Sheephead

The California sheephead [Semicossyphus pulcher] is a species of wrasse found from Monterey California to the Gulf of Mexico. This fish can grow up to 3’ long and up to 35 lb in weight. They are a carnivorous fish that feeds on crustaceans, mollusks, urchins, lobsters, and crabs and lives in rocky habitats and kelp beds.

Interesting fact about this fish is that it is hermaphroditic as it will switch from female to male based on the greater opportunity to reproduce, usually when the individual reaches a size advantage to the population.

Controversial Opinions:

Some sportsman decide not to shoot these fish because they eat urchins. Urchins are devastating the kelp forests and some people believe that the take of any of the urchin predators is a disservice to the environment.

There is also conjecture on the take of this fish as the males of this species are often a prized target of spear fishermen. Immediately, their black head and tail, pink midriff and signature shelf forehead betray their identity. Although both sexes display a white chin and sharp, protruding canines, the females are strikingly less conspicuous. Unlike their male counterparts, these ladies are almost entirely pink, and lack the distinctive forehead. It may seem rather gender biased that nature has favored males in size and distinctive coloration, however each female has the potential to become a male. Like many fishes in the wrasse family (Labridae), sheephead are protogynous hermaphrodites, meaning they all enter the world as females, but many may exit as males. Between spawning seasons, females 12 to 14 inches long may undergo a dramatic sex-change, during which they will develop the coloration, forehead and genitalia of a male. Sheephead are relatively slow to reach maturity. Females generally take four years to mature, while sex-change occurs at about eight years of age. Consequently, their populations recover slowly and are particularly sensitive to fishing. Despite regulations by the California Department of Fish and Game restricting catch size and limiting areas where these fish may be caught, sheephead are still considered a threatened species.”

Cooking Tips

Some people have an aversion to the texture of this fish. We recommend dry-aging your fish for 48 hours. Learn more about dry aging process HERE. They make excellent sushi, sashimi and fish cakes.

Lingcod