Author: (Ayres, 1854)
FBname: California sheephead
Comments: Prefer rocky bottom, particularly in kelp beds.  Often feed on hard-shelled organisms such as sea urchins, mollusks, lobsters and crabs.  Spawning occur during the summer and the eggs are pelagic (Ref. 9311).  Live to more than 50 years of age.  Each individual functions first as a female but changes to a male at a length of about 30 cm.  Pelagic spawners (Ref. 56049).  Flesh is white,  of good quality and marketed fresh (Ref. 9311).  The large teeth can cause serious bite wounds.