| Invertebrates | Fish |

Cabrillo Marine Aquarium
- Selected Species Info (Fish)

BLACK SEA BASS (Stereolepis gigas)

This giant fish grows to 7 1/2 feet and up to 560 pounds and lives to 70 years of age. Found near rocky caves, ledges and near kelp beds at depths from 20 to 150 feet, they are truly awe-inspiring when seen underwater. Now off-limits for fisherman and divers, these fish once close to extinction are making a comeback. Black Sea Bass change sex from female to male as they mature into adults. They are curious and intelligent animals that range from Humboldt Bay to the Gulf of California. Black Sea Bass are usually found at the Aquarium in tank number 21.

BLUEBANDED GOBY (Lythrypnus dalli)

With a bright orange-red body and three to nine electric blue vertical stripes, the bluebanded goby seems to glow with the fluorescence of a neon light. Lythrypnus dalli belongs to the family Gobiidae, a group of small fish with an estimated 2,000 species occurring worldwide in both fresh and saltwater environments. Recognized by an elongated robust body and two dorsal fins, males have longer dorsal spines and a suction-like disc that is formed by the connection of its pelvic fins. Bluebanded gobies can often be seen hanging upside down in caves at depths of 20 to several hundred feet. Their range is from Morro Bay to the Gulf of California, and their abundance on Santa Catalina Island is the reason they are also referred to as the "Catalina Goby". This attractive crevice dweller rarely ventures far from its rocky habitat, darting in and out of holes only to capture small planktonic food, attract a mate or vigorously defend its nest using its brilliant colors to remind intruders of its strong defensive instincts. Having these characteristics makes the bluebanded goby a perfect candidate for Cabrillo Marine Aquarium's territorial fish display tank. Bluebanded Gobies are usually found at the Aquarium in tank number 16.

CALIFORNIA HALIBUT (Paralichthys californicus) What appears to be a flying carpet with fins and a white underside rippling about the reef, then gliding to the bottom to disappear in the sand is likely a halibut. It is characterized by having both eyes located close together on the upper side of the animal's body, a strangely twisted mouth and a dorsal fin that grows forward on the fish. Their main defense mechanisms against predators are their ability to change colors to match the color of the ocean bottom and to quickly bury itself in the bottom sand. Being carnivorous, halibut feed on smaller fishes and crustaceans. Found from the British Columbia to the upper Gulf of Mexico in depths to 300 feet, some grow to lengths of 5 feet and weigh up to 80 pounds. They are a highly prized eating fish. Halibut are usually found at the Aquarium in tank number 22.

GARIBALDI (Hypsypops rubicundus)

The Garibaldi, a damselfish, is one of the most colorful fish in Southern California waters. A spectacular bright orange, it is easily visible as it "sculls" in and around the holes and crevices of the kelp forest floor where it is usually found. It is in an almost constant state of activity as it defends its territory against potential "land grabbers" or as it searches for the small, sessile sponges and bryozoans that make up a good portion of its diet. During the springtime the activity level climbs even higher as the male begins the all-important task of nest building. Carefully he clears everything but the most stubborn calcareous material and a small, elliptical patch of red algae. Once the nest is completed, the amorous male begins searching for one or more females. Rushing about his territory, he charges and challenges any of his kind. Challenges consist of loud, thumping noises made by the grinding together of teeth far back in his throat called pharyngeal teeth. Eventually a female will dart past him as he charges her and will hover above the nest. In an increasingly high state of excitement, he will join her to fertilize the 15,000 - 80,000 eggs she lays. Her job done, he drives her off to guard the nest during the two to three week period it takes the yellowish, capsule-like eggs to develop.

Young garibaldi have very distinct, iridescent blue markings over the head and body which gradually fade and disappear when the fish reaches maturity at about six inches. Garibaldi grow to about 14 inches in length and live to be about 15 years of age. Garibaldi are usually found at the Aquarium in tank numbers 16, 21, 33 and at the touch tank.

KELP BASS (Paralabrax clathratus) Easily recognized by the calico white spotting on the back and sides, kelp bass prefer kelp beds and seaweed flats in near-shore rocky areas from Washington to Baja California. Larger kelp bass are found to depths of 150 feet. Growing to lengths of about 28 1/2 inches, they are good eating and considered an important sport fish. Kelp Bass are usually found at the Aquarium in tank numbers 21, 33 and at the touch tank.

LEOPARD SHARK (Triakis semifasciata)

These active, fast-moving, nomadic sharks with a leopard-like pattern roam inshore sand flats and rocky areas in schools. Feeding on fishes, crustaceans and innkeeper worms, they move in a snakelike fashion. Growing up to 6.5 feet, they do not appear to be aggressive sharks and are not considered dangerous. They give live birth and the females often stay in warmer bays while the young are still developing. Often sought by commercial fisherman as food fishes, they range from Oregon to the Gulf of California. Leopard Sharks are usually found at the Aquarium in tank numbers 21, 35 and at the touch tank.

MORAY EEL (Gymnothorax mordax)

Down between the rocks in shallow waters from Point Conception south to Baja California resides the California Moray Eel. The moray can reach lengths of five feet. It is usually very timid and will withdraw into a crevice when approached. It is commonly seen with red rock shrimp with which it shares a symbiotic relationship. Uniquely adapted to its environment, the moray has a long slender body. The mouth opens to pull in more water. Its skin is tough and leathery and is coated with a mucous film, providing protection from the jagged edges of rocky reefs. The eel's sleek body lacks scales, gill covers, and almost all fins, presenting a smooth surface to back into tight hiding spots. The moray eel is an effective predator. Its sense of smell is well developed. Interestingly, the moray eel's favorite prey, the octopus, has developed a chemical in its jet-black ink that temporarily disables a moray's sense of smell. The unfortunate octopus that is not quick enough to escape rarely gets a second chance. The dagger-like teeth of the eel angle backwards, the better to grab and retain its prey. The teeth are also hinged and lock into position when pushed forward, enabling the eel to firmly grasp even the most slimy fish. Local moray eels are not dangerous to divers if left alone. Moray Eels are usually found at the Aquarium in tank numbers 18 and 33.

OCEAN WHITEFISH (Caulolatilus princeps) Found usually in fairly deep rocky offshore banks off the Channel Islands in southern California, the ocean whitefish grows to lengths of 3 feet. They are characterized by a small mouth and long blue-and-yellow-striped dorsal and anal fins, and yellow-tinged pectoral and caudal fins. The ocean whitefish is a popular fish for sport fishermen. Ocean Whitefish are usually found at the Aquarium in tank number 21.

OPALEYE (Girella nigricans) Commonly found in kelp beds, rocky reefs and piers to depths of 65 feet, these territorial fish are olive green with 1 to 3 white or yellow spots located below the dorsal fin, have a beautiful opal blue eye and grow up to a length of two feet. Their color can change when feeding or as part of aggression. Opaleye feed on algae and animals found on rocks. In the spring they gather in dense schools in shallow water to spawn. The eggs and larvae are free-floating. Known predators include sea lions and sport fishermen. Opaleye are usually found at the Aquarium in tank numbers 21, 33 and at the touch tank.

PILE SURFPERCH (Damalichthys vacca) Characterized by a dark bar on its silvery gray sides and a spot below the eye, pile surfperch grow to a length of up to 17 inches. They are found in schools around reefs, kelp beds and piers from Alaska to Baja California. They are frequently seen around pilings and hence the reason for their name. Pile surfperch are often observed feeding on small mussels, barnacles, clams, limpets and crabs. Young pile surfperch have also been seen picking parasites from other fish. Pile Surfperch are usually found at the Aquarium in tank numbers 25 and 27.

RAINBOW SURFPERCH (Hypsurus caryi) The rainbow surfperch is distinguished by the rusty-orange bars flowing down its back, the iridescent blue and orange horizontal stripes running from head to tail and the black spot behind the upper jaw. Mostly a solitary fish, it is found swimming over rocky bottoms in tidepools to as deep as 130 feet between northern California to northern Baja California. They only seem to gather in clusters in the fall during breeding and grow to 12 inches in length. Rainbow Surfperch are usually found at the Aquarium in tank numbers 21 and 27.

ROCKPOOL BLENNY (Hypsoblennius gilberti) Growing to almost seven inches, the rockpool blenny has a distinct notch in its head just behind the eye and as a result is sometimes referred to as the "notchbrow blenny". Although a frequent visitor in the intertidal and subtidal areas, it is found in depths to 60 feet from Point Conception to southern Baja California. The male guards the egg cluster until they hatch. Their main defense from predators is their ability to change color and finding shelter in holes or a crevice in rocks. Rockpool Blennies are usually found at the Aquarium in tank numbers 10 and 19.

SALEMA (Xenistius californiensis)

Salema are often seen in large schools milling over and among rocks, in the kelp, around docks and piers from Monterey Bay to Peru. Growing up to 10 inches in length, they have six to eight orange-brown stripes running down their blue-green body. Their upturned mouth is ideally suited for plankton feeding. Juveniles are usually found in late summer and usually feed on amphipod crustaceans. Salema are usually found at the Aquarium in tank number 24.

SHEEPHEAD (Semicossyphus pulcher)

Found in kelp beds and rocky reef areas, sheephead grow up to 3 feet in length and can live up to 50 years of age. A member of the wrasse family, sheephead change sex from female to male during maturation (at about 1 foot in length or 8 years of age). Males are identified by their black tail and head while females are all red. Males are very territorial and are often observed chasing away any smaller males. Large males often have 10 to 15 females within their territory. Sheephead feed on sea urchins, mollusks, lobsters and crabs using their prominent canine teeth to pry and crush. Their pharyngial teeth continue crushing as they swallow. Considered very good eating, their numbers have declined drastically off southern California. Sheephead are usually found at the Aquarium in tank numbers 16, 21, 33 and at the touch tank.

SHOVELNOSE GUITARFISH (Rhinobatus productus) Shovelnose guitarfish are found on sandy bottoms in bays, near seagrass beds, and near rocky reefs from Central California to the Sea of Cortez. Sometimes only its eyes are visible above the sand. During the day it buries itself in the sand and hunts for its food at night. It likes to eat worms, clams, crabs, and some fishes. It is characterized by having a flat body with a skeleton made of cartilage and an elongated nose. Breathing is accomplished by pulling water in through its spiracles located on its back.

SWELL SHARK (Cephaloscyllium ventriosum) Reaching lengths up to 24 inches, this sedentary shark inhabits shallow reefs, kelp beds, caves and crevices along the coast and offshore channel islands from Monterey Bay to Mexico. When sedentary, this shark has muscles by its gill to pull in water. Harmless and sluggish, the swell shark can inflate its stomach with water when disturbed. Being nocturnal, it emerges at night with its catlike eyes to forage for fishes and crustaceans. However, it also often feeds by simply opening its mouth wide and letting fish swim in. The female lays a purse-shaped egg case which hatches in about ten months. Swell Sharks are usually found at the Aquarium in tank number 35 while their eggs are found in egg case tank number 15.

THORNBACK RAY (Platyrhinoides triseriata) Thornback rays, related to sharks, live on soft sand or soft mud bottoms from Central California to Baja California. Thornback rays have flat, rounded bodies with a skeleton made of cartilage, three rows of "thorns" on its back, and gill slits on the bottom of their head. They eat worms, mollusks, crabs and shrimp. Thornback rays bear live young hatched from eggs that are held inside the mother's body. Thornback Rays are usually found at the Aquarium in tank numbers 22 and 35.

TOP SMELT (Atherinops affinis) The top smelt is a silvery surface-schooling fish found along sandy beaches around rocky reefs, kelp beds, and piers from Vancouver Island to the Gulf of California. The top smelt is not a true smelt, it is a member of the silverside family which includes grunion. They grow up to 14 1/2 inches. They are often seen jumping from the water as they attempt to escape from larger fishes such as jacks or mackerel. Spawning occurs in the spring and summer in shallow water. Eggs are adhered to red algae by the female where they are then fertilized by the males. They are fished commercially, especially around San Francisco. Top Smelt is usually found at the Aquarium in tank numbers 21 and 27.

WHITE SEA BASS (Cynoscion nobilis) As one of the larger croakers, the white sea bass (not a true bass) will grow to 5 feet in length and weigh up to 20 pounds. They are commonly found in schools over rocky bottoms and in or around the kelp from Alaska to southern Baja California. They are characterized by a gray blue to-silver body. Feeding occurs midway in the water column on red pelagic crabs, squid, anchovies, sardines and other small fish. A prized sport fish, populations of white sea bass have been dramatically reduced since the 1950's. Recently, hatcheries raising white sea bass have been started up in Southern California in the hope of increasing local populations. Some of the white sea bass in Cabrillo Marine Aquarium tanks are from these hatcheries. White Sea Bass are usually found at the Aquarium in tank number 21 and at the touch tank.

WOLF EEL (Anarrhichthys ocellatus) Growing over 6 feet long, wolf eels are usually found in crevices and holes of rocky reefs and wrecks from the Aleutian Islands to southern California. Their powerful canine teeth and stout molars allow them to feed on fishes and hard-shelled organisms such as mollusks, crabs, and sea urchins. Wolf Eels are usually found at the Aquarium in tank numbers 21 and 33.