Spotfin Croaker

Spotfin croaker caught by Angel Hernandez at the Crystal Pier in San Diego Croakers: Family Sciaenidae Species: Roncador stearnsii (Steindachner, 1876); from the Spanish word roncador (in reference to a snorer) and stearnsii (referring to Robert E. C. Stearns, a 19th Century sea shell expert…

California Corbina

Species: Menticirrhus undulates (Girard, 1854); from the Latin words menticirrhus (chin barbel) and undulatus (waved, referring to the wavy lines on its sides). Alternate Names: Whiting or California whiting, king croaker, corbie, corvina, bagre and the favorites of many—bean and beanie. In Mexico called berrugata…

Cabezon

Sculpins: Family Cottidae Species: Scorpaenichthys marmoratus (Ayres, 1854); from the Greek words scorpaena (a related species) and ichthys (fish), and the Latin word marmoratus (marbled). Cabezon from the Goeta Pier Alternate Names: Commonly called bullhead; also marbled sculpin, cab, cabby, bull cod, blue cod, giant…

Striped Seaperch

Surfperches/Seaperches: Family Embiotocidae Species: Embiotoca lateralis (Agassiz, 1854); from the Greek root words embios (living) and tocos (to bring forth) and the Latin word lateralis (lateral, due to their blue stripes). Alternate Names: Striped surfperch, rainbow perch, blue perch, striped surf fish. Early-day names included squawfish…

Rubberlip Seaperch

Surfperches/Seaperches: Family Embiotocidae Species: Rhacochilus toxotes (Agassiz, 1854); from the Greek words rhacochilus (rag lip) and toxotes (pertaining to the East Indian archer fish, because of a presumed resemblance). Family Embiotocidae, subfamily Embiotocinae. Alternate Names: Buttermouth perch, porgee, sprat, or liverlip. In the 19th century…

Jacksmelt

Silversides: Family Atherinidae Species: Atherinopsis californiensis (Girard, 1854); from the Greek words ather (a spike or arrow) and ops (like), and californiensis (in reference to the geographic area). Alternate Names: Smelt, California smelt, horse smelt, blue smelt, silverside, pescado del rey, Peixe rey and Pesce…