Sheephead

California sheephead is a type of wrasse fish that is found in temperate waters off Southern California. They are large, deep-bodied fish with protruding canine-like teeth. This species is typically solitary and inhabits shallow waters (30 to 90 feet deep) of rocky reefs and kelp beds. Like many wrasses, sheephead are hermaphroditic. They begin life as females. After three to six years,  larger, older females may develop into secondary males. The timing of transitions depends on many factors including food availability and the number of males in a population. The color and shape of the sheephead changes during sexual transitions, with uniformly pink females developing black heads and tails as males. Males are large and long-lived, often reaching 36 pounds and living to nearly 50 years. Sheephead have a varied diet and may consume a wide range of species such as crabs, clams, barnacles and urchins. Though their large body size protects sheephead from many predators, they are consumed by giant sea bass, sharks and sea lions.

Overall availability

Sheephead is fished in California and available nearly year-round where the fishery occurs. It is typically sold fresh or frozen.

Management

Sheephead is fished using trap gear. The sheephead fishery is regulated by the California Fish and Game Commission and managed by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife in accordance with the California Marine Life Management Act and specifically the Nearshore Fishery Management Plan.