Fin's Fish Guide
The California sheephead (Semicossyphus pulcher) is a saltwater fish of the family Labridae that grows up to 91 cm.
Description
The California sheephead is a large wrasse of the family Labridae from the eastern Pacific. The species grows to about 91 cm; adult males have a striking black-red-black colour pattern with a white chin and a bump on the forehead, while females are uniformly red-pink. It lives on rocky bottoms, especially in kelp forests. With powerful jaws and canine teeth it crushes hard-shelled prey such as sea urchins, molluscs and crustaceans. The species is a protogynous hermaphrodite: all individuals begin as females and the largest later change into males. Owing to fishing it is listed as Vulnerable (VU). It is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the California sheephead?
The California sheephead has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly red-orange and shows a plain pattern. Males black and red with a white chin and a forehead hump; protogynous hermaphrodite, vulnerable (VU) due to fishing.
Where does the California sheephead live?
The California sheephead lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Eastern Pacific; rocky bottoms and kelp forests.
How big does the California sheephead get?
The California sheephead grows to a maximum of about 91 cm.
Is the California sheephead dangerous to humans?
The California sheephead can cause injury; handle it with care. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the California sheephead edible?
Yes, the California sheephead is commonly eaten.
More photos
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Semicossyphus
More from the family Labridae
Want the complete picture on the California sheephead?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the California sheephead is one of 12,519 species in the app.