Fin's Fish Guide
The California salema (Haemulon californiensis) is a saltwater fish of the family Haemulidae that grows up to 30 cm.
Eastern Pacific; from Central California (US) to the Gulf of California (Mexico); rocky and coral-rich coastal reefs.
Description
The California salema is a grunt of the family Haemulidae from the eastern Pacific from central California to the Gulf of California. The species grows to about 30 cm and has a streamlined, silvery body with a brassy-yellow sheen and fine longitudinal stripes. It lives on rocky and coral-rich coastal reefs, where it gathers in schools by day and disperses at night to forage on the bottom for small crustaceans, worms and molluscs. Grunts owe their name to the grunting sound they make by grinding their pharyngeal teeth, amplified by the swim bladder. The species is eaten locally and is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the California salema?
The California salema has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a horizontal stripes pattern. Makes grunting sounds with the pharyngeal teeth; shoals during the day and forages at night.
Where does the California salema live?
The California salema lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Eastern Pacific; from Central California (US) to the Gulf of California (Mexico); rocky and coral-rich coastal reefs.
How big does the California salema get?
The California salema grows to a maximum of about 30 cm.
Is the California salema dangerous to humans?
No, the California salema is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the California salema edible?
Yes, the California salema is commonly eaten.
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All data
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Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
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Status & sources
Same genus Haemulon
More from the family Haemulidae
Want the complete picture on the California salema?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the California salema is one of 12,519 species in the app.