TL (Miller and 

Lea 1972). Barkley Sound, Vancouver Island (collected by J. Boutillier and A. Phillips; G. E. Gillespie, 

pers. comm. to M. L. and C. W. M.) and Washington (Dinnel and Rogers 1986) to Gulf of California 

(Robertson and Allen 2002); also reported to northern Peru (Chirichigno and Vélez 1998). Benthic, surf 

zone and to 305 m (1,000 ft) (min.: Carlisle et al. 1960; max.: LACS 2002). 

Symphurus callopterus Munroe & Mahadeva, 1989. Chocolate Tonguefish or Feather Tonguefish. To 16.2 cm 

(6.4 in) SL (Munroe et al. in Fischer et al. 1995). Pacific coast of southern Baja California (Munroe et al. 

in Fischer et al. 1995) to northern Peru (Chirichigno and Vélez 1998), including lower Gulf of California 

(Munroe et al. in Fischer et al. 1995). Benthic, at depths of 18–317 m (59–1,040 ft; Munroe et al. in 


Symphurus fasciolaris Gilbert, 1892. Banded Tonguefish. To 16.4 cm (6.5 in) SL (SIO 62-710). Bahia 

Magdalena, southern Baja California (SIO 62-710) to northern Peru (Chirichigno and Vélez 1998), 

including Gulf of California (Munroe et al. in Fischer et al. 1995). Benthic, at depths of 1–50 m (3– 

164 ft; Munroe et al. in Fischer et al. 1995). 

*Symphurus gorgonae Chabanaud, 1948. Dwarf Tonguefish or Gorgonian Tonguefish. To 9 cm (3.5 in) TL 

(Robertson and Allen 2002). Southern tip of Baja California to Ecuador, including Gulf of California 

(Robertson and Allen 2002). Benthic, at depths of 20–120 m (66–394 ft) (min.: Robertson and Allen 

2002; max.: Munroe et al. in Fischer et al. 1995). 

Symphurus melanurus Clark, 1936. Drab Tonguefish. To 18.6 cm (7.3 in) SL (Munroe et al. in Fischer et al. 

1995). Pacific coast of southern Baja California (Munroe et al. in Fischer et al. 1995) to northern Peru 

(Chirichigno and Vélez 1998), including southern Gulf of California (Munroe et al. in Fischer et al. 

1995). Benthic, at depths of 1–35 m (3–115 ft; Munroe et al. in Fischer et al. 1995). Brackish and marine 

waters (Munroe et al. in Fischer et al. 1995). 

*Symphurus oligomerus Mahadeva & Munroe, 1990. Spotfin Tonguefish or Whiptail Tonguefish. To 16 cm 

(6.3 in) TL (Robertson and Allen 2002). Southern tip of Baja California (Munroe et al. in Fischer et al. 

1995) to northern Peru (Chirichigno and Vélez 1998), including Gulf of California (Munroe et al. in 

Fischer et al. 1995). Benthic, at depths of 80–300 m (262–990 ft; Munroe et al. in Fischer et al. 1995). 

Symphurus prolatinaris Munroe, Nizinski, & Mahadeva, 1991. Halfstriped Tonguefish. To 16.1 cm (6.3 in) 

SL (Munroe et al. in Fischer et al. 1995). Southern Baja California (about 24°19'N, 111°46'W; Munroe 

et al. 1991) to central Peru (Munroe et al. 1991), including lower Gulf of California (Munroe et al. in 

Fischer et al. 1995). Benthic, at depths of 9–162 m (30–531 ft; Munroe et al. 1991). 

Symphurus williamsi Jordan & Culver, 1895. Williams’ Tonguefish or Yellow Tonguefish. To 11.6 cm (4.6 in) 

SL (Munroe et al. in Fischer et al. 1995). Bahia Santa Maria (24°41'N, 112°10'W), southern Baja California 

(SIO 64-48) to northern Peru (Chirichigno and Vélez 1998) and Gulf of California (Munroe et al. in 

Fischer et al. 1995). Benthic, at depths of 1–52 m (3–171 ft; Munroe et al. in Fischer et al. 1995).

Order Tetraodontiformes 

Family Balistidae — Triggerfishes 

Balistes polylepis Steindachner, 1876. Finescale Triggerfish. To 80 cm (31.5 in) TL (De La Cruz-Agüero et 

al. 1997). Metlakatla, southeastern Alaska (Karinen et al. 1985; see comment under Melichthys niger 

below) to San Antonio (about 33°32'S), central Chile (Brito 2003), including Gulf of California (Bussing 

in Fischer et al. 1995), Islas Galápagos (Grove and Lavenberg 1997), and Hawaii (Randall and Mundy 

1998). Only one Alaska record and isolated records from Washington to California; most common south 

of California (Mecklenburg et al. 2002). At depths of 3–512 m (10–1,680 ft) (min.: Pérez-España et al. 


Melichthys niger (Bloch, 1786). Black Durgon or Black Triggerfish. To 51 cm (20 in) TL (Eschmeyer and 

Herald 1983). Circumglobal; San Diego, southern California to southern Gulf of California (Robertson 

and Allen 2002) and Ecuador, including Islas Galápagos (Grove and Lavenberg 1997). Not confirmed 

north of Mexico since it was reported off San Diego in the 1800s (Miller and Lea 1972, Eschmeyer 

and Herald 1983). A report of this fish from Metlatkatla, Alaska (Karinen et al. 1985), represents a 

misidentified Balistes polylepis (Mecklenburg et al. 2002). Surface to 75 m (246 ft) (min.: Lieske and 

Myers 2002; max.: Matsuura in Carpenter and Niem 2001). 

Pseudobalistes naufragium (Jordan & Starks, 1895). Blunthead Triggerfish or Stone Triggerfish. To 1 m 

(39.4 in) TL (Allen and Robertson 1994). Bahia Almejas (24°22'N, 111°43'W), southern Baja California 

(SIO 65-182) to Chile (Pequeño 1989), including lower Gulf of California (Bussing in Fischer et al. 

1995) and Islas Galápagos (Grove and Lavenberg 1997). At depths of 2–100 m (7–328 ft) (min.: SIO 

65-182; max.: Amezcua Linares 1996). 

Sufflamen verres (Gilbert & Starks, 1904). Orangeside Triggerfish. To 40 cm (15.7 in) TL (Bussing in Fischer 

et al. 1995). Isla Cedros, central Baja California and, on mainland, Isla Asuncion (27°06'N, 114°18'W), 

southern Baja California (M. L., unpubl. data) to central Gulf of California and Ecuador (Béarez 1996), 

including Islas Galápagos (Grove and Lavenberg 1997). At depths of 3–35 m (10–115 ft; Allen and 


Xanthichthys mento (Jordan & Gilbert, 1882). Crosshatch Triggerfish or Redtail Triggerfish. To 30 cm 

(11.7 in) TL (Randall 1996). Tropical Pacific; Ventura, southern California (Miller and Lea 1972) to 

Chile (Pequeño 1989), including Islas Galápagos (Grove and Lavenberg 1997). Surface to 131 m (430 ft) 

(min.: Eschmeyer and Herald 1983; max.: Chave and Mundy 1994). 

Family Monacanthidae — Filefishes 

Aluterus monoceros (Linnaeus, 1758). Unicorn Filefish or Unicorn Leatherjacket. To 76 cm (29.9 in) TL. 

Pacific coast of southern Baja California, southeastern Gulf of California to Chile, Isla Cocos, Isla 

Malpelo, and Islas Revillagigedo. At depths of 0–50 m (164 ft). All in Robertson and Allen (2002). 

Aluterus scriptus (Osbeck, 1765). Scrawled Filefish or Scrawled Leatherjacket. To 1.1 m (43.3 in) TL (Lieske 

and Myers 2002). Circumglobal; Japan (Hiyashi in Nakabo 2002); Pacific coast of southern Baja 

California (Bussing and Lavenberg in Fischer et al. 1995) to Ecuador (Béarez 1996), including Gulf 

of California (Bussing and Lavenberg in Fischer et al. 1995), Easter Island (Pequeño 1997), and Islas 

Galápagos (Grove and Lavenberg 1997). At depths of 0–120 m (394 ft) (min.: Robertson and Allen 

2002; max.: Chave and Mundy 1994). 

*Cantherhines dumerilii (Holland, 1854). Barred Filefish or Whitespotted Filefish. To 38 cm (15.0 in) TL 

(Laboute and Grandperrin 2000). Pacific and Indian oceans; Japan (Hiyashi in Nakabo 2002); a few 

sites in eastern Pacific including southern tip of Baja California (Bussing and Lavenberg in Fischer et al. 

1995) and Islas Galápagos (Grove and Lavenberg 1997). Inshore, 1–35 m (3–115 ft; Myers 1999). 

179

Family Ostraciidae — Boxfishes 

Lactoria diaphana (Bloch & Schneider, 1801). Roundbelly Cowfish, Spiny Boxfish, or Spiny Cowfish. To 34 cm 

(13.4 in) TL (Robertson and Allen 2002). Pacific and Indian oceans; Santa Barbara, southern California 

(Miller and Lea 1972) to Chile (Pequeño 1989), including Islas Galápagos (Grove and Lavenberg 1997). 

Shallow water, surface to 50 m (164 ft) (min.: Miller and Lea 1972; max.: Robertson and Allen 2002). 

*Ostracion meleagris Shaw, 1796. Pacific Boxfish, Spotted Boxfish, or Spotted Trunkfish. To 25 cm (9.8 in) 

TL (Smith in Smith and Heemstra 1986). Pacific and Indian oceans; southern Japan (Yamada in 

Nakabo 2002); Cabo San Lucas, southern Baja California, and other locations in tropical eastern Pacific 

(Thomson et al. 1979), including Islas Galápagos (Grove and Lavenberg 1997). At depths of 1–30 m 

(3–98 ft) (min.: Lieske and Myers 2002; max.: Myers 1999). 

Family Tetraodontidae — Puffers 

Arothron hispidus (Linnaeus, 1758). Stripebelly Puffer or White-spotted Pufferfish. To 50 cm (19.7 in) TL (Laboute 

and Grandperrin 2000). Pacific and Indian oceans; northern Baja California (Bussing in Fischer et al. 1995) 

to Ecuador (Béarez 1996), including Gulf of California (Galván-Magaña et al. 1998) and Islas Galápagos 

(Grove and Lavenberg 1997). 0.5–90 m (2–295 ft) (min.: SIO 61-425; max.: Chave and Mundy 1994). 

*Arothron meleagris (Lacepede, 1798). Guineafowl Puffer or Guineafowl Pufferfish. To 40 cm TL (15.7 in; 

Robertson and Allen 2002). Tip of Baja California into central and southern Gulf of California 

(Robertson and Allen 2002) to Peru (Pequeño 1989), including Islas Galápagos, and other offshore 

islands (Robertson and Allen 2002). At depths of 1–35 m (3–115 ft; Robertson and Allen 2002). 

*Canthigaster punctatissima (Günther, 1870). Sharpnosed Puffer or Spotted Sharpnose Puffer. To 9 cm 

(3.5 in) TL (Bussing in Fischer et al. 1995). Tip of Baja California (Robertson and Allen 2002) to La 

Libertad, Ecuador (Grove and Lavenberg 1997), including Gulf of California (Bussing in Fischer et al. 

1995) and Islas Galápagos (Grove and Lavenberg 1997). At depths of 2–24 m (5–79 ft) (min.: Allen and 

Robertson 1994; max.: SIO 61-233). 

Lagocephalus lagocephalus (Linnaeus, 1758). Oceanic Puffer. To 61.0 cm (24 in) TL (Miller and Lea 1972). 

Circumglobal; Japan (Yamada in Nakabo 2002) and southern Kuril Islands (Parin 2003); Alder Creek 

Beach, Mendocino County, northern California (Miller and Lea 1972) to Peru (Grove and Lavenberg 

1997), including Gulf of California (Bussing in Fischer et al. 1995) and Islas Galápagos (Grove and 

Lavenberg 1997). Oceanic, near surface (Eschmeyer and Herald 1983) to at least 1,000 m (3,280 ft; 

Shipp in Carpenter 2003). 

Sphoeroides annulatus (Jenyns, 1842). Bullseye Puffer. To 48 cm (18.0 in) TL (Amezcua Linares 1996). 

Redondo Beach, southern California (Grove and Lavenberg 1997) to Pisco, Peru (Chirichigno 1974), 

including Gulf of California (Bussing in Fischer et al. 1995) and Islas Galápagos (Watson in Moser 1996). 

At depths of 1–105 m (3–344 ft) (min.: SIO 61-185; max.: Amezcua Linares 1996). Marine; juveniles in 

estuaries (Velasco and Thiel 2002). 

Sphoeroides lispus Walker, 1996. Naked Puffer or Smooth Puffer. To 35.2 cm (13.9 in) TL (Cota-Gómez et al. 

1998). Lagunas Ojo de Liebre-Guerrero Negro, central Baja California (Cota-Gómez et al. 1998) to Gulf 

of California (Walker and Bussing 1996). Shallow waters to 20 m (66 ft; Walker and Bussing 1996). 

Sphoeroides lobatus (Steindachner, 1870). Longnose Puffer. To at least 30 cm (11.8 in) TL (Grove and 

Lavenberg 1997). Redondo Beach, southern California (Grove and Lavenberg 1997) to Salinas (33°57'S), 

central Chile (Brito 2003), including southern and central Gulf of California (Robertson and Allen 

2002) and Islas Galápagos (Grove and Lavenberg 1997). Surface (SIO 50-155, nightlight) and 1–107 m 

(3–351 ft) (min.: Allen and Robertson 1994; max.: Amezcua Linares 1996). 

180

*Sphoeroides sechurae Hildebrand, 1946. Peruvian Puffer or Southern Puffer. To 17 cm (6.7 in) TL (Bussing 

in Fischer et al. 1995). Tip of Baja California and western and central-eastern Gulf of California 

(Robertson and Allen 2002) to Bahia de Sechura, Peru (Chirichigno and Veléz 1998). At depths of 4– 

118 m (13–387 ft) (min.: SIO 62-214; max.: SIO 65-350). 

Sphoeroides trichocephalus (Cope, 1870). Dwarf Puffer or Pygmy Puffer. To 12.6 cm (5 in) TL (Robertson 

and Allen 2002). Bahia Santa Maria (24°40'N, 112°W), southern Baja California (SIO 60-311) and 

southern Mexico to Chile, including Islas Tres Marias (Robertson and Allen 2002). At depths of 1–10 m 


Family Diodontidae — Porcupinefishes 

Chilomycterus reticulatus (Linnaeus, 1758). Spotfin Burrfish or Spotted Burrfish. To about 75 cm (29.5 in) 

TL (Leis in Carpenter and Niem 2001). Circumtropical; Japan (Aizawa in Nakabo 2002) and as far 

north as southern Kuril Islands (Savinykh 1998); Long Beach Harbor, southern California (Lea 1998) to 

Chile (Allen and Robertson 1994), including Islas Galápagos (Grove and Lavenberg 1997). At depths of 

1–141 m (3–462 ft; Chave and Mundy 1994). Chilomycterus affinis Günther, 1870, is a junior synonym. 

Diodon holacanthus Linnaeus, 1758. Balloonfish, Freckled Porcupinefish, Longnose Porcupinefish, or 

Longspined Balloonfish. To 60 cm (23.6 in) TL (Amezcua Linares 1996), 30 cm (11.8 in) SL (Leis 2003). 

Circumglobal; Japan (Aizawa in Nakabo 2002) to La Jolla, southern California (Grove and Lavenberg 

1997) to Easter Island (Pequeño 1989), including Gulf of California (Thomson et al. 2000) and Islas 

Galápagos (Grove and Lavenberg 1997). At depths of 1 m (3 ft; Robertson and Allen 2002) to at least 

100 m (328 ft; Randall et al. 1990). 

Diodon hystrix Linnaeus, 1758. Freckled Porcupinefish, Porcupinefish, Spotfin Porcupinefish, or Spotted 

Porcupinefish. To 91 cm (36 in) TL (Miller and Lea 1972), 75 cm (29.5 in) SL (Leis 2003). Circumglobal 

in warm waters; Japan (Aizawa in Nakabo 2002) and southeast of Kuril Islands (Parin 2003); San Diego, 

southern California to Chile, including Gulf of California and Islas Galápagos (Miller and Lea 1972). At 

depths of 1–135 m (3–443 ft) (min.: González-Acosta et al. 1999; max.: Ralston et al. 1986). 

Family Molidae — Molas or Ocean Sunfishes 

Mola mola (Linnaeus, 1758). Mola or Ocean Sunfish. Confirmed to 2.7 m (8.9 ft) TL (T. Thys, pers. comm. 

to M. L.); possibly to 4 m (13.1 ft) TL (Miller and Lea 1972). Circumglobal in temperate and tropical 

waters; Japan (Hatooka in Nakabo 2002) and southern Kuril Islands (Parin 2003) to Gulf of Alaska 

(Mecklenburg et al. 2002) to Las Cruces (33°29'S), central Chile (Brito 2003), including Gulf of 

California (Scott in Fischer et al. 1995) and Islas Galápagos (Grove and Lavenberg 1997). Surface to 

644 m (2,113 ft) (min.: Clemens and Wilby 1946; max.: T. Thys, pers. comm. to M. L.). Deepest known 

occurrence off eastern Pacific coasts is 392 m (1,286 ft; Cartamil and Lowe 2004). 

Ranzania laevis (Pennant, 1776). Slender Mola. To 90 cm (35.4 in) TL (Hutchins in Carpenter and Niem 

2001). Circumglobal (Hutchins in Carpenter and Niem 2001); Oceano, central California (Snyder 1913) 

to Chile (Eschmeyer and Herald 1983), including Gulf of California (Scott in Fischer et al. 1995). Surface 

to 200 m (660 ft; Robertson and Allen 2002). 

181

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221

PERSONAL COMMUNICATIONS 

Alisa A. Abookire, National Marine Fisheries Service, Kodiak Laboratory, Kodiak, Alaska. 

M. Eric Anderson, J. L. B. Smith Institute of Ichthyology, Grahamstown, South Africa. 

Mayumi L. Arimitsu, National Park Service, Juneau, Alaska. 

Joe Bizarro, Moss Landing Marine Laboratory, Moss Landing, California. 

Morgan S. Busby, National Marine Fisheries Service, Alaska Fisheries Science Center, Seattle, Washington. 

Karla L. Bush, Alaska Department of Fish and Game, Dutch Harbor, Alaska. 

Jay Carroll, Tenera Environmental Services, 225 Prado Rd., San Luis Obispo, California 93401. 

Howard Chang, ERM Inc., Taipei, Taiwan. 

Sharon Charter, National Marine Fisheries Service, Southwest Fisheries Science Center, La Jolla, California. 

Natalia V. Chernova, Ichthyology Laboratory, Zoological Institute, Russian Academy of Sciences, St. Petersburg, Russia. 

Dave Clausen, National Marine Fisheries Service, Alaska Fisheries Science Center, Auke Bay Laboratory, Juneau, Alaska. 

Matthew Craig, Scripps Institution of Oceanography, La Jolla, California. 

Allen Cramer, Hatfield Marine Science Center, Northwest Fisheries Science Center, NMFS, NOAA, Newport, Oregon. 

David J. Csepp, National Marine Fisheries Service, Alaska Fisheries Science Center, Auke Bay Laboratory, Juneau, Alaska. 

John Cusick, National Marine Fisheries Service, Northwest Fisheries Science Center, Seattle, Washington. 

David A. Ebert, Moss Landing Marine Laboratory, Moss Landing, California. 

Jared Figurski, Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of California, Santa Cruz, California. 

John E. Fitch, California Department of Fish and Game (deceased). 

Graham E. Gillespie, Canadian Department of Fisheries and Oceans, Nanaimo, British Columbia. 

Ami Groce, Ocean Monitoring Program, Metropolitan Wastewater Department, City of San Diego, San Diego, California. 

Tim Herrlinger, Department of Integrative Biology, University of California, Berkeley, California. 

Brenda A. Holladay. Institute of Marine Science, University of Alaska Fairbanks. 

Lee B. Hulbert, National Marine Fisheries Service, Alaska Fisheries Science Center, Auke Bay Laboratory, Juneau, Alaska. 

John Hyde, Scripps Institution of Oceanography, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California. 

Dan Jehl, Sea World of California, Mission Bay, California. 

Scott Johnson, National Marine Fisheries Service, Alaska Fisheries Science Center, Auke Bay Laboratory, Juneau, Alaska. 

Gene Kira, P.O. Box 2296, Valley Center, California 92082. 

Paul Krause, BBL Sciences, Long Beach, California. 

David Kushner, National Park Service, Ventura, California. 

Tom Laidig, National Marine Fisheries Service, Southwest Fisheries Science Center, Santa Cruz, California. 

Robert N. Lea, California Department of Fish and Game, Monterey, California. 

Charles Lean, National Park Service, Nome, Alaska. 

Katherine Pearson Maslenikov, Fish Collection, School of Aquatic and Fisheries Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle. 

Scott Matern, Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Conservation Biology, University of California, Davis, California. 

John E. McCosker, Department of Ichthyology, California Academy of Sciences, San Francisco, California. 

Laird McDonald, Marine Science Institute, University of California, Santa Barbara, California. 

Scott Meyer, Alaska Department of Fish and Game, Homer, Alaska. 

Doug Molyneaux, Alaska Department of Fish and Game, Bethel, Alaska. 

Steve Norton, Department of Biology, East Carolina University, Greenville, North Carolina. 

Mary Nishimoto, Marine Science Institute, University of California, Santa Barbara, California. 

Victoria M. O’Connell, Alaska Department of Fish and Game, Sitka, Alaska. 

222

James W. Orr, National Marine Fisheries Service, Alaska Fisheries Science Center, Seattle, Washington. 

John O’Sullivan, Monterey Bay Aquarium, Monterey, California. 

Wayne A. Palsson, Washington Department of Fisheries and Wildlife, Mill Creek, Washington. 

Don Pearson, National Marine Fisheries Service, Southwest Fisheries Science Center, Santa Cruz, California. 

Alex E. Peden, Curator Emeritus, Royal British Columbia Museum,Victoria, British Columbia, Canada. 

Julius Phillips, California Department of Fish and Game (deceased). Data from unpublished handwritten notes in 

J. Phillips’ copy of Phillips (1957). 

Dan Pondella, Vantuna Research Group, Occidental College, Los Angeles, California. 

Rebecca Reuter, National Marine Fisheries Service, Alaska Fisheries Science Center, Seattle, Washington. 

Dave Roseneau, United States Fish and Wildlife Service, Anchorage, Alaska. 

Jorge A. Rosales-Casián, Centro de Investigacion Cientifica y de Educacion Superior Ensenada, Mexico. 

Mike Schaadt, Cabrillo Marine Aquarium, San Pedro, California. 

Donna Schroeder, Marine Science Institute, University of California, Santa Barbara, California. 

Mike Shane, Hubbs-Sea World Research Institute, San Diego, California. 

Boris A. Sheiko, Ichthyology Laboratory, Zoological Institute, Russian Academy of Sciences, St. Petersburg, Russia. 

Wade Smith, Moss Landing Marine Laboratory, Moss Landing, California. 

Rick Starr, University of California Sea Grant, Moss Landing, California. 

David L. Stein, National Marine Fisheries Service Systematics Laboratory, Smithsonian Institution, Washington, D.C. 

John Stephens, 2550 Nightshade Place, Arroyo Grande, California 93420. 

Duane E. Stevenson, National Marine Fisheries Service, Alaska Fisheries Science Center, Seattle, Washington. 

Adam P. Summers, Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of California, Irvine, California. 

Tierney Thys, Sea Studios Foundation, Monterey, California. 

Vanessa Tuttle, National Marine Fisheries Service, Northwest Fisheries Science Center, Seattle, Washington. 

Chuck Valle, California Department of Fish and Game, Los Alamitos, California. 

William van Orden, Bilz Rockfish, Box 245, Heriot Bay, British Columbia, V0P 1H0, Canada. 

Neville Venables, Nev’s Groundfish Research, New Westminster, British Columbia, Canada. 

Eric Vetter, College of Natural Sciences, Hawai’i Pacific University, Honolulu, Hawaii. 

Kenneth D. Vogt, Department of Biology, University of Alaska, Anchorage. 

Diana Watters, California Department of Fish and Game, Menlo Park, California. 

Mark Wilkins, National Marine Fisheries Service, Alaska Fisheries Science Center, Seattle, Washington. 

Nick Wilsman, Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, Brookings, Oregon. 

Bruce L. Wing, National Marine Fisheries Service, Alaska Fisheries Science Center, Auke Bay Laboratory, Juneau, Alaska. 

Carrie Worton, Alaska Department of Fish and Game, Kodiak, Alaska. 

Tina Wyllie Echeverria, P.O. Box 111, Shaw Island, Washington 98286. 

Mary Yoklavich, National Marine Fisheries Service, Southwest Fisheries Science Center, Santa Cruz, California. 

223

Index 

A 

Ablennes hians, 63 

Abudefduf 

declivifrons, 134 

troschelii, 134 

Abyssal 

Grenadier, 53 

Snailfish, 103 

Acanthemblemaria 

balanorum, 156 

crockeri, 156 

macrospilus, 156 

Acanthocybium 

solanderi, 167 

solandri, 166 

Acanthogobius flavimanus, 160 

Acantholiparis 

caecus, 101 

opercularis, 101 

Acantholumpenus mackayi, 145 

Acanthopsetta nadeshnyi, 174 

Acanthuridae, 164 

Acanthurus achilles, 164 

Acanthurus 

nigricans, 164 

triostegus, 164 

xanthopterus, 164 

Acapulco 

Damselfish, 135 

Major, 135 

Achilles 

Surgeon, 164 

Tang, 164 

Achiridae, 177 

Achirus 

mazatlanus, 177 

scutum, 177 

Acipenseridae, 15 

Acipenseriformes, 15 

Acipenser 

medirostris, 15 

transmontanus, 15 

Acropomatidae, 109 

Acrotus willoughbyi, 158 

Adelosebastes latens, 73 

Aetobatus narinari, 14 

African Pompano, 116 

Agonidae, 95 

Agonomalus mozinoi, 96 

Agonopsis 

emmelane, 96 

sterletus, 96 

vulsa, 96 

Agonostomus monticola, 62 

Alalaua, 113 

Alaskan 

Lumpsucker, 100 

Ronquil, 138 

Alaska 

Dreamer, 61 

Eelpout, 139 

Plaice, 176 

Skate, 12 


Albacore, 168 

Albatrossia pectoralis, 53 

Albula sp., 16 

Albulidae, 16 

Albuliformes, 16 

Aldrovandia 

affinis, 16 

phalacra, 16 

Alectis ciliaris, 116 

Alectrias alectrolophus, 145 

Alectridium aurantiacum, 145 

Alepisauridae, 42 

Alepisaurus ferox, 42 

Alepocephalidae, 30 

Alepocephalus tenebrosus, 30 

Aleutian 

Alligatorfish, 96 

Fringed Sculpin, 91 

Pout, 140 

Scorpionfish, 73 

Skate, 11 


Allocareproctus, 103 

Alloclinus holderi, 154 

Allocyttus 

folletti, 70 

verrucosus, 70 

Allosmerus elongatus, 32 

Allothunnus fallai, 167 

Almaco Jack, 119 

224

Alopias 

pelagicus, 5 

superciliosus, 5 

vulpinus, 5 

Alopiidae, 5 

Alosa sapidissima, 26 

Alphestes 

galapagensis, 109 

immaculatus, 109 

multiguttatus, 109 

Aluterus 

monoceros, 179 

scriptus, 179 

Amarillo Snapper, 121 

Amberstripe Scad, 117 

Amblyraja badia, 10 

American 

Shad, 26 

Soles, 177 

Ammodytes hexapterus, 151 

Ammodytidae, 151 

Ammodytoides gilli, 151 

Amphistichus argenteus, 132 

Amphistichus koelzi, 132 

Amphistichus rhodoterus, 132 

Anarchias galapagensis, 17 

Anarhichadidae, 150 

Anarhichas 

denticulatus, 150 

orientalis, 150 

Anarrhichthys ocellatus, 150 

Anchoa 

argentivittata, 24 

compressa, 24 

curta, 24 

delicatissima, 24 

exigua, 24 

ischana, 24 

lucida, 24 

mundeoloides, 25 

nasus, 25 

walkeri, 25 

Anchoveta, 25 

Anchovia 

macrolepidota, 25 

magdalenae, 25 

Anchovies, 24 

Ancylopsetta dendritica, 171 

Angelfishes, 130 

Angel 

Blenny, 157 

Croaker, 128 

Sharks, 4 

Tube Blenny, 157 

Anguilliformes, 17 

Anisarchus medius, 146 

Anisotremus 

davidsoni, 123 

interruptus, 123 

taeniatus, 123 

Anomalopidae, 70 

Anoplagonus inermis, 96 

Anoplarchus 

insignis, 146 

purpurescens, 146 

Anoplogaster cornuta, 69 

Anoplogastridae, 69 

Anoplopomatidae, 82 

Anoplopoma fimbria, 82 

Anotopteridae, 42 

Anotopterus 

nikparini, 42 

pharao, 42 

Antennariidae, 58 

Antennarius 

avalonis, 58 

sanguineus, 58 

strigatus, 58 

Antimora 

microlepis, 55 

rostrata, 55 

Antlered 

Dragonet, 160 

Sculpin, 86 

Aphanopus 

arigato, 166 

carbo, 166 

intermedius, 166 

Aphyonidae, 52 

Aphyonids, 52 

Apodichthys 

flavidus, 149 

fucorum, 149 

sanctaerosae, 149 

Index 

225

Index 

Apogonidae, 114 

Apogon 

atricaudus, 114 

guadalupensis, 114 

pacificus, 114 

parri, 114 

retrosella, 114 

Apristurus 

brunneus, 6 

kampae, 6 

Apristurus sp., 6 

Aptocyclus ventricosus, 99 

Archaulus biseriatus, 84 

Arched 

Sculpin, 92 

Eelpout, 144 

Archistes 

biseriatus, 84 

plumarius, 84 

Arcos erythrops, 159 

Arctic 


Char, 35 

Cisco, 33 

Cod, 56 

Eelpout, 144 

Flounder, 176 

Lamprey, 1 

Sculpin, 90 

Shanny, 148 

Smelt, 33 

Staghorn Sculpin, 87 

Arctogadus 

borisovi, 56 

glacialis, 56 

Arctoscopus japonicus, 151 

Arctozenus risso, 41 

Argentina sialis, 28 

Argentines, 28 

Argentinidae, 28 

Argentiniformes, 28 

Argus Moray, 18 

Argyropelecus 

affinis, 36 

hemigymnus, 36 

lychnus, 36 

sladeni, 36 

Ariidae, 27 

Ariopsis 

guatemalensis, 27 

planiceps, 27 

platypogon, 28 

Ariosoma gilberti, 21 

Aristostomias scintillans, 37 

Arius, 27 

Armed Grunt, 123 

Armigers Goby, 160 

Armored Redmouth Whalefish, 69 

Armorheads, 130 

Arothron 

hispidus, 180 

meleagris, 180 

Arrowtail, 55 

Arrowtooth Flounder, 174 

Arrow Goby, 161 

Artediellichthys nigripinnis, 84 

Artediellus 

camchaticus, 84 

gomojunovi, 84 

miacanthus, 84 

ochotensis, 84 

pacificus, 84 

scaber, 84 

Artedius 

corallinus, 84 

creaseri, 92 

fenestralis, 85 

harringtoni, 85 

lateralis, 85 

notospilotus, 85 

Ascelichthys rhodorus, 85 

Asiatic Arrowtooth, 174 

Aspidophoroides 

bartoni, 96 

monopterygius, 96 

Asquamiceps 

pacificus, 30 

velaris, 30 

Assurger anzac, 166 

Astroscopus zephyreus, 151 

Atheresthes 

evermanni, 174 

stomias, 174 

Atherinella 

eriarcha, 63 

nepenthe, 63 

226

Atherinidae, 63 

Atheriniformes, 63 

Atherinopsidae, 63 

Atherinopsis californiensis, 63 

Atherinops affinis, 63 

Atka Mackerel, 83 

Atlantic 

Fangjaw, 36 

Poacher, 97 

Salmon, 34 

Spiny Lumpsucker, 100 

Atractoscion nobilis, 126 

Attenuate Snailfish, 101 

Aulopidae, 39 

Aulopiformes, 39 

Aulopus bajacali, 39 

Aulorhynchidae, 71 

Aulorhynchus flavidus, 71 

Aulostomidae, 72 

Aulostomus chinensis, 72 

Aurora Rockfish, 74 

Auxis 

rochei, 167 

rochei eudorax, 167 

thazard, 167 

thazard eurydorax, 167 

Avocettina 

bowersii, 21 

infans, 21 

Axil Grunt, 124 

Axoclinus 

nigricaudus, 151 

storeyae, 152 

Azure Parrotfish, 138 

Azurina hirundo, 134 

B 

Bagre panamensis, 28 

Bairdiella, 126 

Bairdiella icistia, 126 

Bajacalifornia burragei, 30 

Baja Blenny, 154 

Balboa Goby, 163 

Bald Sculpin, 86 

Balistes polylepis, 179 

Balistidae, 179 

Balloonfish, 181 

Banded 

Cleaner Goby, 161 

Cleaning Goby, 161 

Flyingfish, 65 

Guitarfish, 10 

Gunnel, 149 

Irish Lord, 87 

Lizardfish, 40 

Sand Stargazer, 153 

Stargazer, 153 

Tonguefish, 178 

Wrasse, 136 

Bandfin Scorpionfish, 73 

Bandtail Frogfish, 58 

Bank’s Ribbonfish, 49 

Bank Rockfish, 80 

Barathronus pacificus, 52 

Barbeled Dragonfishes, 37 

Barbel Flyingfish, 65 

Barberfish, 130 

Barbourisia rufa, 69 

Barbourisiidae, 69 

Barbulifer 

mexicanus, 161 

pantherinus, 161 

Barcheek Pipefish, 72 

Barfinned Tonguefish, 178 

Barnaclebill Blenny, 158 

Barnacled Blenny, 158 

Barnacle Blenny, 156 

Barracudas, 164 

Barracudinas, 41 

Barred 

Filefish, 179 

Flagtail, 131 

Needlefish, 63 

Pargo, 121 

Pipefish, 71 

Sandperch, 110 

Sand Bass, 112 

Searobin, 81 

Serrano, 113 

Surfperch, 132 

Barreleye, 30 

Barreleyes, 30 

Barspot Cardinalfish, 114 

Bascanichthys bascanoides, 19 

Index 

227

Index 

Basketweave Cusk-eel, 51 

Basking Shark, 5 

Bassozetus zenkevitchi, 50 

Batfishes, 59 

Bathophilus 

brevis, 38 

ilifer, 38 

flemingi, 38 

Bathyagonus 

alascanus, 96 

infraspinatus, 96 

nigripinnis, 96 

pentacanthus, 96 

Bathygobius ramosus, 161 

Bathylaco nigricans, 30 

Bathylagidae, 29 

Bathylagoides 

nigrigenys, 29 

wesethi, 29 

Bathylagus 

alascanus, 29 

milleri, 29 


pacificus, 29 

Bathyleptus lisae, 42 

Bathylychnops exilis, 30 

Bathymasteridae, 138 

Bathymaster 

caeruleofasciatus, 138 

eurolepis, 138 

signatus, 138 

Bathyraja 

abyssicola, 11 

aleutica, 11 

interrupta, 11 

kincaidii, 11 

indbergi, 11 

maculata, 11 

mariposa, 11 

matsubarai, 11 

microtrachys, 11 

minispinosa, 11 

parmifera, 12 

spinosissima, 12 

taranetzi, 12 

trachura, 12 

violacea, 12 

Bathysaurus mollis, 40 

Batrachoididae, 57 

Batrachoidiformes, 57 

Bat Ray, 14 

Bay 

Blenny, 158 

Goby, 162 

Pipefish, 72 

Beach Flounder, 173 

Beaded Slickhead, 31 

Bearded Clingfish, 159 

Bearded Eelpout, 144 

Bearded Warbonnet, 146 

Beaubrummel, 135 

Beaubrummel Gregory, 135 

Beaubrummel Major, 135 

Beautyfin Flyingfish, 65 

Behemoth Eelpout, 140 

Bellator 

gymnostethus, 81 

loxias, 81 

xenisma, 81 

Belligerent Sculpin, 89 

Belonidae, 63 

Beloniformes, 63 

Benthalbella 

dentata, 39 

linguidens, 40 

Benthodesmus 

elongatus, 166 


Benthosema 

glaciale, 43 

panamense, 43 

pterotum, 43 

uborbitale, 43 

Benttooth Bristlemouth, 35 

Bering Cisco, 33 

Bering Flounder, 175 

Bering Poacher, 97 

Bering Wolffish, 150 

Berry’s Grenadier, 54 

Bertella idiomorpha, 60 

Beryciformes, 69 

Bicolor Parrotfish, 138 

Bigbelly Pomfret, 120 

Bigeyes, 113 

228

Bigeye 

Corvina, 127 

Crevalle, 116 

Croaker, 126, 128, 129 

Lanternfish, 46 

Poacher, 96 

Scad, 118 

Sculpin, 93 


Squaretail, 170 

Starsnout, 96 

Thresher, 5 

Trevally, 116 

Tuna, 168 

Bigfin 

Eelpout, 143 


Bighead 

Cusk-eel, 51 

Grenadier, 53 

Mora, 55 

Sand Perch, 110 


Tilefish, 114 

Bigmouth 

Manefish, 120 

Sanddab, 171 

Sculpin, 94 

Sole, 173 

Bignose 

Anchovy, 25 

Conger, 22 

Shark, 7 

Bigpored Snailfish, 107 

Bigscales, 67 

Bigscale 

Anchovy, 25 

Goatfish, 129 

Sandfish, 110 

Sleeper, 160 

Bigspine Grunt, 125 

Bigtooth Pomfret, 120 

Big Skate, 12 

Billfishes, 169 

Black-and-Yellow Rockfish, 75 

Black-spotted Worm Goby, 163 

Black-spot Mojarra, 122 

Blackbelly 

Dragonfish, 39 

Eelpout, 143 

Pearleye, 40 

Blackblotch Pompano, 119 

Blackchin, 43 

Blackchins, 43 

Blackcod, 82 

Blackdevil, 59 

Blackdevils, 59 

Blackeye 

Goby, 163 

Snake Moray, 19 

Blackfin 

Eelpout, 143 

Hookear Sculpin, 84 

Jack, 118 

Poacher, 96 

Scad, 118 

Sculpin, 95 

Shark, 8 

Snook, 108 

Soapfish, 112 

Blackgill 

Mojarra, 122 

Rockfish, 78 

Blackline 

Prickleback, 145 

Snipe Eel, 21 

Blacklip Dragonet, 160 

Blackmouth Eelpout, 142 

Blacknose Sculpin, 88 

Blacksmith, 134 

Blackspot 

Mojarra, 122 

Reef-bass, 112 

Wrasse, 135 

Blackstripe Herring, 26 

Blacktail Snailfish, 102 

Blacktip 

Poacher, 99 

Shark, 8 


Blackwing Flyingfish, 65 

Black 

Axillary Mojarra, 123 

Barracudina, 41 

Index 

229

Index 

Black (continued) 

Bobtail Eel, 23 

Bristlemouth, 35 

Brotula, 50 

Chimaera, 2 

Croaker, 126 

Dragonet, 160 

Durgon, 179 

Eelpout, 143 

Fathead, 170 

Hagfish, 1 

Jack, 116 

Lampfish, 47 

Mackerel, 165 

Marlin, 169 

Pelagic Cod, 55 

Perch, 132 


Rockfish, 77 

Sailfin Eel, 20 

Scabbardfish, 166 

Skate, 11, 12 

Skipjack, 167 

Snake Mackerel, 165 

Snook, 108 


Swallower, 153 

Triggerfish, 179 

Wrasse, 135 

Bladewing Flyingfish, 65 

Bleeding Wrasse, 137 

Blenniidae, 158 

Blepsias 

bilobus, 94 

cirrhosus, 94 

Blind Goby, 163 

Blobby Dreamer, 60 

Blob 

Sculpin, 95 

Sculpins, 94 

Bloody Frogfish, 58 

Blotched 

Midshipman, 57 


Stingray, 14 

Blotcheye Solderfish, 70 

Blotchfin Cusk-eel, 51 

Blotchwing Flyingfish, 64 

Blue-and-Gold Snapper, 121 

Blue-and-Yellow Chromis, 134 

Blue-bronze Chub, 131 

Blueback, 34 

Bluebanded 

Goby, 162 

Parrotfish, 138 

Ronquil, 139 



Bluechin Parrotfish, 138 

Bluefin 

Driftfish, 170 

Jack, 116 

Trevally, 116 

Bluespotted 

Cornetfish, 72 

Jawfish, 113 

Poacher, 99 

Bluestreak Drum, 127 

Bluestriped 

Chub, 131 

Pipefish, 71 

Bluethroat Argentine, 28 

Blue 

Bobo, 126 


Marlin, 169 

Seaperch, 133 

Shark, 8 

Trevally, 116 

Blunt-nosed Grenadier, 54 

Blunthead Triggerfish, 179 

Bluntnose Sixgill Shark, 2 

Bobtail Eels, 23 

Bocaccio, 78 

Bodianus diplotaenia, 135 

Bogoslovius clarki, 54 

Bolinia euryptera, 85 

Bolinichthys 

longipes, 43 

pyrsobolus, 43 

Bonefishes, 16 

Bonehead Sculpin, 85 

Bonnethead, 9 

Bonydisk Snailfish, 106 

Bonyhead Sculpin, 85 

Boreogadus saida, 56 

230

Borophryne apogon, 59 

Borostomias panamensis, 38 

Bothidae, 171 

Bothrocara 

brunneum, 139 

molle, 139 

pusillum, 139 

remigerum, 139 

zestum, 139 

Bothus 

constellatus, 171 

leopardinus, 171 

Bottlelight, 36 

Bowers Bank Snailfish, 101 

Boxfishes, 180 

Brachyistius frenatus, 132 

Brama 

japonica, 120 

orcini, 120 

Bramble Sharks, 3 

Bramidae, 120 

Branick’s Grunt, 125 

Brassy 

Grunt, 124, 125 

Humpback Grunt, 125 

Bregmaceros bathymaster, 56 

Bregmacerotidae, 56 

Brickred Rockfish, 75 

Bridled Sand Perch, 110 

Brightbelly Sculpin, 89 

Brighteye Cusk-eel, 51 

Bright Anchovy, 24 

Brill, 174 

Bristlemouths, 35 

Bristly Searobin, 81 

Bristol Snailfish, 104 

Broadbanded Thornyhead, 81 

Broadfin 

Lampfish, 46 

Sculpin, 85 


Thornyhead, 81 

Broadhead Lanternfish, 44 

Broadnose Sevengill Shark, 2 

Broad 

Skate, 10 

Whitefish, 33 

Brokenline Lampfish, 45 

Bronzespotted Rockfish, 76 

Bronzestriped Grunt, 125 

Bronze Midshipman, 57 

Broomtail Grouper, 112 

Brosmophycis, 52 

Brosmophycis marginata, 52 

Brotulataenia nielseni, 50 

Brotula clarkae, 50 

Browncheck 


Blenny, 156 

Brownsnout Spookfish, 30 

Brown 

Cat Shark, 6 


Rockfish, 74 

Smoothhound, 7 

Bryozoichthys 

lysimus, 146 

marjorius, 146 

Buffalo Sculpin, 86 

Bulbous Dreamer, 60 

Bulldog 

Eelpout, 145 

Lightfish, 37 


Bullet Mackerel, 167 

Bulleye, 113 

Bullhead Sharks, 4 

Bullseye 

Electric Ray, 9 

Puffer, 180 

Stingray, 13 

Bull 

Sculpin, 86 

Shark, 8 

Bumphead 



Burrito Grunt, 123 

Bussing’s Drum, 129 

Butterfishes, 170 

Butterflyfishes, 130 

Butterfly 


Rays, 14 

Sculpin, 87 

Skate, 11 

Butter Sole, 175 

Bythitidae, 52 

Index 

231

Index 

C 

C-O Sole, 176 

C-O Turbot, 176 

Cabezon, 92 

Caecal Spiny Snailfish, 101 

Caelorhynchus, 53 

Caelorinchus scaphopsis, 53 

Calico 


Rockfish, 76 

Salmon, 34 

Sculpin, 85 


California 

Butterfly Ray, 14 

Clingfish, 159 

Conger, 22 

Corbina, 128 

Flashlightfish, 46 


Grenadier, 54 

Grunion, 63 

Halfbeak, 66 

Halibut, 173 

Headlightfish, 44 

Killifish, 67 



Moray, 18 


Sawtail, 164 


Sheephead, 137 

Skate, 12 

Slickhead, 30 

Smoothtongue, 29 


Turbot, 176 

Callechelys 

cliffi, 19 

eristigma, 19 

Callionymidae, 160 

Calotomus carolinus, 137 

Canadian Eelpout, 143 

Canary Rockfish, 79 

Candlefish, 33 

Cantherhines dumerilii, 179 

Canthigaster punctatissima, 180 

Capelin, 33 

Cape 

Cigarfish, 170 

Fathead, 170 

Garden Eel, 22 

Razorfish, 137 

Wrasse, 137 

Carangidae, 116 

Carangoides 

caballus, 116 

orthogrammus, 116 

otrynter, 116 

vinctus, 117 

Caranx 

caballus, 116 

caninus, 116 

hippos, 116 

lugubris, 116 

melampygus, 116 

orthogrammus, 116 

otrynter, 116 

sexfasciatus, 116 

vinctus, 117 

Carapidae, 49 

Carcharhinidae, 7 

Carcharhiniformes, 6 

Carcharhinus 

albimarginatus, 7 

altimus, 7 

brachyurus, 7 

falciformis, 7 

galapagensis, 7 

leucas, 8 

limbatus, 8 

longimanus, 8 

obscurus, 8 

porosus, 8 

Carcharodon carcharias, 5 

Cardinalfishes, 114 

Careproctus 

abbreviatus, 101 

acanthodes, 103 

attenuatus, 101 

bowersianus, 101 

candidus, 101 

232

Careproctus (continued) 

canus, 101 

colletti, 102 

cypselurus, 102 

ectenes, 102 

filamentosus, 102 

furcellus, 102 

gilberti, 102 

longifilis, 102 

melanurus, 102 

microstomus, 102 

mollis, 102 

opisthotremus, 102 

oregonenesis, 102 

ostentum, 103 

ovigerus, 103 

pellucidus, 103 

phasma, 103 

pycnosoma, 103 

rastrinus, 103 

scottae, 103 

simus, 103 

spectrum, 103 

zachirus, 103 

Caristiidae, 120 

Caristius 

macropus, 120 

maderensis, 120 

Carmine Triplefin, 152 

Cataetyx rubrirostris, 52 

Catalina 

Conger, 22 

Sanddab, 177 

Cat Sharks, 6 

Caulolatilus 

affinis, 114 

hubbsi, 114 

princeps, 114 

Caulophryne 

jordani, 59 

pelagica, 59 

polynema, 59 

Caulophrynidae, 59 

Cebidichthys violaceus, 146 

Centriscidae, 72 

Centrolophidae, 169 

Centrophryne spinulosa, 59 

Centrophrynidae, 59 

Centropomidae, 108 

Centropomus 

medius, 108 

nigrescens, 108 

viridis, 109 

Centroscyllium nigrum, 3 

Cephalopholis panamensis, 110 

Cephaloscyllium ventriosum, 6 

Cephalurus cephalus, 6 

Ceratias holboelli, 61 

Ceratiidae, 61 

Ceratoscopelus 

townsendi, 43 

warmingii, 43 

Cetengraulis mysticetus, 25 

Cetichthys parini, 68 

Cetomimidae, 68 

Cetorhinidae, 5 

Cetorhinus maximus, 5 

Cetostoma regani, 69 

Chaenomugil proboscideus, 62 

Chaenophryne 

draco, 60 

longiceps, 60 

melanorhabdus, 60 

parviconus, 60 

Chaenopsidae, 156 

Chaenopsis alepidota, 156 

Chaetodipterus zonatus, 164 

Chaetodontidae, 130 

Chaetodon humeralis, 130 

Chalinura filifera, 54 

Chameleon 

Goby, 163 

Rockfish, 78 

Wrasse, 136 

Chanidae, 27 

Channel Islands Clingfish, 159 

Chanos chanos, 27 

Charcoal Codling, 55 

Chauliodus macouni, 38 

Cheekspot Sand Perch, 110 

Cheilopogon 

heterurus, 64 

papilio, 64 

pinnatibarbatus, 65 

xenopterus, 65 

Index 

233

Index 

Cheilotrema saturnum, 126 

Cherublemma emmelas, 50 

Chesnonia verrucosa, 97 

Chestnut Moray, 18 

Chevron Searobin, 81 

Chiasmodontidae, 153 

Chiasmodon niger, 153 

Chihuil, 28 

Chihuil Sea Catfish, 28 

Chilara taylori, 50 

Chilean 

Devil Ray, 15 

Round Ray, 14 

Chilipepper, 77 

Chiloconger 

dentatus, 22 

labiatus, 22 

obtusus, 22 

similis, 22 

Chilomycterus 

affinis, 181 

reticulatus, 181 

Chimaeridae, 2 

Chimaeriformes, 2 

Chimbera Stardrum, 129 

China Rockfish, 78 

Chinese Trumpetfish, 72 

Chinook Salmon, 34 

Chirolophis 

decoratus, 146 

nugator, 146 

snyderi, 146 

tarsodes, 146 

Chitonotus pugetensis, 85 

Chlamydoselachidae, 2 

Chlamydoselachus anguineus, 2 

Chlopsidae, 17 

Chlopsis 

apterus, 17 

kazunoko, 17 

Chloroscombrus orqueta, 117 

Chocolate 

Pipefish, 72 


Choelo Halfbeak, 66 

Chriolepis 

cuneata, 161 

zebra, 161 

Chromis 

alta, 134 

atrilobata, 134 

limbaughi, 134 

punctipinnis, 134 

Chubby 



Pearleye, 40 

Chub Mackerel, 168 

Chum Salmon, 34 

Cichlidae, 132 

Cichlids, 132 

Cigarette Paper, 174 

Cirrhitichthys oxycephalus, 131 

Cirrhitidae, 131 

Cirrhitus rivulatus, 132 

Cirriemblemaria lucasana, 157 

Citharichthys 

fragilis, 171 

gilberti, 171 

gordae, 172 

platophrys, 172 

sordidus, 172 

stigmaeus, 172 

xanthostigma, 172 

Clarion 

Angelfish, 130 


Major, 135 

Clarkichthys bilineatus, 163 

Clark’s Brotula, 50 

Clevelandia ios, 161 

Clidoderma asperrimum, 174 

Clingfishes, 159 

Clinidae, 156 

Clinocottus 

acuticeps, 85 

analis, 85 

embryum, 85 

globiceps, 86 

recalvus, 86 

Close-spine Snipe Eel, 21 

Clownfin Sculpin, 84 

Clubhead Barnacle Blenny, 156 

Clupea pallasii, 26 

Clupeidae, 26 

234

Clupeiformes, 24 

Coalfish, 55 

Coastrange Sculpin, 86 

Cocinero, 117 

Codlets, 56 

Codlings, 55 

Cods, 56 

Coho Salmon, 34 

Cololabis saira, 64 

Colorado Snapper, 121 

Combtooth 

Blennies, 158 

Dogfish, 3 

Cominate Sea Catfish, 28 

Commander Skate, 11 

Common 

Carp, 27 

Searobin, 82 

Thresher Shark, 5 

Concinero Jack, 117 

Conehead Eel, 21 

Conger-head Pike Conger, 21 

Conger Eels, 21 

Congridae, 21 

Conocara salmoneum, 31 

Conodon serrifer, 123 

Convict 

Surgeonfish, 164 

Tang, 164 

Cookeolus japonicus, 113 

Cookiecutter Shark, 3 

Copper 

Rockfish, 75 

Shark, 7 

Coralline Sculpin, 84 

Coralliozetus 

angelicus, 157 

micropes, 157 

rosenblatti, 157 

Coral Hawkfish, 131 

Coregonus 

autumnalis, 33 

laurettae, 33 

nasus, 33 

pidschian, 34 

sardinella, 34 


Cortez 


Barracuda, 165 

Bonefish, 16 

Chub, 131 


Croaker, 129 


Flounder, 173 


Gregory, 135 

Grunt, 123 

Halibut, 173 

Rainbow Wrasse, 137 

Sea Chub, 131 

Soapfish, 112 

Stingray, 13 

Triplefin, 151 

Corvula macrops, 126 

Coryphaena 

equiselis, 115 

hippurus, 115 

Coryphaenidae, 115 

Coryphaenoides 

acrolepis, 53 

anguliceps, 53 

armatus, 53 

capito, 53 

inereus, 53 

filifer, 53 

leptolepis, 54 

liocephalus, 54 

longifilis, 54 

yaquinae, 54 

urospilus, 161 

Cosmocampus 

arctus, 71 

arctus coccineus, 71 

arctus heraldi, 71 

Cosmopolitan 

Dreamer, 61 

Whipnose, 62 

Cottidae, 84 

Cottonmouth Jack, 119 

Cottunculus sadko, 94 

Cottus 

aleuticus, 86 

asper, 86 

Index 

235

Index 

Cowcod, 77 

Cow Sharks, 2 

Crafty Moray, 19 

Crescent 

Goby, 162 

Gunnel, 149 

Crested 

Bigscale, 68 

Ridgehead, 68 

Sculpin, 94 


Crestfishes, 48 

Crevice Kelpfish, 156 

Crisscross Prickleback, 148 

Crocodile 


Shark, 5 

Crocodilichthys gracilis, 152 

Crosshatch Triggerfish, 179 

Crossthroat Sawpalate, 23 

Cryptacanthodes 

aleutensis, 148 

giganteus, 149 

Cryptacanthodidae, 148 

Cryptopsaras couesii, 61 

Cryptotrema corallinum, 154 

Crystallichthys 

cameliae, 103 

cyclospilus, 103 

mirabilis, 104 

Ctenogobius sagittula, 161 

Cubiceps 

baxteri, 170 

capensis, 170 

paradoxus, 170 

Curlfin 

Sole, 176 

Turbot, 176 

Cusk-eels, 50 

Cuskpout, 139 

Cutlassfishes, 166 

Cutthroat 

Eels, 19 

Trout, 34 

Cyclopsetta 

panamensis, 172 

querna, 172 

Cyclopteridae, 99 

Cyclopteropsis 

bergi, 99 

inarmatus, 100 

lindbergi, 99 

Cyclothone 

acclinidens, 35 

alba, 35 

atraria, 35 

pacifica, 35 

pallida, 35 

pseudopallida, 35 

signata, 35 

Cyematidae, 23 

Cyema atrum, 23 

Cymatogaster 

aggregata, 132 

gracilis, 132 

Cynoglossidae, 178 

Cynoponticus coniceps, 21 

Cynoscion 

nobilis, 126 

parvipinnis, 126 


squamipinnis, 126 

xanthulus, 127 

Cyprinidae, 27 

Cypriniformes, 27 

Cyprinodontidae, 67 

Cyprinodontiformes, 67 

Cyprinus carpio, 27 

Cypselurus 

californicus, 65 

callopterus, 65 

hubbsi, 64 

D 

Dactylagnus 

mundus, 152 

parvus, 152 

Dactyloscopidae, 152 

Dactyloscopus 

byersi, 152 

fimbriatus, 152 

lunaticus, 152 

pectoralis, 152 

Daggertooth, 42 

236

Daggertooths, 42 

Dainty Mora, 55 

Daisy Midshipman, 57 

Dalatiidae, 3 

Damalichthys vacca, 133 

Damselfishes, 134 

Damsel 

Bass, 111 

Threadfin Bass, 111 

Danaphos oculatus, 36 

Dappled Flounder, 173 

Darkblotched Rockfish, 76 

Darkblotch Scorpionfish, 73 

Darkedge Midshipman, 57 

Darkfin Sculpin, 95 

Darkspot Mojarra, 122 

Dark 

Flounder, 171 

Rockfish, 75 

Tubeshoulder, 32 

Sculpin, 91 

Dart Stargazer, 153 

Dasyatidae, 13 

Dasyatis 

brevis, 13 

dipterura, 13 

longa, 13 

Dasycottus setiger, 94 

Daubed Shanny, 147 

Decapterus 

hypodus, 117 

macarellus, 117 

macrosoma, 117 

muroadsi, 117 

scombrinus, 117 

Decodon melasma, 135 

Decorated Warbonnet, 146 

Deepbody 

Anchovy, 24 


Thread Herring, 26 

Deepsea 

Anglerfishes, 59 

Cods, 55 

Skate, 11 

Slickhead, 31 

Smelts, 29 

Sole, 174 

Deepwater 

Blenny, 154 

Conger, 23 


Cutthroat Eel, 19 

Eelpout, 141 

Kelpfish, 154 

Serrano, 113 

Delicate 


Triplefish, 152 

Delolepis gigantea, 149 

Delta Smelt, 32 

Derepodichthys alepidotus, 139 

Derichthyidae, 21 

Derichthys serpentinus, 21 

Dermatolepis dermatolepis, 110 

Desmodema lorum, 48 

Diamond 

Stingray, 13 

Turbot, 177 

Diaphus 

anderseni, 44 

pacificus, 44 

theta, 44 

trachops, 44 

Diapterus peruvianus, 122 

Dibranchus spongiosa, 59 

Dicrolene filamentosa, 50 

Dimdisk Snailfish, 104 

Dimlight Lampfish, 47 

Diodontidae, 181 

Diodon 

holacanthus, 181 

hystrix, 181 

Diogenes Lanternfish, 44 

Diogenichthys 

atlanticus, 44 

laternatus, 44 

Diplectrum 

eumelum, 110 

euryplectrum, 110 

labarum, 110 

macropoma, 110 

maximum, 110 

pacificum, 110 

rostrum, 110 

sciurus, 110 

Index 

237

Index 

Dipline Eelpout, 144 

Diplobatis ommata, 9 

Diplophos 

proximus, 35 

taenia, 36 

Diplospinus multistriatus, 165 

Diretmidae, 69 

Diretmoides pauciradiatus, 69 

Diretmus 

argenteus, 70 

pauciradiatus, 70 

Distalpore Snailfish, 102 

Ditropichthys storeri, 69 

Dixonina sp., 16 

Docked Snailfish, 101 

Dogface Witch Eel, 23 

Dogfish Sharks, 3 

Dogtooth Lampfish, 43 

Dog 

Salmon, 34 

Snapper, 121 

Dolichopteryx 

longipes, 30 

parini, 30 

Dolly Varden, 35 

Dolly Varden Char, 35 

Dolopichthys 

longicornis, 60 

pullatus, 60 

Dolphinfish, 115 

Doormouth Snailfish, 108 

Dories, 70 

Dormitator latifrons, 160 

Dorosoma petenense, 26 

Doryrhamphus 

excisus, 71 

melanopleura, 71 

Dotted Garden Eel, 22 

Doubleline Eelpout, 143 

Dover Sole, 176 

Dove’s Longfin Herring, 25 

Dow’s Mojarra, 122 

Drab Tonguefish, 178 

Dragonfishes, 37 

Dragon Poacher, 98 

Dreamers, 60 

Driftfishes, 170 

Duckbill 


Eels, 23 

Dusky 

Hatchetfish, 37 

Rockfish, 80 

Sculpin, 88 

Shark, 8 


Dwarf-red Rockfish, 79 

Dwarf 


Perch, 133 

Puffer, 181 




Wrymouth, 148 

Dysalotus oligoscolus, 153 

E 

Eagle Rays, 14 

Earless Eelpout, 141 

Eastern Pacific Flagfin, 39 

East Pacific Codlet, 56 

Ebony 

Eelpout, 142 


Echeneidae, 115 

Echeneis naucrates, 115 

Echidna 

nebulosa, 17 

nocturna, 17 

zebra, 17 

Echinorhinidae, 3 

Echinorhinus cookei, 3 

Eelpouts, 139 

Ekemblemaria myersi, 157 

Elacatinus 

digueti, 161 

limbaughi, 161 

puncticulatus, 161 

Elagatis bipinnulata, 117 

Elassodiscus 

caudatus, 104 

tremebundus, 104 

Elastic Eel, 20 

Elastic Snake Eel, 20 

238

Elattarchus archidium, 127 

Electric 

Rays, 9 


Electrona 

risso, 44 

thompsoni, 47 

Eleginus gracilis, 56 

Eleotridae, 160 

Eleotris picta, 160 

Elongate Grunt, 124 

Elopidae, 16 

Elopiformes, 16 

Elops affinis, 16 

Elusive Snailfish, 103 

Emarginate Snailfish, 102 

Embassichthys bathybius, 174 

Ember Parrotfish, 138 

Embiotoca 

jacksoni, 132 

lateralis, 133 

Embiotocidae, 132 

Emblemaria 

bicirris, 157 

hypacanthus, 157 

Embryx crotalinus, 140 

Emerald Wrasse, 137 

Emperor Rockfish, 73 

Encheliophus dubius, 49 

Enchelycore octaviana, 17 

English Sole, 176 

Engraulidae, 24 

Engraulis 

japonicus, 25 

mordax, 25 

Engyophrys sanctilaurentii, 171 

Enigmatic Tilefish, 114 

Enneanectes 

carminalis, 152 


sexmaculatus, 152 

Enneanectes sp., 152 

Enophrys 

bison, 86 

diceraus, 86 

lucasi, 86 

taurina, 86 

Entomacrodus chiostictus, 158 

Entosphenus, 1 

Eopsetta 

exilis, 176 

jordani, 174 

Ephippidae, 164 

Epinephelus 

acanthistius, 111 

analogus, 111 

itajara, 111 

labriformis, 111 

niphobles, 111 

Eptatretus 

deani, 1 

fritzi, 1 

mcconnaugheyi, 1 

stoutii, 1 

Equatorial 

Moray, 18 

Skate, 12 

Erect Goby, 163 

Erilepis zonifer, 82 

Ernogrammus walkeri, 147 

Erotelis armiger, 160 

Errex zachirus, 174 

Escolar, 165 

Esselenia, 147 

Esselenichthys 

carli, 147 

laurae, 147 

Estuarine Eelpout, 144 

Ethadophis merenda, 19 

Etmopteridae, 3 

Etropus 

crossotus, 172 

peruvianus, 172 

Etrumeus teres, 26 

Eucinostomus 

argenteum, 122 

californiensis, 122 

currani, 122 

dowii, 122 

entomelas, 122 

gracilis, 122 

Eucryphycus californicus, 140 

Eucyclogobius newberryi, 162 

Eugerres 

axillaris, 123 

lineatus, 123 

Index 

239

Index 

Eulachon, 33 

Euleptorhamphus 

longirostris, 66 

viridis, 66 

Eumesogrammus praecisus, 147 

Eumicrotremus 

andriashevi, 99 

asperrimus, 100 

barbatus, 100 

birulai, 100 

derjugini, 100 

eggvinii, 100 

fedorovi, 99 

gyrinops, 100 

orbis, 100 

phrynoides, 100 

schmidti, 99 

soldatovi, 100 

spinosus, 100 

Eupomacentrus flavilatus, 135 

Euprotomicrus bispinatus, 3 

Eurymen gyrinus, 95 

Eurypharyngidae, 23 

Eurypharynx pelecanoides, 23 

Eustomias perplexus, 38 

Eutaeniophorus festivus, 69 

Euthynnus 

affinis, 167 

lineatus, 167 

pelamis, 167 

Evermannella 

ahlstromi, 42 

indica, 42 

melanoderma, 42 

Evermannellidae, 42 

Everyday Snailfish, 102 

Exerpes asper, 154 

Exocoetidae, 64 

Exocoetus 

monocirrhus, 65 

volitans, 65 

Eyeshade Sculpin, 94 

F 

Facciolella 

equatorialis, 23 

gilberti, 23 

Falcate Snailfish, 102 

False Morays, 17 

Fanfin, 59 

Fanged Snailfish, 101 

Fangfish, 69 

Fangtooth, 69 

Fangtooths, 69 

Fantail Pipefish, 71 

Fantail Sole, 173 

Far-Eastern Long Flounder, 174 

Fathead Sculpins, 94 

Feathered Clingfish, 159 

Feather Tonguefish, 178 

Ferocious Snailfish, 106 

Festive 

Ribbontail, 69 


Fierasfer dubius, 49 

Filamented Rattail, 53 

Filefishes, 179 

Filetail Cat Shark, 6 

Fine-spined Skate, 11 

Finescale 

Cusk-eel, 50 


Finespotted Jawfish, 113 

Fishgod Blenny, 155 

Fishtrap Snailfish, 107 

Fish Doctor, 140 

Fistularia 

commersonii, 72 

corneta, 72 

Fistulariidae, 72 

Fivebar Flagtail, 131 

Flabby 

Sculpin, 93 

Whalefishes, 68 

Flagellostomias boureei, 38 

Flagfins, 39 

Flagfin Mojarra, 122 

Flagtails, 131 

Flagtail Wormfish, 163 

240

Flag 

Cabrilla, 111 

Flounder, 171 

Rockfish, 79 


Flapscale Blenny, 155 

Flashlightfishes, 70 

Flathead 

Mullet, 62 

Pomfret, 120 

Sea Catfish, 27 

Sleeper, 160 

Sole, 174 

Flatiron Herring, 26 

Flat Needlefish, 63 

Flotsamfishes, 170 

Fluffy Sculpin, 90 

Fluorescent Lampfish, 46 

Flyingfishes, 64 

Fodiator 

acutus, 65 

rostratus, 65 

Footballfishes, 61 

Forcepsfish, 130 

Forcipiger flavissimus, 130 

Forktail Snailfish, 102 

Foureye Rockskipper, 155 

Fourhorn 

Poacher, 97 

Sculpin, 90 

Fourline Snakeblenny, 147 

Fourspot Flounder, 173 

Freckled 

Moray, 17 

Porcupinefish, 181 

Rockfish, 77 

Freshwater Grunt, 125 

Frigate 

Mackerel, 167 

Tuna, 167 

Frill 

Shark, 2 

Sharks, 2 

Fringed 

Flounder, 172 


Sculpin, 88 


Fringe Sole, 177 

Frogfishes, 58 

Frogmouth Sculpin, 88 

Frog Sculpin, 90 

Fundulidae, 67 

Fundulus parvipinnis, 67 

G 

Gabilan, 15 

Gadidae, 56 

Gadiformes, 53 

Gadus macrocephalus, 57 

Gadus ogac, 57 

Gafftopsail Pompano, 119 

Galapagos Shark, 7 

Galeocerdo cuvier, 8 

Galeorhinus 

galeus, 6 

zyopterus, 6 

Garden Eels, 21 

Garibaldi, 134 

Garnet Lampfish, 47 

Gasterosteidae, 71 

Gasterosteiformes, 71 

Gasterosteus aculeatus, 71 

Gecko Goby, 161 

Gelatinous Seasnail, 104 

Gempylidae, 165 

Gempylus serpens, 165 

Genyonemus lineatus, 127 

Gerreidae, 122 

Gerres cinereus, 123 

Ghostly Eelpout, 145 

Ghostly Grenadier, 54 

Giant 

Blobsculpin, 95 

Cusk-eel, 51 



Grenadier, 53 

Hawkfish, 132 

Jawfish, 113 

Kelpfish, 156 

Lampfish, 46 

Manta, 15 

Marbled Sculpin, 92 


Index 

241

Index 

Giant (continued) 

Sea Bass, 109 


Wrymouth, 149 

Gibbonsia 

elegans, 156 

erythra, 156 

evides, 156 

metzi, 156 

montereyensis, 156 

Gigantactinidae, 62 

Gigantactis 

gargantua, 62 

macronema, 62 

microdontis, 62 

savagei, 62 

vanhoeffeni, 62 

Gigantura indica, 42 

Giganturidae, 42 

Gilbertidia sigalutes, 95 

Gilbert’s Conger, 21 

Gillellus 

arenicola, 153 

ornatus, 153 

semicinctus, 153 

Gillias, 152 

Gillichthys mirabilis, 162 

Gill’s Fringed Sculpin, 91 

Ginglymostomatidae, 4 

Ginglymostoma cirratum, 4 

Girella nigricans, 131 

Glacier Lanternfish, 43 

Glasseye, 113 

Glasseye Snapper, 113 

Glowingfish, 43 

Glyptocephalus 

stelleri, 174 

zachirus, 174 

Gnathanodon speciosus, 117 

Gnathophis cinctus, 22 

Goatfishes, 129 

Gobies, 160 

Gobiesocidae, 159 

Gobiesox 

ajustus, 159 

eugrammus, 159 

maeandricus, 159 

Gobiesox (continued) 

papillifer, 159 

pinniger, 159 

rhessodon, 159 

Gobiidae, 160 

Gobiomorus 

maculatus, 160 

nudum, 162 

Gobiosoma sp., 162 

Goblin Shark, 4 

Gobulus crescentalis, 162 

Gods Flounder, 172 

Goldeneye Grunt, 124 

Golden 

Cownose Ray, 15 

Croaker, 128 

Drum, 129 

Ray, 15 

Trevally, 117 

Wrasse, 136 

Goldrim Surgeonfish, 164 

Goldspotted Sand Bass, 112 

Goliath Grouper, 111 

Gonichthys tenuiculus, 44 

Gonorynchiformes, 27 

Gonostomatidae, 35 

Gonostoma 

atlanticum, 36 

ebelingi, 36 

elongatum, 36 

Goosefishes, 58 

Gopher Rockfish, 75 

Gorgasia punctata, 22 

Gorgeous Goby, 162 

Gorgonian Tonguefish, 178 

Graceful Mojarra, 122 

Grammonus diagrammus, 52 

Grass Rockfish, 79 

Graveldiver, 150 

Graveldivers, 150 

Graybar Grunt, 124 

Gray 

Cod, 57 

Rattail, 53 

Rockfish, 77 



Starsnout, 96 

242

Greater Sand Perch, 110 

Great Sculpin, 90 

Greenblotched Rockfish, 79 

Greenland 

Cod, 57 

Halibut, 177 

Seasnail, 106 

Greenlings, 82 

Greenspotted Rockfish, 75 

Greenstriped Rockfish, 76 

Green 

Blenny, 154 

Jack, 116 

Sturgeon, 15 

Wrasse, 137 

Grenadiers, 53 

Grey 

Grunt, 124 

Mullet, 62 

Grunion, 33 

Grunts, 123 

Grunt Sculpin, 83 

Guadalupe 

Blenny, 156 

Cardinalfish, 114 


Hagfish, 1 

Pipefish, 72 

Rockfish, 78 

Guineafowl 

Puffer, 180 

Pufferfish, 180 

Guitarfishes, 10 

Gulf 

Brotula, 52 

Coney, 111 

Croaker, 128 

Cusk-eel, 52 

Grouper, 111 

Sanddab, 171 


Signal Blenny, 157 

Worm Blenny, 157 

Gulf of California Slender Anchovy, 24 

Gulpers, 23 

Gunnels, 149 

Gymneleotris seminudus, 162 

Gymnelus 

bilabrus, 140 

hemifasciatus, 140 

Gymnelus popovi, 140 

Gymnocanthus 

detrisus, 86 

pistilliger, 87 

tricuspis, 87 

Gymnoclinus cristulatus, 147 

Gymnomuraena zebra, 17 

Gymnothorax 

castaneus, 18 


mordax, 18 


phalarus, 18 

verrilli, 18 

Gymnura marmorata, 14 

Gymnuridae, 14 

Gyrinichthys minytremus, 104 

Gyrinomimus sp., 69 

H 

Haemulidae, 123 

Haemulon 

flaviguttatum, 123 

maculicauda, 123 

scudderi, 124 

sexfasciatum, 124 

steindachneri, 124 

Haemulopsis 



euciscus, 124 

nitidus, 124 

Hagfishes, 1 

Hairfin Lookdown, 118 

Hairhead Sculpin, 92 

Hairyfish, 69 

Halargyreus johnsonii, 55 

Halfbanded 

Rockfish, 80 


Halfbarred Pout, 140 

Halfbeaks, 66 

Halfblind Goby, 162 

Halfmoon, 131 

Index 

243

Index 

Halfspotted Tonguefish, 178 

Halfstriped Tonguefish, 178 

Halftooth Parrotfish, 137 

Halichoeres 

adustus, 135 

chierchiae, 136 

dispilus, 136 

melanotis, 136 

nicholsi, 136 

notospilus, 136 


Halosauridae, 16 

Halosaurs, 16 

Hamecon, 84 

Hammerhead Sharks, 9 

Hardhead Snailfish, 106 

Hardtail 

Conger, 22 

Moray, 17 

Harengula thrissina, 26 

Harlequin Rockfish, 80 

Harriotta raleighana, 2 

Hatchetfishes, 36 

Hawaiian Bigeye, 113 

Hawkfishes, 131 

Hemanthias 

peruanus, 111 

signifer, 111 

Hemicaranx 

leucurus, 117 

zelotes, 118 

Hemilepidotus 

gilberti, 87 

hemilepidotus, 87 

jordani, 87 

papilio, 87 

spinosus, 87 

zapus, 87 

Hemiramphidae, 66 

Hemiramphus saltator, 66 

Hemitripteridae, 94 

Hemitripterus 

bolini, 94 

villosus, 94 

Hermosilla azurea, 131 

Herpetoichthys fossatus, 20 

Herrings, 26 

Heteristius cinctus, 153 

Heteroconger 

canabus, 22 

digueti, 22 

pellegrini, 22 

Heterodontidae, 4 

Heterodontiformes, 4 

Heterodontus 

francisci, 4 

mexicanus, 4 

Heteropriacanthus cruentatus, 113 

Heterostichus rostratus, 156 

Hexagrammidae, 82 

Hexagrammos 

decagrammus, 82 

lagocephalus, 82 

octogrammus, 82 

stelleri, 82 

superciliosus, 82 

Hexanchidae, 2 

Hexanchiformes, 2 

Hexanchus griseus, 2 

Hexanematichthys, 27 

Hieroglyphic Hawkfish, 132 

Hierops 

crockeri, 46 

thompsoni, 47 

Highbrow Sculpin, 93 

Highfin 

Corvina, 128 


Grunt, 125 

Kingfish, 127 

King Croaker, 127 


Highlight Hatchetfish, 37 

Highseas Lightfish, 37 

Highsnout 

Bigscale, 67 

Ridgehead, 67 

High Cockscomb, 146 

Himantolophidae, 61 

Himantolophus 

groenlandicus, 61 

nigricornis, 61 

sagamius, 61 

Hippocampus ingens, 71 

244

Hippoglossina 

bollmani, 173 

stomata, 173 

tetrophthalma, 173 

Hippoglossoides 

elassodon, 174 

robustus, 175 

Hippoglossus stenolepis, 175 

Hippopotamus Eelpout, 140 

Hirundichthys 

marginatus, 65 

rondeleti, 65 

speculiger, 65 

Histiobranchus bathybius, 19 

Holacanthus 

clarionensis, 130 

passer, 130 

Holcomycteronus profundissimus, 50 

Hollow Stardrum, 129 

Holocentridae, 70 

Holtbyrnia 

innesi, 31 

latifrons, 31 

Honeycomb Rockfish, 80 

Hookhorn Sculpin, 84 

Hookthroat Bass, 111 

Hoplopagrus guentherii, 121 

Hornyhead Turbot, 177 

Horn Shark, 4 

Hospe Mullet, 63 

Houndfish, 64 

Hound 


Sharks, 6 

Hourglass Moray, 18 

Howella 

brodiei, 109 

brodiei atlantica, 109 

sherborni, 109 

Humpback 

Grunt, 124, 125 

Salmon, 34 


Whitefish, 34 

Hundred-fathom Codling, 55 

Hydrolagus colliei, 2 

Hydrolagus sp., 2 

Hygophum 

atratum, 44 

proximum, 44 

reinhardti, 44 

Hyperprosopon 

anale, 133 

argenteum, 133 

ellipticum, 133 

Hypomesus 

nipponensis, 32 

olidus, 32 

pretiosus, 32 

transpacificus, 32 

transpacificus nipponensis, 32 

Hyporhamphus 

gilli, 66 

naos, 66 

rosae, 66 

snyderi, 66 

Hypsagonus quadricornis, 97 

Hypsoblennius 

brevipinnis, 158 

gentilis, 158 

gilberti, 158 

jenkinsi, 158 

Hypsopsetta guttulata, 177 

Hypsurus caryi, 133 

Hypsypops rubicundus, 134 

I 

Icelinus 

borealis, 88 

burchami, 88 

cavifrons, 88 

filamentosus, 88 

fimbriatus, 88 

limbaughi, 88 

oculatus, 88 

quadriseriatus, 88 

tenuis, 88 

Icelus 

bicornis, 88 

canaliculatus, 88 

euryops, 89 

spatula, 89 

spiniger, 89 

uncinalis, 89 

Index 

245

Index 

Ichthyapus selachops, 20 

Ichthyococcus 

elongatus, 37 

irregularis, 37 

Icichthys lockingtoni, 169 

Icosteidae, 158 

Icosteus aenigmaticus, 158 

Idiacanthus 

antrostomus, 38 

fasciola, 38 

Iguana Lizardfish, 41 

Iniistius pavo, 136 

Inkspot Tonguefish, 178 

Inland Silverside, 63 

Inshore Sand Perch, 110 

Intermediate Scabbardfish, 166 

Isistius brasiliensis, 3 

Island 

Kelpfish, 154 

Trevally, 116 

Wrasse, 137 

Isopisthus remifer, 127 

Isopsetta isolepis, 175 

Istiophoridae, 169 

Istiophorus platypterus, 169 

Isurus 

oxyrinchus, 6 

paucus, 6 

J 

Jack Mackerel, 119 

Jacksmelt, 63 

Japanese 

Anchovy, 25 

Eelpout, 143 

Javelin Spookfish, 30 

Jawfishes, 113 

Jewel Moray, 18 

Jewfish, 111 

Johnrandallia nigrirostris, 130 

Jordania zonope, 89 

K 

Kali 

indica, 153 

macrodon, 153 

macrura, 154 

normani, 154 

Kamchatka 

Eelpout, 140 

Flounder, 174 

Kasatkia seigeli, 147 

Kathetostoma averruncus, 151 

Katsuwonus pelamis, 167 

Kawakawa, 167 

Kazunokos False Moray, 17 

Keeled Eelpout, 141 

Keeltail Needlefish, 64 

Kelp 

Bass, 112 

Blennies, 156 


Greenling, 82 

Gunnel, 149 

Perch, 132 

Pipefish, 72 

Poacher, 96 

Rockfish, 74 

Sculpin, 92 



King-of-the-Salmon, 49 

King 


Salmon, 34 

Kitefin Sharks, 3 

Knobchin Goby, 162 

Korean Flounder, 174 

Kuhlia mugil, 131 

Kuhliidae, 131 

Kyphosidae, 131 

Kyphosus 

analogus, 131 

elegans, 131 

L 

Labridae, 135 

Labrisomidae, 154 

Labrisomus 

multiporosus, 154 

striatus, 154 

wigginsi, 154 

xanti, 154 

Lactoria diaphana, 180 

Ladlepole Dreamer, 60 

246

Laemonema 

longipes, 55 

verecundum, 55 

Lagocephalus lagocephalus, 180 

Lamna ditropis, 6 

Lamnidae, 5 

Lamniformes, 4 

Lampadena urophaos, 44 

Lampanyctus 

acanthurus, 45 

idostigma, 46 

jordani, 45 

nobilis, 45 

parvicauda, 45 

ritteri, 46 

steinbecki, 45 

tenuiformis, 45 

Lampedena yaquinae, 44 

Lampetra 

ayresii, 1 

camtschatica, 1 

tridentata, 1 

Lampreys, 1 

Lamprididae, 48 

Lampridiformes, 48 

Lampris 

immaculatus, 48 

regius, 48 

Lamprogrammus niger, 50 

Lancetail Goby, 161 

Lancetfishes, 42 

Lance Lizardfish, 40 

Lanternbellies, 109 

Lanternfishes, 43 

Lanternjaw Tubeshoulder, 31 

Lantern Sharks, 3 

Large-banded Fanged Blenny, 158 

Large-eye 

Croaker, 126 


Largehead Moray, 19 

Largemouth Blenny, 154 

Largeplate Sculpin, 92 

Larimus 

acclivis, 127 

argenteus, 127 

effulgens, 127 


Latin Grunt, 124 

Lavender Sculpin, 89 

Leaflike Eel, 17 

Least Cisco, 34 

Leatherfin Lumpsucker, 100 

Leatherjacket, 118 

Leather Bass, 110 

Lefteye Flounders, 171 

Leiocottus hirundo, 89 

Leister Sculpin, 86 

Lemon 

Shark, 8 

Sole, 176 

Leopard 

Cusk-eel, 51 

Grouper, 111 

Shark, 7 

Lepidion schmidti, 55 

Lepidocybium flavobrunneum, 165 

Lepidogobius lepidus, 162 

Lepidophanes indicus, 43 

Lepidopsetta 

bilineata, 175 

polyxystra, 175 

Lepidopus 

fitchi, 166 

xantusi, 166 

Lepophidium 

microlepis, 50 

negropinna, 51 

pardale, 51 

prorates, 51 

stigmatistium, 51 

Leptagonus decagonus, 97 

Leptochilichthyidae, 31 

Leptochilichthyids, 31 

Leptochilichthys agassizi, 31 

Leptoclinus maculatus, 147 

Leptocottus armatus, 89 

Leptophidium prorates, 51 

Lesser Prickleback, 145 

Lestidiops 

jayakari, 41 

neles, 41 

pacificus, 41 

ringens, 41 

sphyraenopsis, 41 

Index 

247

Index 

Lestidium 

johnfitchi, 41 

nudum, 41 

pacificum, 41 

Letharchus rosenblatti, 20 

Lethops connectens, 162 

Lethotremus muticus, 101 

Leuresthes tenuis, 63 

Leuroglossus 

schmidti, 29 

stilbius, 29 

Lightcheek Eelpout, 143 

Lightfishes, 37 

Lile 

nigrofasciata, 26 

stolifera, 26 

Limanda 

aspera, 175 

proboscidea, 175 

sakhalinensis, 175 

Limbaugh’s Damselfish, 134 

Lindberg’s Lumpsucker, 99 

Lined 


Cutlassfish, 165 

Lingcod, 83 

Linophryne 

coronata, 59 

racemifera, 59 

Linophrynidae, 59 

Liopropoma fasciatum, 111 

Liparidae, 101 

Lipariscus nanus, 106 

Liparis 

adiastolus, 104 

beringianum, 105 

bristolensis, 104 

callyodon, 104 

catharus, 104 

cyclopus, 104 

dennyi, 104 

fabricii, 104 

florae, 104 

fucensis, 105 

gibbus, 105 

greeni, 105 

marmoratus, 105 

megacephalus, 105 

Liparis (continued) 

micraspidophorus, 105 

mucosus, 105 


osborni, 102 

pulchellus, 105 

rutteri, 106 

tunicatus, 106 

Liparis sp., 106 

Lipolagus ochotensis, 29 

Liseta Mullet, 63 

Little Bigscale, 68 

Livebearers, 67 

Livebearing Brotulas, 52 

Lizardfishes, 40 

Lizard Triplefin, 152 

Lobefin Snailfish, 105 

Lobianchia gemellari, 45 

Lobotes pacificus, 122 

Lobotidae, 122 

Lollipop Cat Shark, 6 

Long-finned Wrasse, 137 

Longear Eelpout, 144 

Longfinned Bigeye, 113 

Longfin 

Bigscale, 67 

Cigarfish, 170 

Codling, 55 

Croaker, 129 


Drum, 129 

Gunnel, 149 

Grenadier, 54 

Halfbeak, 66 

Herrings, 25 


Lampfish, 45 


Mako, 6 

Moss Blenny, 146 

Pearleye, 40 


Salema, 125 

Sanddab, 172 

Sculpin, 89 

Silverside, 63 

Smelt, 33 

Sole, 174 

248

Longhead 

Dab, 175 

Moray, 19 

Longhorn 

Dreamer, 60 

Fangtooth, 69 

Longjaw 

Bigscale, 68 

Blenny, 155 

Leatherjack, 118 

Mudsucker, 162 

Longnape Eelpout, 141 

Longneck Eels, 21 

Longnosed Snipefish, 72 

Longnose 

Anchovy, 25 

Butterflyfish, 130 

Cat Shark, 6 

Chimaera, 2 

Chimaeras, 2 

Eagle Ray, 14 

Hawkfish, 132 

Lancetfish, 42 

Poacher, 98 


Puffer, 180 

Skate, 12 



Tapirfish, 16 

Witch Eel, 23 

Whipnose, 62 

Longsnout Prickleback, 147 

Longspined Balloonfish, 181 

Longspine 

Combfish, 83 

Croaker, 129 

Drum, 129 

Grunt, 125 


Snipefish, 72 


Longtail 

Goby, 161 

Stingray, 13 

Looseskin Eelpout, 141 

Loosetooth Parrotfish, 137 

Lophiidae, 58 

Lophiiformes, 58 

Lophiodes 

caulinaris, 58 

spilurus, 58 

Lophiomus setigerus, 58 

Lopholiparis flerxi, 106 

Lophotidae, 48 

Lophotus capellei, 48 

Louvar, 164 

Lowcrest Hatchetfish, 36 

Loweina 

laurae, 45 

rara, 45 

Lowlights Headlightfish, 44 

Lucania parva, 67 

Luca’s Barracuda, 165 

Luminous Swallower, 154 

Lumpenella 



Lumpenopsis 

clitella, 147 

hypochroma, 147 

Lumpenus 

fabricii, 148 

sagitta, 145, 148 

Lumpfishes, 99 

Lumpsuckers, 99 

Lumptail Searobin, 82 

Lutjanidae, 121 

Lutjanus 

aratus, 121 

argentiventris, 121 

colorado, 121 

guttatus, 121 

jordani, 121 

novemfasciatus, 121 

peru, 121 

viridis, 121 

Luvaridae, 164 

Luvarus imperialis, 164 

Lycenchelys 

alta, 140 

birsteini, 141 

callista, 140 

camchatica, 140 

crotalinus, 140 

hippopotamus, 140 

Index 

249

Index 

Lycenchelys (continued) 

jordani, 140 


micropora, 141 

monstrosa, 141 

pearcyi, 141 

plicifera, 141 

rassi, 141 

ratmanovi, 141 

rosea, 141 

volki, 141 

Lycodapus 

dermatinus, 141 

endemoscotus, 141 

fierasfer, 142 

grossidens, 142 

leptus, 142 

mandibularis, 142 

pachysoma, 142 

parviceps, 142 

poecilus, 142 

psarostomatus, 142 

Lycodes 

brevipes, 142 

brunneofasciatus, 142 

concolor, 142 

cortezianus, 143 

diapterus, 143 

eudipleurostictus, 143 

japonicus, 143 

jugoricus, 143 

mucosus, 143 


palearis, 143 

polaris, 143 

raridens, 144 


rossi, 144 

sagittarius, 144 

seminudus, 144 

soldatovi, 144 

squamiventer, 144 

turneri, 144 

Lycogramma zesta, 139 

Lyconectes aleutensis, 148 

Lyconema barbatum, 144 

Lyopsetta exilis, 174, 176 

Lythrypnus 

crinitus, 162 

dalli, 162 

pulchellus, 162 

zebra, 162 

M 

Machete, 16 

Mackerel 

Scad, 117 

Sharks, 5 

Tuna, 167 

Macropinna microstoma, 30 

Macroramphosus 

gracilis, 72 

scolopax, 72 

Macrorhamphosidae, 72 

Macrouridae, 53 

Macrurus, 53, 54 

Magdalena Blenny, 155 

Magnisudis 

atlantica, 41 

barysoma, 41 

Makaira 

indica, 169 


Malacanthidae, 114 

Malacocephalus laevis, 54 

Malacocottus 

aleuticus, 95 

kincaidi, 95 

zonurus, 95 

Malacoctenus 

ebisui, 155 

hubbsi, 155 

margaritae, 155 

tetranemus, 155 

zacae, 155 

Malacosteus 

danae, 38 

niger, 38 

Mallotus 

catervarius, 33 

villosus, 33 

Man-of-War Fish, 170 

Manacled Sculpin, 92 

Manefishes, 120 

250

Manta birostris, 15 

Many-spotted 

Hamlet, 109 

Moray, 19 

Manypore Eelpout, 141 

Manytoothed Eelpout, 141 

Marbled 

Eelpout, 144 


Margarita Blenny, 155 

Marlinsucker, 115 

Masked 

Greenling, 82 

Moray, 18 


Matcheek Warbonnet, 146 

Maulisia 

acuticeps, 32 

argipalla, 32 

Maynea californica, 140 

Mazatlan Sole, 177 

Medialuna californiensis, 131 

Mediterranean Flyingfish, 64 

Medusafish, 169 

Megachasma pelagios, 5 

Megachasmidae, 5 

Megalocottus platycephalus, 89 

Megamouth Shark, 5 

Melamphaes 

acanthomus, 67 

indicus, 67 

laeviceps, 67 

longivelis, 67 

lugubris, 67 

macrocephalus, 68 

parvus, 68 

rugosus, 68 

simus, 68 

spinifer, 68 

suborbitalis, 68 

Melamphaidae, 67 

Melanocetidae, 59 

Melanocetus 

johnsonii, 59 

pelagicus, 59 

Melanolagus bericoides, 29 

Melanonidae, 55 

Melanonus zugmayeri, 55 

Melanostigma pammelas, 144 

Melanostomias 

biseriatus, 38 

valdiviae, 39 

Melichthys niger, 179 

Melletes papilio, 87 

Menidia beryllina, 63 

Menticirrhus 


nasus, 127 


undulatus, 128 

Mentodus eubranchus, 32 

Merlucciidae, 56 

Merlucciid Hakes, 56 

Merluccius 

angustimanus, 56 

productus, 56 

Mesobius berryi, 54 

Mexican 



Barred Snapper, 121 

Bearded Goby, 161 

Cusk-eel, 51 

Hogfish, 135 

Horn Shark, 4 

Lampfish, 48 

Lookdown, 118 

Moonfish, 118 


Night Sergeant, 134 

Rockfish, 77 


Scad, 117 

Microcottus sellaris, 89 

Microdesmidae, 163 

Microdesmus dorsipunctatus, 163 

Microdisk Snailfish, 103 

Microgadus proximus, 57 

Microgobius 

brevispinis, 163 

cyclolepis, 163 

erectus, 163 

tabogensis, 163 

Microlepidotus 

brevipinnis, 124 

inornatus, 124 

Index 

251

Index 

Microlophichthys microlophus, 60 

Micrometrus 

aurora, 133 

minimus, 133 

Micropogonias 

altipinnis, 128 

ectenes, 128 

megalops, 128 

Microspathodon 

bairdii, 134 

dorsalis, 135 

Microstomatidae, 28 

Microstoma microstoma, 28 

Microstoma sp., 28 

Microstomus pacificus, 176 

Middling Thread Herring, 27 

Midwater 

Eelpout, 144 

Grenadier, 54 

Milkfish, 27 

Mimetic Midshipman, 57 

Mime Garden Eel, 22 

Mimic 

Cusk-eel, 51 


Sanddab, 172 

Minigill Snailfish, 104 

Minute Moray, 17 

Mirapinnidae, 69 

Mirorictus taningi, 31 

Mirrorwing Flyingfish, 65 

Mirror Dory, 70 

Mitsukurina owstoni, 4 

Mitsukurinidae, 4 

Mnierpes macrocephalus, 155 

Mobula 

japanica, 15 

tarapacana, 15 

thurstoni, 15 

Mobulidae, 15 

Mojarras, 122 

Mojarra Grunt, 124 

Mola, 181 

Mola mola, 181 

Molidae, 181 

Monacanthidae, 179 

Monkeyface Prickleback, 146 

Monkfishes, 58 

Monoceratias, 60 

Monognathidae, 24 

Monognathids, 24 

Monognathus 

ahlstromi, 24 


Monognathus sp., 24 

Monolene 

asaedai, 171 

dubiosa, 171 

Monster Snailfish, 103 

Moonfish, 48 

Moonstruck Stargazer, 152 

Moorish Idol, 164 

Moras, 55 

Morays, 17 

Morone saxatilis, 109 

Moronidae, 109 

Mosshead 

Sculpin, 86 

Warbonnet, 146 

Mottled Soapfish, 112 

Mountain Mullet, 62 

Muddab, 175 

Mud 

Shark, 2, 3 

Skate, 12 

Mugilidae, 62 

Mugiliformes, 62 

Mugil 

cephalus, 62 

curema, 62 

hospes, 63 

setosus, 63 

Mullets, 62 

Mullet Snapper, 121 

Mullidae, 129 

Mulloidichthys 

dentatus, 129 

vanicolensis, 129 

Muraena 

argus, 18 

clepsydra, 18 

lentiginosa, 18 

Muraenesocidae, 21 

Muraenidae, 17 

Mussel Blenny, 158 

Mustachioed Snake, 20 

252

Mustelus 


dorsalis, 7 

henlei, 7 

lunulatus, 7 

Mycteroperca 

jordani, 111 

rosacea, 111 

xenarcha, 112 

Myctophidae, 43 

Myctophiformes, 43 

Myctophum 

aurolaternatum, 45 

longipes, 43 

nitidulum, 45 

oculeum, 47 

Myliobatidae, 14 

Myliobatiformes, 13 

Myliobatis 

californica, 14 


Mylocheilus caurinus, 27 

Myoxocephalus 

jaok, 89 

niger, 90 

polyacanthocephalus, 90 

quadricornis, 90 

scorpioides, 90 

scorpius, 90 

stelleri, 90 

Myrichthys tiginus, 20 

Myripristis 

berndti, 70 

leiognathus, 70 

Myrophis vafer, 20 

Myxine 

circifrons, 1 

hubbsi, 1 

Myxinidae, 1 

Myxiniformes, 1 

Myxodagnus opercularis, 153 

Myzopsetta, 175 

N 

Nakedbelly Searobin, 81 

Nakednape Eeelpout, 145 

Naked Puffer, 180 

Nalbantichthys elongatus, 144 

Nannobrachium 

bristori, 45 

fernae, 45 

hawaiiensis, 46 

idostigma, 46 

nigrum, 46 

regale, 46 

ritteri, 46 

Nansenia 

ahlstromi, 28 

candida, 28 

crassa, 28 

sanrikuensis, 28 

Naos Halfbeak, 66 

Narcetes stomias, 31 

Narcine entemedor, 10 

Narcinidae, 9 

Narrowtooth Shark, 7 

Nasolamia velox, 8 

Naucrates ductor, 118 

Nautichthys 

oculofasciatus, 94 

pribilovius, 94 

robustus, 94 

Nealotus tripes, 165 

Neck Eel, 21 

Nectoliparis pelagicus, 106 

Needle-tooth Moray, 19 

Needlefishes, 63 

Needletail Conger, 22 

Needletooth Swallower, 154 

Negaprion brevirostris, 8 

Nematistiidae, 114 

Nematistius pectoralis, 114 

Nemichthyidae, 21 

Nemichthys 

larseni, 21 

scolopaceus, 21 

Neoclinus 

blanchardi, 157 

stephensae, 157 

uninotatus, 157 

Neonesthes capensis, 39 

Neoopisthopterus tropicus, 25 

Neoscopelidae, 43 

Neoscopelus macrolepidotus, 43 

Index 

253

Index 

Netdevils, 59 

Netdevil Anglerfish, 59 

Nettastomatidae, 23 

Network 

Sole, 177 


New World Silversides, 63 

Nezumia 

kensmithi, 54 

liolepis, 54 

stelgidolepis, 54 

Nicholsina denticulata, 137 

Night Smelt, 33 

Ninespine Stickleback, 71 

Nocturnal Pearlfish, 49 

Nomeidae, 170 

Nomeus gronovii, 170 

Northern Anchovy, 25 

Northern 

Atka Mackerel, 83 

Blue Lanternfish, 48 



Giant Seadevil, 61 

Gray Hakeling, 55 

Gulf Anchovy, 25 


Lampfish, 47 


Pearleye, 39 

Rockfish, 79 

Rock Sole, 175 

Ronquil, 139 

Sculpin, 88 

Seadevil, 61 

Smoothtongue, 29 

Spearnose Poacher, 96 

Wolffish, 150 

North Pacific 

Armorhead, 130 

Crestfish, 48 

Daggertooth, 42 

Frostfish, 166 

Notacanthidae, 16 

Notacanthus chemnitzii, 16 

Notarius, 27 

Notchfin Blenny, 158 

Notchtail Stargazer, 152 

Notolepis 

coruscans, 41 

risso, 41 

Notolychnus 

valdiviae, 46 

cepedianus, 2 

Notoscopelus 

japonicus, 46 

resplendens, 46 

Notosudidae, 42 

Notosudis adleri, 42 

Novaculichthys taeniourus, 136 

Numbfishes, 9 

Nurse Shark, 4 

Nutcracker Prickleback, 146 

O 

Oarfish, 49 

Occella 

dodecaedron, 97 

impi, 98 

Oceanic 

Lightfish, 37 

Puffer, 180 

Whitetip Shark, 8 

Sunfish, 181 

Whitefish, 114 

Ocellated 


Turbot, 177 

Odontaspididae, 5 

Odontaspis ferox, 5 

Odontoliparis ferox, 106 

Odontopyxis trispinosa, 97 

Odontoscion xanthops, 128 

Ogac, 57 

Ogcocephalidae, 59 

Ogilbia spp., 52 

Ogilbia ventralis, 52 

Oilfish, 165 

Okhotsk 


Skate, 12 


Oligocottus 

maculosus, 90 

254

Oligocottus (continued) 

rimensis, 90 

rubellio, 90 

snyderi, 90 

Oligoplites 

altus, 118 

refulgens, 118 

saurus, 118 

Oligopus diagrammus, 52 

Olive Rockfish, 80 

Oncorhynchus 

clarkii, 34 

gorbuscha, 34 

keta, 34 

kisutch, 34 

mykiss, 34 

nerka, 34 

tshawytscha, 34 

Oneirodes 

acanthias, 60 

basili, 60 

bulbosus, 60 

eschrichtii, 61 

thompsoni, 61 

Oneirodidae, 60 

Onejaws, 24 

Onespot Fringehead, 157 

Opaeophacus acrogeneius, 145 

Opah, 48 

Opaleye, 131 

Ophichthidae, 19 

Ophichthus 

triserialis, 20 

zophochir, 20 

Ophidiidae, 50 

Ophidiiformes, 49 

Ophidion 

galeoides, 51 

imitator, 51 

iris, 51 

scrippsae, 51 

Ophioblennius steindachneri, 158 

Ophiodon elongatus, 83 

Ophioscion vermicularis, 128 

Opisthonema 

libertate, 26 

medirastre, 27 

Opisthoproctidae, 30 

Opisthoproctus soleatus, 30 

Opisthopterus dovii, 25 

Opistognathidae, 113 

Opistognathus 

punctatus, 113 

rhomaleus, 113 


Opostomias mitsuii, 39 

Orange-spotted Sand Perch, 110 

Orangemouth 

Corvina, 127 

Weakfish, 127 

Orangeside Triggerfish, 179 

Orangespot Goby, 161 

Orangethroat Pikeblenny, 156 

Orectolobiformes, 4 

Oregon Snailfish, 102 

Oreos, 70 

Oreosomatidae, 70 

Ornamental Flyingfish, 65 

Ornate 

Sand-Stargazer, 153 


Orthonopias triacis, 91 

Orthopristis 

brevispinnis, 124 

cantharinus, 124 

chalceus, 125 

reddingi, 125 

Osmeridae, 32 

Osmerus mordax, 33 

Osteodiscus cascadiae, 106 

Ostraciidae, 180 

Ostracion meleagris, 180 

Otophidium indefatigabile, 51 

Oval 

Chromis, 134 


Flounder, 173 

Oxeye Oreo, 70 

Oxycirrhites typus, 132 

Oxyjulis californica, 136 

Oxylebius pictus, 83 

Oxyporhamphus micropterus, 66 

Index 

255

Index 

P 

Pachycara 

bulbiceps, 145 

gymninium, 145 

lepinium, 145 

Pachystomias microdon, 39 

Pacific 

Agujon, 64 

Amberjack, 119 

Anglerfish, 58 

Argentine, 28 


Bearded Brotula, 50 

Blackchin, 43 

Blackdragon, 38 

Blacksmelt, 29 

Black Dogfish, 3 

Black Halibut, 177 

Bluefin Tuna, 168 

Bonito, 167 

Boxfish, 180 

Brook Char, 35 

Bumper, 117 

Butterfish, 170 

Chub Mackerel, 168 

Cod, 57 


Cownose Ray, 15 

Creolefish, 112 

Crevalle Jack, 116 

Cutlassfish, 166 

Dog Snapper, 121 

Drum, 127 


Eyed Flounder, 171 

Fanfish, 120 

Fat Sleeper, 160 

Flagfin Moharra, 122 

Flatnose, 55 


Footballfish, 61 

Golden-eyed Tilefish, 114 

Goosefish, 58 

Graysby, 110 

Grenadier, 53 

Guaseta, 109 

Hagfish, 1 

Pacific (continued) 

Hake, 56 

Halibut, 175 

Hamlet, 109 

Herring, 26 


Kingcroaker, 127 

Ladyfish, 16 

Lamprey, 1 

Leopard Flounder, 171 

Lined Sole, 177 

Longfin Herring, 25 

Longnose Chimaera, 2 

Lookdown, 118 

Mackerel, 168 

Moonfish, 118 

Mutton Hamlet, 109 

Ocean Perch, 74 

Permit, 119 

Piquintinga, 26 

Pollock, 57 

Pomfret, 120 

Pompano, 170 


Red Snapper, 121 

Reef Bass, 112 

Sailfin Eel, 20 

Sanddab, 172 

Sandfish, 151 

Sand Lance, 151 


Sardine, 27 

Saury, 64 

Scabbardfish, 166 

Seahorse, 71 

Sharpnose Shark, 9 

Sierra, 168 

Silverside Halfbeak, 66 

Silverstripe Halfbeak, 66 

Sleeper, 160 

Sleeper Shark, 3 

Snake Eel, 20 

Softpout, 144 

Spadefish, 164 

Spiny Lumpsucker, 100 

Spotfin Mojarra, 122 

Spotted Scorpionfish, 73 

Staghorn Sculpin, 89 

256

Pacific (continued) 


Telescopefish, 42 

Thread Herring, 26 

Tomcod, 57 

Torpedo Ray, 10 

Tripletail, 122 

Trumpetfish, 72 

Viperfish, 38 

White Skate, 12 

Worm Eel, 20 

Padded Sculpin, 85 

Paddled Sculpin, 84 

Painted Greenling, 83 

Palenose Moray, 17 

Pale 

Eelpout, 141 


Green Garden Eel, 22 

Snipe Eel, 21 

Pallasina 

aix, 97 

barbata, 97 

Pallid 

Eelpout, 142 


Paloma Pompano, 119 

Panama 

Graysby, 110 

Green Moray, 18 

Hake, 56 


Kingfish, 127 

Lightfish, 37 

Snaggletooth, 38 

Panamic 


Cusk-eel, 51 

Fanged Blenny, 158 


Flounder, 172 


Frillfin, 161 

Grunt, 125 

Moray, 18 

Porkfish, 123 


Sergeant Major, 134 

Panamic (continued) 

Soldierfish, 70 


Stingray, 14 

Panther Goby, 161 

Paperbones, 42 

Paperbone Cusk-eel, 50 

Paperjaw, 31 

Paper Sole, 174 

Papillose Lumpsucker, 100 

Paraclinus 

beebei, 155 

integripinnis, 155 

magdalenae, 155 

sini, 155 

stephensi, 155 

tanygnathus, 155 

walkeri, 155 

Paraconger 


similis, 22 

Paralabrax 

auroguttatus, 112 

clathratus, 112 

maculatofasciatus, 112 

nebulifer, 112 

Paralepididae, 41 

Paralepis atlantica, 41 

Paraletharchus pacificus, 20 

Paralichthyidae, 171 

Paralichthys 

aestuarius, 173 


woolmani, 173 

Paraliparis 

albescens, 106 

cephalus, 106 

dactylosus, 107 

deani, 107 

holomelas, 107 

latifrons, 107 

megalopus, 107 

melanobranchus, 107 

nassarum, 107 

paucidens, 107 

pectoralis, 107 

rosaceus, 107 

ulochir, 107 

Index 

257

Index 

Paralonchurus goodei, 128 

Paranthias colonus, 112 

Pareques sp., 128 

Pareques viola, 128 

Paricelinus hopliticus, 91 

Parmaturus xaniurus, 6 

Parophrys vetulus, 176 

Parrotfishes, 137 

Parvilux ingens, 46 

Patchwork Lampfish, 46 

Pavo Razorfish, 136 

Peachskin Snailfish, 103 

Peacock 


Wrasse, 136 

Peamouth, 27 

Pearleyes, 39 

Pearlfishes, 49 

Pearlspot Midshipman, 57 

Pearly 



Pectoral Snailfish, 107 

Pelagic 

Armorhead, 130 

Basslet, 109 

Brotula, 52 

Cods, 55 

Stingray, 13 

Thresher, 5 

Pelagocyclus vitiazi, 99 

Pelican Eels, 23 

Pencilsmelts, 28 

Penpoint Gunnel, 149 

Pentacerotidae, 130 

Peppered 


Moray, 19 

Snake Moray, 19 

Peprilus 

simillimus, 170 

snyderi, 171 

Perciformes, 108 

Percis japonica, 98 

Perissias taeniopterus, 171 

Persimmon Eelpout, 140 

Persistent Anchovy, 25 

Peruvian 

Codling, 55 

Flounder, 172 

Mojarra, 122 

Puffer, 181 

Petrale Sole, 174 

Petromyzontidae, 1 

Petromyzontiformes, 1 

Phaenomonas pinnata, 20 

Phallic Blenny, 156 

Phallocottus obtusus, 91 

Phanerodon 

atripes, 133 

furcatus, 133 

Phantom 



Pholidae, 149 

Pholis 

clemensi, 149 

fasciata, 149 

gilli, 149 

laeta, 149 

nea, 149 

ornata, 149 

schultzi, 149 

Phosichthyidae, 37 

Photichthyidae, 37 

Photonectes margarita, 39 

Photostylus pycnopterus, 31 

Phthanophaneron harveyi, 70 

Phtheirichthys lineatus, 115 

Phyllorhinichthys micractis, 61 

Physiculus 

nematopus, 55 

rastrelliger, 55 

talarae, 55 

Phytichthys chirus, 148 

Pighead Prickleback, 145 

Piked Dogfish, 3 

Pike 

Congers, 21 


Pile Perch, 133 

Pilotfish, 118 

Pimelometopon pulchrum, 137 

Pimpled Lumpsucker, 99 

258

Pinkbeard Cusk-eel, 50 

Pinkrose Rockfish, 80 

Pink 

Blenny, 155 


Flabby Whalefish, 69 

Rockfish, 76 

Salmon, 34 

Seaperch, 134 



Pinpoint Lampfish, 46 

Pipefishes, 71 

Pit-head Sculpin, 88 

Pitcher Silverside, 63 

Pitgum Dragonfish, 39 

Pitted Tubeshoulder, 32 

Plagiogrammus hopkinsii, 148 

Plagiotremus azaleus, 158 

Plainfin Midshipman, 58 

Plain 


Sculpin, 89 

Platichthys stellatus, 176 

Platybelone argalus, 64 

Platyrhinoidis triseriata, 10 

Platyrhynidae, 10 

Platytroctidae, 31 

Player Scorpionfish, 73 

Plectobranchus evides, 148 

Pleurogrammus 

azonus, 83 

monopterygius, 83 

Pleuronectes 

asper, 175 

glacialis, 176 

isolepis, 175 

pallasii, 176 

quadrituberculatus, 176 

sakhalinensis, 175 

vetulus, 176 

Pleuronectidae, 174 

Pleuronectiformes, 171 

Pleuronichthys 

coenosus, 176 

decurrens, 176 

guttulatus, 177 

Pleuronichthys (continued) 

ocellatus, 177 

ritteri, 177 

verticalis, 177 

Pliosteostoma lutipinnis, 26 

Plumed Sculpin, 84 

Plume Blenny, 157 

Poachers, 95 

Podothecus 

accipenserinus, 98 

veternus, 98 

Poecilia latipinna, 67 

Poeciliidae, 67 

Pogonichthys macrolepidotus, 27 

Pointed Sand Perch, 110 

Polar 

Cod, 56 

Eelpout, 143, 144 

Flounder, 176 

Polka-dot Snailfish, 105 

Polla Drum, 129 

Polyacanthonotus challengeri, 16 

Polydactylus 

approximans, 126 

opercularis, 126 

Polydactyl Snailfish, 107 

Polylepion cruentum, 137 

Polynemidae, 126 

Polypera beringiana, 105 

Polyprionidae, 109 

Pomacanthidae, 130 

Pomacanthus zonipectus, 130 

Pomacentridae, 134 

Pomadasys 


bayanus, 125 

branickii, 125 

euciscus, 124 

macracanthus, 125 


Pomfrets, 120 

Pompano Dolphinfish, 115 

Pond Smelt, 32 

Pontinus furcirhinus, 73 

sierra, 73 

vaughani, 73 

Pontinus sp., 73 

Index 

259

Index 

Popeye 


Catalufa, 113 

Grenadier, 53 

Lampfish, 43 


Porcupinefishes, 181 

Porehead Blenny, 154 

Porgee, 133 

Porgies, 125 

Porichthys 

analis, 57 

ephippiatus, 57 

margaritatus, 57 

mimeticus, 57 

myriaster, 58 

notatus, 58 

Poroclinus rothrocki, 148 

Porocottus 

bradfordi, 91 

mednius, 91 

quadrifilis, 91 

Poromitra 

crassiceps, 68 

megalops, 68 

oscitans, 68 

Priacanthidae, 113 

Priacanthus 

alalaua, 113 

cruentatus, 113 

Pricklebacks, 145 

Pricklebreast Poacher, 98 

Prickly 

Sculpin, 86 

Shark, 3 


Priestfish, 82 

Prionace glauca, 8 

Prionotus 

albirostris, 81 

birostratus, 81 

horrens, 81 

quiescens, 82 

ruscarius, 82 

stephanophrys, 82 

Prionurus punctatus, 164 

Pristigasteridae, 25 

Pristigenys serrula, 113 

Proboscis Snailfish, 103 

Professor Blenny, 155 

Prognathodes falcifer, 130 

Prognatholiparis ptychomandibularis, 107 

Prognichthys tringa, 66 

Pronotogrammus multifasciatus, 112 

Protemblemaria 

bicirris, 157 

lucasana, 157 

Protomyctophum 

crockeri, 46 

thompsoni, 46 

Prowfish, 150 

Prowspine Cusk-eel, 51 

Psednos 

anoderkes, 108 

cathetostomus, 108 

griseus, 108 

mexicanus, 108 

pallidus, 108 

Psenes 

pellucidus, 170 

sio, 170 

Psettichthys melanostictus, 177 

Pseudobalistes naufragium, 179 

Pseudobathylagus milleri, 29 

Pseudocarcharhinidae, 5 

Pseudocarcharias kamoharai, 5 

Pseudogramma thaumasium, 112 

Pseudojuloides inornatus, 137 

Pseudopentaceros 

richardsoni, 130 

wheeleri, 130 

Pseudoscopelus 

sagamianus, 154 

scriptus, 154 

Pseudupeneus grandisquamis, 129 

Psychrolutes 

paradoxus, 95 

phrictus, 95 

sigalutes, 95 

Psychrolutidae, 94 

Pteraclis aesticola, 120 

Pteromylaeus asperrimus, 14 

Pteroplatytrygon violacea, 13 

Ptilichthyidae, 150 

Ptilichthys goodei, 150 

260

Puffers, 180 

Puget Sound 

Rockfish, 76 

Sculpin, 92 

Pungitius pungitius, 71 

Purity Snailfish, 104 

Purplegray Sculpin, 86 

Purplemouth Grunt, 125 

Purple 

Brotula, 52 


Purse-eyed Scad, 118 

Puzanovia rubra, 145 

Pygmy 

Poacher, 97 

Puffer, 181 

Rockfish, 80 


Shark, 3 


Q 

Quassiremus nothochir, 20 

Queenfish, 129 

Quietula y-cauda, 163 

Quillback Rockfish, 77 

Quillfish, 150 

R 

Radulinus 

asprellus, 91 

boleoides, 91 

taylori, 91 

vinculus, 91 

Ragfish, 158 

Ragged-tooth Shark, 5 

Rail Goby, 161 

Rainbow 

Bass, 111 

Basslet, 111 

Cusk-eel, 51 

Runner, 117 


Seaperch, 133 

Sea Chub, 131 

Smelt, 33 


Trout, 34 

Rainwater Killifish, 67 

Raja 

badia, 11 

binoculata, 12 


inornata, 12 

rhina, 12 

stellulata, 12 

velezi, 13 

Rajidae, 10 

Rajiformes, 10 

Ranzania laevis, 181 

Rasptail Skate, 13 

Rastrinus scutiger, 92 

Ratfishes, 2 

Rathbunella 

alleni, 138 

hypoplecta, 139 

Rattails, 53 

Raucous Grunt, 124 

Razorback Scabbardfish, 166 

Red-banded Snake Eel, 20 

Redbanded Rockfish, 74 

Redbearded Cusk-eel, 50 

Redbelly Tilapia, 132 

Reddish Scorpionfish, 73 

Redhead Goby, 161 

Redlight Goby, 161 

Redlip Parrotfish, 138 

Redmouth 

Whalefish, 69 


Redrump Blenny, 156 

Redsaddled Snake Eel, 20 

Redside Blenny, 155 

Redstripe Rockfish, 79 

Redtail 



Red 

Brotula, 52 

Devil, 148 

Goatfish, 129 

Gunnel, 149 


Pike Conger, 21 

Salmon, 34 

Index 

261

Index 

Red (continued) 


Snapper, 79 

Whalefish, 69 

Reef-sand 

Blenny, 157 


Reef 


Finspot, 155 


Perch, 133 

Stingray, 13 


Regalecidae, 49 

Regalecus glesne, 49 

Reinhardtius hippoglossoides, 177 

Remilegia australis, 115 

Remora 

australis, 115 

brachyptera, 115 

osteochir, 115 

remora, 115 

Remorina albescens, 115 

Requiem Sharks, 7 

Reticulated 

Round Ray, 13 


Rex Sole, 174 

Rhacochilus 

toxotes, 133 

vacca, 133 

Rhamphocottidae, 83 

Rhamphocottus richardsonii, 83 

Rhincodontidae, 4 

Rhincodon typus, 4 

Rhinobatidae, 10 

Rhinobatos 

glaucostigma, 10 

leucorhynchus, 10 

productus, 10 

Rhinochimaeridae, 2 

Rhinogobiops nicholsii, 163 

Rhinoliparis 

attenuatus, 108 

barbulifer, 108 

Rhinoptera steindachneri, 15 

Rhinopteridae, 15 

Rhinoraja 

interrupta, 11 

longi, 12 

Rhizoprionodon longurio, 9 

Rhodymenichthys dolichogaster, 150 

Rhombochirus osteochir, 115 

Rhynchoconger nitens, 22 

Ribbed Sculpin, 93 

Ribbonbearers, 69 

Ribbonfishes, 48 

Ribbon 


Halfbeak, 66 



Righteye Flounders, 174 

Rimicola 

cabrilloi, 159 

dimorpha, 159 

eigenmanni, 159 

muscarum, 159 

sila, 159 

Ringeye Conger, 22 

Ringtail Snailfish, 106 

River Lamprey, 1 

Rivulated Mutton Hamlet, 109 

Rockfishes, 73 

Rockmover Wrasse, 136 

Rockpool Blenny, 158 

Rockwall Clingfish, 159 

Rockweed Gunnel, 149 

Rock 

Blenny, 158 

Croaker, 128 

Greenling, 82 


Sole, 175 

Wrasse, 136 

Romeo Croaker, 126 

Roncador stearnsii, 128 

Ronco Croaker, 126 

Rondeletia loricata, 69 

Rondeletiidae, 69 

Ronquils, 138 

Ronquilus jordani, 139 

Roosterfish, 114 

Rooster Hind, 111 

Rosenblattichthys volucris, 40 

262

Rosethorn Rockfish, 77 

Rose 

Coney, 111 

Threadfin Bass, 111 

Rosybrown Snailfish, 104 

Rosylip Sculpin, 85 

Rosy 


Eelpout, 141 

Rockfish, 79 

Sculpin, 90 


Roughback Sculpin, 85 

Roughcheek Sculpin, 92 

Rougheye 

Headlightfish, 44 

Rockfish, 74 

Roughjaw Frogfish, 58 

Roughscale 

Rattail, 53 

Sole, 174 

Roughshoulder Skate, 10 

Roughskin Sculpin, 92 

Roughspine Sculpin, 93 

Roughtail Skate, 12 

Rough 

Abyssal Grenadier, 54 

Eagle Ray, 14 

Pomfret, 120 

Searobin, 82 

Sole, 176 

Rouleina attrita, 31 

Roundbelly Cowfish, 180 

Rounded Batfish, 59 

Roundscale Goby, 163 

Round 

Herring, 26 

Ray, 13 

Stingray, 13 

Rubberlip Seaperch, 133 

Rubynose Brotula, 52 

Ruscarius 

creaseri, 92 

meanyi, 92 

Ruvettus pretiosus, 165 

Rypticus 

bicolor, 112 

nigripinnis, 112 

S 

Sabertooth 

Blenny, 158 

Fishes, 42 

Sablefish, 82 

Saccopharyngidae, 23 

Saccopharyngiformes, 23 

Saccopharynx lavenbergi, 23 

Saddleback 

Gunnel, 149 

Sculpin, 90 

Saddlebanded Goby, 161 

Saddled 

Eelpout, 143 


Saddle Midshipman, 57 

Sadko Sculpin, 94 

Saffron Cod, 56 

Sagamichthys abei, 32 

Sailfin 

Eel, 20 

Molly, 67 

Sandfish, 151 

Sculpin, 94 

Sculpins, 94 

Snake Eel, 20 

Sailfish, 169 

Sakhalin 

Flounder, 175 

Sculpin, 93 

Sole, 175 

Salema, 125 

Salema Butterfish, 171 

Salmonidae, 33 

Salmoniformes, 32 

Salmons, 33 

Salmon 

Shark, 6 


Salmo 

clarki, 34 

gairdneri, 34 

salar, 34 

Salvelinus 

alpinus, 35 

malma, 35 

Index 

263

Index 

Samoa Sawtooth Eel, 23 

Sandfishes, 150 

Sandloving Stargazer, 153 

Sandpaper Skate, 11 

Sandy 

Ridgefin Eel, 19 


Sand 

Flounders, 171 

Grunt, 125 

Lances, 151 

Sole, 177 

Stargazers, 152 

Tigers, 5 

Sanguine Frogfish, 58 

San Quintin Blenny, 155 

Sarcastic Fringehead, 157 

Sarda 

chiliensis, 167 


Sardinops sagax, 27 

Sargassum Blenny, 154 

Sargo, 123 

Sargocentron suborbitalis, 70 

Sarritor 

frenatus, 98 

leptorhynchus, 98 

Sauries, 64 

Sawback Poacher, 98 

Sawtooth Eel, 23 

Scalebelly Eelpout, 144 

Scaled Sculpin, 84 

Scalefin Weakfish, 126 

Scalloped 

Bonnethead, 9 

Hammerhead, 9 

Ribbonfish, 49 

Scalybreasted Sculpin, 93 

Scalyeye Plaice, 174 

Scalyfin 

Corvina, 126 

Sole, 175 

Scalyhead Sculpin, 85 

Scalynape Eelpout, 145 

Scaly 

Paperbone, 42 

Waryfish, 42 

Scaridae, 137 

Scarletfin Blenny, 157 

Scarlet Tube Blenny, 157 

Scarus 

compressus, 138 

ghobban, 138 

perrico, 138 

rubroviolaceus, 138 

Sciadonus pedicellaris, 52 

Sciaenidae, 126 

Scissortail 

Chromis, 134 


Sculpin, 93 

Scomberesocidae, 64 

Scomberomorus sierra, 168 

Scomber 

colias, 168 

japonicus, 168 

Scombridae, 166 

Scoophead, 9 

Scopelarchidae, 39 

Scopelarchoides nicholsi, 40 

Scopelarchus 

analis, 40 

guentheri, 40 

Scopelengys tristis, 43 

Scopeloberyx robustus, 68 

Scopelogadus mizolepis, 68 

Scopelosaurus harryi, 42 

Scopelus, 29 

Scorpaena 

guttata, 73 

histrio, 73 

mystes, 73 

plumieri mystes, 73 

russula, 73 

sonorae, 74 

Scorpaenichthys marmoratus, 92 

Scorpaenidae, 73 

Scorpaeniformes, 73 

Scorpaenodes xyris, 74 

Scorpionfishes, 73 

Scrawled 

Filefish, 179 


Sculpins, 84 

Scuticaria tigrina, 18 

264

Scyliorhinidae, 6 

Scytalichthys miurus, 21 

Scytalina cerdale, 150 

Scytalinidae, 150 

Scythe-marked Butterflyfish, 130 

Scythe Butterflyfish, 130 

Seadevils, 61 

Searcher, 138 

Searobins, 81 

Sea 

Catfishes, 27 

Chubs, 131 

Ravens, 94 

Sebastes 

aleutianus, 74 

alutus, 74 

atrovirens, 74 

auriculatus, 74 

aurora, 74 

babcocki, 74, 79 

baramenuke, 75 

borealis, 75 

brevispinis, 75 

carnatus, 75 

caurinus, 75 

chlorostictus, 75 

chrysomelas, 75 

ciliatus, 75 

constellatus, 75 

crameri, 76 

dallii, 76 

diploproa, 76 

elongatus, 76 

emphaeus, 76 

ensifer, 76 

entomelas, 76 

eos, 76 

flavidus, 76 

gilli, 76 

glaucus, 77 

goodei, 77 

helvomaculatus, 77 

hopkinsi, 77 

jordani, 77 

lentiginosus, 77 

levis, 77 

macdonaldi, 77 

Sebastes (continued) 

maliger, 77 

melanops, 77 

melanosema, 77 

melanostomus, 78 

miniatus, 78 

moseri, 78 

nebulosus, 78 

nigrocinctus, 78 

notius, 78 

ovalis, 78 

paucispinis, 78 

phillipsi, 78 

pinniger, 79 

polyspinis, 79 

proriger, 79 

rastrelliger, 79 

reedi, 79 

rosaceus, 79 


ruberrimus, 79 

rubrivinctus, 79 

rufinanus, 79 

rufus, 80 

saxicola, 80 


serranoides, 80 

serriceps, 80 

simulator, 80 

umbrosus, 80 

variabilis, 80 

variegatus, 80 

wilsoni, 80 

zacentrus, 80 

Sebastolobus 

alascanus, 80 

altivelis, 81 

macrochir, 81 

Sectator ocyurus, 131 

Selar crumenophthalmus, 118 

Selene 

brevoortii, 118 

orstedii, 118 

peruviana, 118 

Semaphore Rockfish, 77 

Semicossyphus pulcher, 137 

Señorita, 136 

Index 

265

Index 

Seriola 

dorsalis, 119 

lalandi, 119 

rivoliana, 119 

Seriphus politus, 129 

Serranidae, 109 

Serranus 

aequidens, 113 

psittacinus, 113 

Serrated Grunt, 123 

Serrivomeridae, 23 

Serrivomer 

jesperseni, 23 

samoensis, 23 

sector, 23 

Sevengill Shark, 2 

Shadow Goby, 163 

Shafted Bonefish, 16 

Shaggy Sea Raven, 94 

Sharksucker, 115 

Shark Brotula, 51 

Sharpchin 


Rockfish, 80 

Slickhead, 30 

Sharpnosed Puffer, 180 

Sharpnose 

Anchovy, 24 

Conger, 21 

Sculpin, 85 

Seaperch, 133 


Sharpridge Flounder, 177 

Sharpsnout Grunt, 124 

Sharptooth Smoothhound, 7 

Sheephead 

Grunt, 124 

Mickey, 134 

Shimofuri Goby, 163 

Shiner 

Perch, 132 


Shining 

Drum, 127 

Grunt, 124 

Shining 

Loosejaw, 37 


Shokihaze Goby, 163 

Short-fin Snake Eel, 20 

Short-Spine Searobin, 81 

Shortbelly Rockfish, 77 

Shortbill Spearfish, 169 

Shortfin 

Corvina, 126 

Eelpout, 142 

Grunt, 124 

Mako, 6 

Scad, 117 

Weakfish, 126 

Shorthead 

Hagfish, 1 


Shorthorn Sculpin, 90 

Shortjaw 

Eelpout, 140 

Leatherjack, 118 

Shortmast Sculpin, 94 

Shortnose 

Chimaeras, 2 

Flatironfish, 30 

Loosejaw, 38 

Snaggletooth, 39 


Shortraker Rockfish, 75 

Shortsnout 

Conger, 22 

Mojarra, 122 

Shortspine 

Basslet, 109 

Combfish, 83 

Goby, 163 

Grunt, 124 

Red Scorpionfish, 73 


Shorttail 

Conger, 22 

Stingray, 13 

Viper Eel, 21 

Short 

Anchovy, 24 

Eelpout, 140 


Shoulderspine Bigscale, 67 

Shoulderspot Grenadier, 53 

266

Shovelhead Snailfish, 102 

Shovelnose Guitarfish, 10 

Showy 



Shulupaoluk, 143 

Siberian Lumpsucker, 100 

Sicklefin 

Devil Ray, 15 

Pomfret, 120 


Sigmistes 

caulias, 92 

smithi, 92 

Sigmops 

ebelingi, 36 

elongata, 36 

gracilis, 36 

Signal Blenny, 157 

Silky Shark, 7 

Siluriformes, 27 

Silvergray Rockfish, 75 

Silverspotted Sculpin, 94 

Silverspot Sculpin, 94 

Silverstripe 

Anchovy, 24 

Chromis, 134 

Silvertip Shark, 7 

Silvery Hatchetfish, 36 

Silver 

Cusk-eel, 50 

Discfish, 70 

Drum, 127 

Grunt, 124 

Mojarra, 122 

Salmon, 34 



Weakfish, 127 

Sio Driftfish, 170 

Sixband Jack, 116 

Sixgill Shark, 2 

Sixspot Prickleback, 147 

Skilfish, 82 

Skipjack Tuna, 167 

Skipper Halfbeak, 66 

Sleepers, 160 

Sleeper Sharks, 3 

Sleepy Dragonet, 160 

Slender-spined Catfish, 28 

Slenderjaw Moray, 17 

Slender 

Anchovy, 24 





Cockscomb, 146 

Cod, 55 

Codling, 55 

Croaker, 128 

Eelblenny, 148 

Eelpout, 142 

Fangjaw, 36 




Mojarra, 122 

Mola, 181 

Snipefish, 72 

Snipe Eel, 21 

Sole, 176 

Suckerfish, 115 

Tuna, 167 

Slickheads, 30 

Slime Sole, 176 

Slimy Snailfish, 105 

Slim 

Lightfish, 37 

Sculpin, 91 


Slippery Flounder, 176 

Slipskin Snailfish, 105 

Slope Cutthroat Eel, 19 

Slough Anchovy, 24 

Sluggish Bigscale, 68 

Small-eyed Rattail, 53 

Small-mouth Plaice, 174 

Small-scaled 

Blue Hake, 55 

Pomfret, 120 

Small-spotted Moray, 18 

Smalldisk Snailfish, 102 

Index 

267

Index 

Smalleye 

Snipe Eel, 21 

Squaretail, 170 

Smallhead 

Eelpout, 142 


Smallhook Sculpin, 84 

Smallmouthed Leatherjack, 118 

Smallmouth 

Ronquil, 138 


Smallplate Sculpin, 92 

Smalltail Shark, 8 

Smalltooth Sandtiger Shark, 5 

Smallwing Halfbeak, 66 

Small Sanddab, 172 

Smiling Sand Eel, 20 

Smooth-tip Sand Stargazer, 153 

Smoothcheek Sculpin, 95 

Smootheye Poacher, 99 

Smoothgum Sculpin, 91 

Smoothhead 

Dreamer, 60 

Sculpin, 85 

Smoothtail Mobula, 15 

Smooth 

Abyssal Grenadier, 53 


Dreamer, 60 

Grenadier, 54 

Hammerhead, 9 

Lumpsucker, 99 

Puffer, 180 


Snack Eel, 19 

Snailfishes, 101 

Snakehead Eelpout, 140 

Snake 

Eels, 19 

Mackerel, 165 


Snappers, 121 

Snipefishes, 72 

Snooks, 108 

Snouted 

Eagle Ray, 14 

Mullet, 62 

Snowflake Moray, 17 

Snowy Grouper, 111 

Snubnosed Spiny Eel, 16 

Snubnose 


Eelpout, 145 

Pipefish, 71 

Sculpin, 91 

Sockeye Salmon, 34 

Softhead Grenadier, 54 

Softskin Slickhead, 31 

Soft 

Eelpout, 139 

Sculpin, 95 

Soldatov’s Lumpsucker, 100 

Somniosidae, 3 

Somniosus 

antarcticus, 3 

pacificus, 3 

Sonora 



Sooty 


Sand Eel, 19 

Soupfin Shark, 6 

Southern 

Blue Lanternfish, 47 


Flounder, 172 

Puffer, 181 

Rockfish, 78 

Rock Sole, 175 

Spearnose Poacher, 96 

Spiny Dreamer, 60 

Spadefishes, 164 

Sparidae, 125 

Sparrow Flyingfish, 65 

Sparse-tooth Lycod, 144 

Spatulate Sculpin, 89 

Spearfish Remora, 115 

Speckled 

Bass, 112 

Blenny, 155 

Cusk-eel, 51 

Flounder, 171, 173 


268

Speckled (continued) 



Rockfish, 78 

Sanddab, 172 



Speckledtail Flounder, 171 

Specklefin 

Cusk-eel, 51 


Specklemouth Eelpout, 142 

Spectacled Sculpin, 93 

Spectral Snailfish, 103 

Spectrunculus grandis, 51 

Sphoeroides 

annulatus, 180 

lispus, 180 

lobatus, 180 

sechurae, 181 

trichocephalus, 181 

Sphyraena 

argentea, 164 

ensis, 165 

lucasana, 165 

Sphyraenidae, 164 

Sphyrna 

corona, 9 

lewini, 9 

media, 9 

tiburo, 9 

zygaena, 9 

Sphyrnidae, 9 

Spikefin Blenny, 157 

Spikehead Dreamer, 60 

Spineless Sculpin, 91 

Spinesnout Brotula, 51 

Spinetail Mobula, 15 

Spinster Wrasse, 136 

Spinycheek Starsnout, 96 

Spinyfins, 69 

Spinyhead Sculpin, 94 

Spinyhook Sculpin, 84 

Spinynose Sculpin, 91 

Spinytail 

Lampfish, 45 

Round Ray, 14 

Spiny 

Boxfish, 180 

Cowfish, 180 

Dogfish, 3 

Dreamer, 61 

Eels, 16 


Round Ray, 14 


Stingray, 14 

Spirinchus 

starksi, 33 

thaleichthys, 33 

Splitbanded Goby, 162 

Splitnose 

Rockfish, 76 

Searobin, 81 

Splittail, 27 

Splittail Bass, 111 

Sponge Sculpin, 92 

Spookfishes, 30 

Spotfin Burrfish, 181 

Spot-fin Tonguefish, 178 

Spot-on-Spot Round Ray, 13 

Spotback Scorpionfish, 73 

Spotback Wormfish, 163 

Spotfin 

Croaker, 128 

Cusk-eel, 51 


Sculpin, 88 



Spottail 

Grunt, 123 

Moray, 18 

Spotted-fin Mojarra, 122 

Spottedfin Sole, 177 

Spottedtail Goosefish, 58 

Spotted 

Boxfish, 180 

Burrfish, 181 

Cabrilla, 111 

Cusk-eel, 50 

Eagle Ray, 14 

Flounder, 173 


Index 

269

Index 

Spotted (continued) 

Grouper, 111 

Kelpfish, 156 


Opah, 48 


Ratfish, 2 

Ridgefin Eel, 19 

Rose Snapper, 121 

Round Ray, 13 

Sand Bass, 112 

Sharpnose Puffer, 180 

Sleeper, 160 


Snake Eel, 20 

Sole, 177 

Trunkfish, 180 

Turbot, 177 

Spurred Hatchetfish, 36 

Squalidae, 3 

Squaliformes, 3 

Squalus acanthias, 3 

Squarespot Rockfish, 77 

Squaretails, 170 

Squatina californica, 4 

Squatinidae, 4 

Squatiniformes, 4 

Squirrelfishes, 70 

Squirrel Sand Perch, 110 

Star-studded Grouper, 111 

Stareye Parrotfish, 137 

Stargazers, 151 

Stargazer Snailfish, 108 

Staring Pearleye, 40 

Starksia 

guadalupae, 156 

spinipenis, 156 

Starry 

Flounder, 176 

Grouper, 111 

Moray, 17 

Rockfish, 75 

Skate, 12 

Stathmonotus sinuscalifornici, 157 

Steelhead, 34 

Steeplined Drum, 127 

Stegastes 

acapulcoensis, 135 

Stegastes (continued) 

flavilatus, 135 

leucorus, 135 

rectifraenum, 135 

redemptus, 135 

Stelgistrum 

beringianum, 92 

concinnum, 92 

Stellerina xyosterna, 98 

Stellifer 

ericymba, 129 

erycimba, 129 

Stemonosudis macrura, 42 

Stenobrachius 

leucopsarus, 47 

nannochir, 47 

Stephanoberyciformes, 67 

Stereolepis gigas, 109 

Sternoptychidae, 36 

Sternoptyx 

diaphana, 36 

obscura, 37 

pseudobscura, 37 

Stichaeidae, 145 

Stichaeus punctatus, 148 

Sticklebacks, 71 

Stippled 

Gunnel, 150 


Stlegicottus xenogrammus, 92 

Stomias atriventer, 39 

Stomiidae, 37 

Stomiiformes, 35 

Stone 

Cockscomb, 145 



Stout 

Argentine, 28 


Eelblenny, 146 

Eelpout, 142 



Strangeline Sculpin, 92 

Streaked Mojarra, 123 

Streaklight Tubeshoulder, 31 

270

Stripebelly Puffer, 180 

Striped-fin Flounder, 171 

Striped 

Bass, 109 

Bonito, 167 

Corvina, 126 

Cusk-eel, 51 

Eagle Ray, 14 

Escolar, 165 

Herring, 26 

Jack, 117 

Kelpfish, 156 

Marlin, 169 

Mullet, 62 

Seaperch, 133 

Sea Chub, 131 

Snake Mackerel, 165 



Weakfish, 126 

Stripefin 

Poacher, 99 

Ronquil, 138 

Stripesnout False Moray, 17 

Stripetail Rockfish, 80 

Stromateidae, 170 

Strongylura exilis, 64 

Sturgeons, 15 

Sturgeon Poacher, 98 

Stylephoridae, 49 

Stylephorus chordatus, 49 

Sudis atrox, 42 

Sufflamen verres, 179 

Sunbeam Lampfish, 44 

Sunset Wrasse, 137 

Surfperches, 132 

Surf Croaker, 129 

Surf Smelt, 32 

Surgeonfishes, 164 

Swallowers, 23, 153 

Swallow Damselfish, 134 

Swellhead Snailfish, 106 

Swell Shark, 6 

Swordfish, 169 

Swordspine Rockfish, 76 

Syacium 

latifrons, 173 

ovale, 173 

Symbolophorus 


reversus, 47 

Symphurus 

atramentatus, 178 

atricaudus, 178 

callopterus, 178 

fasciolaris, 178 

gorgonae, 178 

melanurus, 178 

oligomerus, 178 

prolatinaris, 178 

williamsi, 178 

Synaphobranchidae, 19 

Synaphobranchus affinis, 19 

Synchiropus atrilabiatus, 160 

Synchirus gilli, 92 

Syngnathidae, 71 

Syngnathus 

auliscus, 71 


euchrous, 72 

exilis, 72 

insulae, 72 

leptorhynchus, 72 

Synodontidae, 40 

Synodus 

evermanni, 40 

lacertinus, 40 

lucioceps, 40 

scituliceps, 40 

sechurae, 41 

T 

Taaningichthys 

bathyphilus, 47 

minimus, 47 

paurolychnus, 47 

Tactostoma macropus, 39 

Tadpole 


Sculpin, 95 


Tagoba Goby, 163 

Tailfin Croaker, 128 

Taillight Lanternfish, 48 

Talismania bifurcata, 31 

Index 

271

Index 

Tan Bristlemouth, 35 

Tapertail Ribbonfish, 49 

Tapetails, 69 

Taractes asper, 120 

Taractichthys steindachneri, 120 

Taranetzella lyoderma, 145 

Tarletonbeania 

crenularis, 47 

taylori, 48 

Tawnystripe Eelpout, 142 

Teardrop Tubeshoulder, 31 

Telescopefishes, 42 

Tenpounders, 16 

Tetragonuridae, 170 

Tetragonurus 

atlanticus, 170 

cuvieri, 170 

Tetraodontidae, 180 

Tetraodontiformes, 179 

Tetrapturus 

angustirostris, 169 

audax, 169 

Thalassenchelys coheni, 17 

Thalassobathia pelagica, 52 

Thalassoma 

grammaticum, 137 

lucasanum, 137 

virens, 137 

Thaleichthys pacificus, 33 

Thaumatichthyidae, 61 

Thecopterus aleuticus, 95 

Theragra chalcogramma, 57 

Thick-lipped Mullet, 62 

Thickhead Flashlightfish, 44 

Thicklip Conger, 22 

Thinskin Eelpout, 144 

Thornback, 10 

Thornbacks, 10 

Thornback Sculpin, 91 

Thorny 

Sculpin, 89 

Stingray, 14 

Thread-tail, 49 

Thread-tails, 49 

Threadbeard Dragonfish, 38 

Threaded Sculpin, 87 

Threadfins, 126 

Threadfin 

Bass, 112 

Cusk-eel, 50 

Goosefish, 58 

Grenadier, 53 

Hakeling, 55 

Jack, 116 

Sculpin, 88 

Shad, 26 

Slickhead, 31 


Threadtail Snipe Eels, 21 

Thread Pompano, 116 

Threebanded Butterflyfish, 130 

Threeline Prickleback, 147 

Threespine Stickleback, 71 

Threespot 

Eelpout, 144 

Flounder, 171 

Sand Flounder, 171 

Thresher Shark, 5 

Throatspotted Blenny, 155 

Thumbtack Snailfish, 105 

Thunnus 

alalunga, 168 

albacares, 168 

obesus, 168 


thynnus, 168 

Thyriscus anoplus, 92 

Tidepool 

Sculpin, 90 


Tidewater Goby, 162 

Tiger 

Moray, 18 

Reef Eel, 18 

Rockfish, 78 

Shark, 8 

Snake Eel, 20 

Tilapia zillii, 132 

Tilefishes, 114 

Tinsel Squirrelfish, 70 

Toadfishes, 57 

Toad Lumpsucker, 100 

Tomcod, 57 

Tomicodon 

boehlkei, 160 

272

Tomicodon (continued) 

eos, 160 

humeralis, 160 

zebra, 160 

Tonguefishes, 178 

Toothed 

Flounder, 172 

Smelt, 33 

Toothless Snailfish, 107 

Tope, 6 

Topminnows, 67 

Topside Lampfish, 46 

Topsmelt, 63 

Torchlight Lanternfish, 44 

Torpedinidae, 10 

Torpediniformes, 9 

Torpedo californica, 10 

Torpedo 

Electric Rays, 10 


Tough Eelpout, 145 

Trachinotus 

kennedyi, 119 

paitensis, 119 

rhodopus, 119 

Trachipteridae, 48 

Trachipterus 

altivelis, 49 

fukuzakii, 49 

Trachurus symmetricus, 119 

Treefish, 80 

Triaenodon obesus, 9 

Triakidae, 6 

Triakis semifasciata, 7 

Trichiuridae, 166 

Trichiurus 

lepturus, 166 

nitens, 166 

Trichocottus brashnikovi, 92 

Trichodontidae, 150 

Trichodon trichodon, 151 

Tridentiger 

barbatus, 163 

bifasciatus, 163 

trigonocephalus, 163 

Trident Prickleback, 147 

Triggerfishes, 179 

Triglidae, 81 

Triglops 

forficatus, 93 

jordani, 93 

macellus, 93 

metopias, 93 

nybelini, 93 

pingelii, 93 

scepticus, 93 

xenostethus, 93 

Trinectes fonsecensis, 177 

Tringa Flyingfish, 66 

Triphoturus 

mexicanus, 48 

nigrescens, 48 

Triplefins, 151 

Tripletails, 122 

Triplewart Seadevil, 61 

Tripterygiidae, 151 

Tropical 


Longfin Herring, 25 

Two-wing Flyingfish, 65 

Trouts, 33 

True Cod, 57 

Trumpetfishes, 72 

Tube-eye, 49 

Tube-eyes, 49 

Tubenose Poacher, 97 

Tubeshoulders, 31 

Tubesnout, 71 

Tube Blennies, 156 

Turkey-Red Rockfish, 79 

Twice-spotted Soapfish, 112 

Twinpored Eel, 23 

Two-holes Moray, 19 

Twobeak Searobin, 81 

Twohorn Sculpin, 88 

Twoline 

Eelpout, 139 


Twopole Dreamer, 61 

Twospine Bigscale, 68 

Twospine Driftfish, 170 

Tylosurus 

acus, 64 

crocodilus, 64 

pacificus, 64 

Typhlogobius californiensis, 163 

Index 

273

Index 

U 

Ulca, 94 

Ulcina olrikii, 98 

Ulvicola, 149 

Umbrellamouth Gulper, 23 

Umbrina 

analis, 129 

bussingi, 129 

dorsalis, 129 

roncador, 129 

wintersteeni, 129 

xanti, 129 

Uncinate Sculpin, 89 

Unicorn 

Filefish, 179 


Uranoscopidae, 151 

Uraspis 

helvola, 119 

secunda, 119 

Urobatis 

concentricus, 13 

halleri, 13 

maculatus, 13 

Urolophidae, 13 

Urolophus 

concentricus, 13 

halleri, 13 

maculatus, 13 

Uropterygius 

macrocephalus, 19 

polystictus, 19 

versutus, 19 

Urotrygon 

aspidura, 14 

asterias, 14 

chilensis, 14 

munda, 14 

rogersi, 14 

V 

Vacuocua Croaker, 126 

Variegated Snailfish, 105 

Variform Eelpout, 142 

Veilfin, 120 

Velvet 

Grenadier, 54 



Venefica tentaculata, 23 

Vermiculated Croaker, 128 

Vermilion Rockfish, 78 

Veteran Poacher, 98 

Vinciguerria 

lucetia, 37 

nimbaria, 37 

poweriae, 37 

Viviparous Brotulas, 52 

W 

Wahoo, 166 

Wakasagi, 32 

Walkers Anchovy, 25 

Walleye 

Pollock, 57 


Warthead 

Blenny, 157 

Sculpin, 90 


Warty 

Poacher, 97 

Sculpin, 90 

Waryfishes, 42 

Wattled Eelpout, 143 

Wavyline Grunt, 124 

Wendell’s Warbonnet, 146 


Whalesucker, 115 

Whale Shark, 4 

Whipnoses, 62 

Whipper Snapper, 121 

Whiptail 

Gulpers, 23 

Ribbonfish, 48 

Stingray, 13 

Stingrays, 13 


White-edged Moray, 18 

White-ring Garden Eel, 22 

White Seabass, 126 

274

White-spotted 

Moray, 18 

Pufferfish, 180 

Whitebait Smelt, 32 

Whitebarred 

Blenny, 148 


Whiteblotched Skate, 11 

Whitebrow Skate, 11 

Whitecheek Surgeonfish, 164 

Whiteface Hagfish, 1 

Whitemouth Jack, 119 

Whitenose Shark, 8 

Whitesaddle Stargazer, 152 

Whitesnout 


Searobin, 81 

Whitespeckled Rockfish, 78 

Whitespotted 

Filefish, 179 

Goosefish, 58 

Greenling, 82 

Ratfish, 2 

Rockfish, 78 

Whitetail 


Major, 135 

Sculpin, 95 

Whitetip 


Reef Shark, 9 

Whitetongue Jack, 119 

Whitewing Flyingfish, 65 

White 



Croaker, 127 

Grunt, 124 

Mullet, 62 

Pencilsmelt, 28 

Seaperch, 133 

Shark, 5 

Skate, 12 

Snook, 109 

Sturgeon, 15 

Suckerfish, 115 

Surf-fish, 132 

Wide-eye Sculpin, 89 

Widebanded 

Cleaner Goby, 161 

Cleaning Goby, 161 

Widehead Sea Catfish, 27 

Widenose Chimaera, 2 

Widow Rockfish, 76 

William’s Tonguefish, 178 

Winged Spookfish, 30 

Wintersteen Drum, 129 

Witch Sole, 174 

Wolf-eel, 150 

Wolffishes, 150 

Wolftrap Anglers, 61 

Wonderful Snailfish, 104 

Woodsia nonsuchae, 37 

Woolly Sculpin, 85 

Wormfishes, 163 

Wormlined Croaker, 128 

Worm 

Blenny, 157 

Eels, 19 

Wounded Wrasse, 136 

Wrasses, 135 

Wreckfishes, 109 

Wrinklejaw Snailfish, 107 

Wrymouths, 148 

X 

Xanthichthys mento, 179 

Xanthic Sargo, 123 

Xeneretmus 

latifrons, 99 

leiops, 99 

ritteri, 99 

triacanthus, 99 

Xenichthys xanti, 125 

Xenistius californiensis, 125 

Xenomedea rhodopyga, 156 

Xenomystax atrarius, 23 

Xiphias gladius, 169 

Xiphiidae, 169 

Xiphister 

atropurpureus, 148 

mucosus, 148 

Xyrichtys mundiceps, 137 

Xystreurys liolepis, 173 

Index 

275

Index 

Y 

Y-Prickleback, 147 

Yellow-masked Surgeon, 164 

Yellow-spotted Trevally, 116 

Yellowchin Sculpin, 88 

Yelloweye 

Croaker, 128 

Rockfish, 79 

Yellowfin 

Croaker, 129 

Fringehead, 157 

Goatfish, 129 

Goby, 160 

Herring, 26 

Jack, 117 

Mojarra, 123 

Sole, 175 


Tuna, 168 

Yellowjack, 118 

Yellowmouth 

Rockfish, 79 

Weakfish, 126 

Yellowscale Parrotfish, 138 

Yellowspotted Grunt, 123 

Yellowstripe Grunt, 124 

Yellowtail, 119 

Yellowtail 

Amberjack, 119 

Jack, 119 

Kingfish, 119 


Rockfish, 76 

Sawtail, 164 


Yellow 

Bobo, 126 



Jack, 117 

Shiner, 132 

Snake Eel, 20 

Snapper, 121 


Z 

Zaca Blenny, 155 

Zalembius rosaceus, 134 

Zalieutes elater, 59 

Zanclidae, 164 

Zanclus 

canescens, 164 

cornutus, 164 

Zaniolepididae, 83 

Zaniolepis 

frenata, 83 

latipinnis, 83 

Zaprora silenus, 150 

Zaproridae, 150 

Zapteryx 

exasperata, 10 

xyster, 10 

Zebraface Blenny, 157 

Zebraperch, 131 

Zebra 


Goby, 162 

Moray, 17 

Sea Chub, 131 

Zeidae, 70 

Zeiformes, 70 

Zenopsis nebulosa, 70 

Zephyr Stargazer, 151 

Zesticelus profundorum, 93 

Zoarcidae, 139 

Zu cristatus, 49 

276

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