Santa Cruz County, CA History

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HISTORY OF SANTA CRUZ COUNTY, CALIFORNIA.-  E. S. Harrison, Pacific Press Publ. 
Co., San Francisco, 1891
 

 
CHAPTER VIII.
THE FISHES OF MONTEREY BAY.
 
        [Compiled chiefly from papers of Prof. David S. Jordan, and published by 
the U. S. Commission of Fish and Fisheries, under the direction of Spencer F. 
Baird, Commissioner, and Geo. Brown Goode, Assistant Director of the U. S. 
National Museum.]
 
BY C. L. ANDERSON.
 
        IN this list of the food fishes of Monterey Bay and streams entering 
therein, we have indicated about 150 species. The list might be considerably 
enlarged.                 
        Probably there is no locality of the same area that contains a greater 
number of species on the Pacific Coast than Monterey Bay.
        This might be expected when we consider the climate and other physical 
features of this body of water. On the north (the Santa Cruz shore) the coast is 
mainly of shale, with rather a soft, rocky shore, with not very deep water, and 
consequently somewhat warmer than the ocean temperature, abounding in a rich 
marine flora; conditions favorable to the breeding, protection, and growth of 
fish. There are streams and lagoons also of considerable size and number in 
which many kinds are accommodated. On the east and southeast the shores are 
flat, sandy, and many tide channels and lagoons abound, where certain kinds of 
fish find food and abundant places for breeding. On the southern shore are hard, 
granitoid rocks, coarse and fine sand, and plenty of shelter among the rocks 
projecting from elevated ledges surrounded by deep water, favorable for rock 
fish and other similar kinds.
        The bottom of the bay, so far as we can judge by the comparatively few 
soundings, is cut by submarine valleys, the principal one commencing near the 
mouths of the Salinas and Pajaro Rivers, and opening into the ocean in a 
northwesterly direction. At places along this valley nearly 2,000 feet have been 
measured without finding bottom.
        Thus it will be seen that Monterey Bay has the elements for sustaining a 
large and varied fauna of no small value to the present and future population of 
this region. And while our government and the various States are spending 
millions of dollars to distribute, foster, and protect their fish, and fishing 
grounds have become a matter of serious national contention, we are happily 
located beside a reservoir with the great Pacific Ocean to draw from, of such an 
excellent variety and quality of fish that every taste may easily be suited and 
supplied.
        There is so much uncertainty in the common names of fish that of 
necessity I have given the scientific names, without which this list would be 
comparatively worthless.
        1. Halibut (Paralichthys maculosus)�Known in San Francisco as the 
"Monterey halibut" or "Bastard halibut;" reaches three feet in length, weighing 
sixty pounds, although the majority taken weigh much less.
        2. Starry Flounder (Pleuronectes stellatus)�Average length fifteen 
inches; weight, two or three pounds, although it sometimes reaches three feet, 
and weighs fifteen or twenty pounds. As a food fish this is held in high esteem.
        3. Diamond Flounder (Hypsopsetta guttulata)�Known as the "Turbot" in San 
Francisco. One of the most firm-fleshed of the flounders.
        4. California Sole (Lepidopsetta bilineata)�Average weight about three 
pounds. An excellent food fish. Somewhat abundant. Found in rocky places and 
deep water.
        5. Parophrys vetulus�Another sole, but smaller. Very abundant near the 
shore, and is taken in gill nets and seines. Not as good looking as other 
flounders but sells readily.
        6. P. isolepis�This is called a sole also. Length, ten inches; weighs 
one-half pound�sometimes much larger.
        7. Citharichthys sordidus�One of the smallest species of sole. About the 
size of No. 6. A deep-water species. Takes the hook readily.
        8. San Francisco Sole (Psettichthys melanostictus)�Has the best claim to 
the name of sole. Average length, fifteen inches. Found in rather shallow water.
        9. Hippoglossoides Jordani�This is universally known as sole. Average 
about three pounds. One of the best flounders. Found in shallow water. Great 
numbers are taken out by Chinamen on set lines baited with anchovies. This is 
the most abundant sole in Monterey Bay.
        10. H. exilis�A small, slender flounder found in deep water with sandy 
bottoms. Weight about one-half pound; length, six inches. Too small to be of 
much value. Has large scales and very large eyes.
        11. Slippery Sole (Glyptocephalus Paciflcus)�Only taken in deep water. 
Usually eight inches long and weighs one-half pound. The larger ones are very 
good. More slimy than any other flounder.
        12. Long-Finned Sole (G. Zachirus)�Only in deep water; somewhat rare; 
flesh firm and white, of superior flavor.
        13. Pleuronichthys caenosus.
        14. P. verticalsis.
        15. P. quadrituberculatus.
        These three species have no distinctive name among fishermen. Unlike 
other flounders they feed chiefly on seaweeds. Sometimes they take the hook. 
Size, about ten inches long, and weight one to two pounds. Found usually in deep 
water.
        16. Common Halibut (Hippoglossus vulgaris)�Although not common this fish 
is sometimes found here. Its range is further north, where it is very abundant 
and of large size.
        17. Tom Cod (Microgadus proximus)�Usually served under the name of 
"smelt" in San Francisco. Weighs about one-half pound, and one-half to one foot 
in length. Taken very abundantly in seines and sweep nets. Found at all seasons. 
One of the most important food fishes of this coast.
        18. Alaska Pollock (Pollachius chalcogrammus)�Noted for its rich, fat 
flesh. Reaches a length of about two feet. Deep water; caught with hook and 
line; not usually very plentiful in this bay.
        19. California Hake (Merlucius productus)�Called sometimes "Horse 
mackerel," a name applied to several other species of fish. Weight about six 
pounds. The Italians call it Merlooch.
        20. Red Cusk (Brosmophycis marginatus)�The Italians know it as Musteta. 
Bright colors; length, ten to eighteen inches; deep water.
        21. Wolf Fishes�Two small species (Lycodopsis paucidens and L. 
microstomys); are found in deep water; about one foot in length.
        22. Wolf Eel (Anarrichthys ocellatus)�The Italians call it Marina. Four 
to eight feet in length and weighs ten to thirty pounds. Is a good food fish.
        23. Blenny�There are about a dozen species of the Blenoid fishes. They 
live mostly about the rocks between tides among the seaweeds, and but few of 
them are used as food.
        24. Singing or Toad Fish (Porichthys porosissimus)�Muddy bottoms; 
abundant; length, ten to fifteen inches; not considered good food.
        25. Goby�There are several species which may be seen lying on the 
bottoms entering the lagoons. One (Gillichthys mirabilis) is eaten by the 
Chinese, and its flesh is said to be very good. It burrows in the muddy bottom 
of lagoons.
        26. Sculpin---Although there are about ten or twenty species in this 
bay, only one has much value as a food fish, that is the "Cabezon" of the 
Italians�sometimes called "Scorpion" and "Biggy-head." It is taken with hooks 
and gill nets, and reaches a length of two feet or more, and a weight of ten 
pounds. It is not used much when better fish can be had.
        27. Rock Fish or Rock Cod�This is an important family, ranking high as 
food fish. There are many species, but the more important are as follows:�
        Sebastichthys nigrocinctus (Black Banded Rock Fish)�Found in deep water; 
brilliant colors; weight, three pounds; length, fifteen inches.
        S. serriceps�Called by Portuguese "Tree fish." Not so large as No. 1; 
handsomely colored. 
        S. nebulosus (Speckled Rock Cod)�"Garupa," common; weight, two or three 
pounds. 
        S. chrysomelas (Black and Yellow Garupa)�attractive colors.
        S. carnatus (Flesh-colored Rock Cod).
        S. maliger (Yellow-backed Rock Fish).
        S. caurinus (Red Garupa).
        S. rastrelliger (Grass Rock Fish, so called from its color)�Said to be 
the best of all rock fish.
        S. auriculatus (Brown Rock Fish).
        S. chlorosticus (Vermilion Fish)�Excellent food.
        S. rhodochloris (Fly Fish or Olive Green Rock Fish)�A small species, 
seldom weighing more than a pound.
        S. rosaceus (Corsair of the Portuguese fisherman)�Caught with trawl 
lines; small, but ranks high as good fish.
        S. constellatus (Spotted Corsair)�Much like the last but not so 
abundant.
        S. rubrivinctus (Spanish Flag, so called from its broad bands of 
red-white and red)�In color it is the most brilliant fish on the coast. Reaches 
a weight of about six pounds.
        S. ruber (Red Rock Fish, par excellence)---The Portuguese at Monterey 
call it the "Tambor." It is the largest species, attaining a weight of twelve or 
more pounds, and one of the most common species.
        S. miniatus (Rasher of the Portuguese).
        S. pinniger (Orange Rock Fish)�Very much like 15 and 16.
        S. atrovirens (Garupa or Green Rock Fish)�Excellent food.
        S. elongatus ("Reina," Queen)�Lives in deep water. Reaches about two 
pounds weight. 
        S. ovalis ("Viuva," Widow)�Larger than preceding; seldom found.
        S. entomales�Similar to oxalis.
        S. mystinus (Black Rock Fish)�The Portuguese call it " Priest Fish," in 
allusion to its dark colors. Average weight, two or three pounds.
        S. melanops (Spotted Black Rock Fish)�In size and value about the same 
as the melanops. 
        S. flavidus (Yellow-tail Rock Fish)�The caudal fin is always yellow. 
Abundant, and one of the best market fish.
        S. ebastodes paucispinus ("Big Mouth" or Boccaccio)�One of the largest 
of the group, weighing ten to fifteen pounds; excellent food and abundant. The 
most voracious of the family.
        28. Green Rock Trout (Hexagrammus lagocephalus).
        29. Spotted Rock Trout (H. decagrammus)�The Portuguese of Monterey call 
these two species "Boregat" and "Bodieron." Length, about twelve or fifteen 
inches. They are fairly good food.
        30. Cultus or Bastard Cod (Ophiodon elongatus)�Called "Codfish" where 
the true Cod is unknown. The average weight is from six to ten pounds, although 
in northern waters it often reaches fifty or sixty pounds; length, one to two 
feet.
        31. Black Candle Fish (Anoplopoma fimbria)� Called in Puget Sound "Horse 
Mackerel;" at San Francisco, "Candle Fish." Reaches a weight of five pounds, and 
a length of twenty inches.
        32. Senorita (Pseudojulis modestus)�Sometimes known as "Pescery." Found 
in the kelp; weight, about one-fourth pound. Used chiefly for bait, although 
excellent food.
        33. Perch or Surf Fish�Fish under these names are numerous and belong to 
different genera and species.
        Racochilus toxotes ("Sprat" at Santa Cruz, and "Alfione" at Soquel)�This 
is the largest of the group. Length, six to eighteen inches; weight, one to five 
pounds. Considered a good food fish.
        Damalichthys argyrosomus ("Perch" or "White Perch").
        Ditrema furcatum ("White Perch")�Lives in sheltered bays.
        D. atripes�Taken in seines near shore.
        D. laterale (Blue Surf Fish)�Common.
        D. Jacksoni (Black Perch).
        Hypsurus Caryi ("Moharra" by the Portuguese, and "Perch").
        Amphistichus argenteus (Silver Perch)�Abundant along sandy beaches.
        Holconotus rhodoterus�Has no common name. Abundant at Soquel.
        H. Agassizi�With No. 9.
        H. argenteus ("Wall Eye," on account of its very large eyes).
        H. analis�Used for bait at Soquel.
        Brachysteus rosaceus�Less than one-half pound.
        B. frenatus�Smaller than the preceding.
        Cymptogaster aggregatus ("Minnow," " Shiner," " Sparda ")--Perhaps the 
most abundant species on the coast.
        Abeone aurora.
        A. minima ("Shiner").
        34. Tinker Mackerel (Scomber pneumatophorus)�"Easter Mackerel," "Little 
Mackerel." This fish is seldom more than fourteen inches long. It is thought by 
some that there are mackerel enough on our coast, of the best quality, to supply 
all the wants of our State without importing.     
        35. Monterey Mackerel (Scomberomorus concolor)�This fish has only been 
seen in Monterey Bay, mostly at Soquel. It reaches a weight of five to eight 
pounds, and is thirty inches in length. They appear in September and disappear 
about November. The flesh is excellent and they bring a high price.
        36. Bonito (Sarda Chilensis)�Sometimes called "Spanish Mackerel," 
"Skipjack," and "Tuna." Taken in great numbers in summer and fall in company 
with the Barracuda, by trolling. Average weight, twelve pounds. Held in high 
esteem as a food fish.
        37. Long-Finned Tunny (Orcynus alabnga)�Known also as the "Albicore." 
Reaches a weight of twelve pounds. Is shorter and deeper than the Bonito, and 
not so good for food. Seldom comes within six miles of shore.
        38. Horse Mackerel or Scad (Trachurus picturatus)�Arrives here in 
August, disappearing before December. Sometimes exceedingly abundant. Attains a 
length of twelve inches and a weight of one pound. Great numbers are salted for 
bait. As a food fish it is excellent, but for some reason is not held in high 
esteem. Sometimes our beaches are strewn with these fish, driven ashore by other 
fish pursuing them.
        39. California Pompano (Stromateus simillibus)�Appears in schools in 
summer and fall. Is about six to eight inches long and weighs nearly one-half 
pound. Its flesh is rich, fat, and excellent. Increasing in abundance since 
1870.
        40. White Fish, Blanquillo (Caulolatilus anomalus)�Its average weight is 
four or five pounds, and length fifteen inches. Fair quality when fresh, but 
salted it is first quality.
        41. White Sea Bass (Cynoscion nobile)�"Sea Front," " Corvina." It 
reaches a length of four to six feet, and a weight of fifty to seventy-five 
pounds; as seen in market the average is about fifteen pounds. One of the most 
important food fishes on the coast.
        42. Little Bass or Roncador (Genyonemus lineatus)�Weight, one pound; 
length, one foot; the average is less. Good when fresh but will not keep long.
        43. King Fish or Queen Fish (Seriphus politus) �Excellent; taken in 
great numbers in seines at Soquel. Weight, one-half pound; length, eight inches 
or less.
        44. Blue Fish (Girella nigricans)�Length, about twelve inches; weight, 
about three pounds. Lives entirely on seaweeds. Good quality. Very tenacious of 
life.
        45. Jew Fish (Stereolepis gigas)�Sometimes called "Black Sea Bass." The 
largest food fish on the coast, reaching a weight of five hundred pounds. Found 
in deep water, and, owing to its size, is seldom caught.
        46. Cabrilla or Kelp Salmon (Seranus clathratus)�"Rock Bass" of the 
Americans. Weight, five pounds or less.
        47. Rock Bass or Johnny Verde (S. nebulifer)�Length, twelve to twenty 
inches; weight, about five pounds. Much like the preceding. Not common. Of 
excellent quality.
        48. Cabrilla or Rock Bass (S. maculofasciatus)�Rather smaller than the 
preceding, but similar in other respects.
        49. Barracuda (Sphyrcena picuda)�One of the best food fishes. Caught 
with hook and troll. Reaches three feet in length and a weight of twelve pounds.
        50. Deal Fish (Trachyplerus allivelis)�The Makah Indians call it "King 
of the Salmon," and will allow no one to eat it for fear the salmon will never 
return. A beautiful fish, with silver and golden colors. Sometimes cast ashore 
on our beaches.
        51. Mullet (Mugil albula)� About eight or ten inches in length. Found in 
the ocean and in muddy lagoons. Considered a good food fish.
        52. Smelt (Alherinopsis Californiensis)�Found in rocky, sheltered bays. 
Very abundant. Not migratory. Average size, five to ten inches. One of the most 
important food fishes on the coast.
        53. Little Smelt (A. affinis)�Associated with the preceding, but 
smaller. Found in sheltered sandy bays and lagoons.
        54. Sticklebacks (Gasterosteus aculealus and G. microcephalus)--These 
two species serve mainly as food for other fishes.
        55. Skipjack (Scomberesox brevirostris)�Rare. A sort of Mackerel Pike, 
belonging to the flying fish family.
        56. Quinnat or California Salmon (Oncorhynchus Chouicha) This is the 
"King Salmon," "Choweecha," or Columbia and Sacramento River Salmon. It reaches 
a weight of sixty to ninety pounds, but in this vicinity is much smaller. This 
is a splendid fish and has no equal on the coast. While most of our market 
salmon come from the Sacramento, the home supply at most seasons is abundant.
        57. Rainbow Trout (Salmo irideus)�"Brook Trout," "Mountain Trout," 
"Speckled Trout," and other names are applied to this fish. It is found in all 
of our mountain streams. Four inches to a foot in length. Seldom goes into the 
salt water.
        58. Black Spotted Trout (Salmo purpuratus)�"Salmon Trout," "Silver 
Trout," etc. An exceedingly variable fish, according to size, age, and locality. 
From two inches up to three feet in length. Abundant in large streams and in the 
ocean. An excellent and popular food fish.
        59. Steel-head Salmon (Salmo Gairdineri)�Sometimes called "Hard-head." 
When large called "Salmon Trout." Average weight, when grown, about sixteen 
pounds. Always found close to the shore. 
        60. Dolly Varden Trout (Salvelinus malma)�"Red Spotted Trout," "Lake 
Trout," etc. Weight, twelve pounds or less. In mountain streams it breeds at a 
length of six or eight inches.
        61. Surf Smelt (Osmerus thaleichthys)�Length, six to eight inches. 
Serves as food for other fish, and is not a bad fish when fresh. Sometimes 
called "California Smelt" where No 52 is unknown.
        62. Another Surf Smelt (Hypomesus olidus)�A foot or less in length. 
Found at all seasons, but in August go in great schools near shore. As a pan 
fish is unsurpassed.
        63. Snake Fish (Synodus lucioceps)�This fish is occasionally eaten but 
is not of much value.
        64. California Herring (Clupea mirabalis)�This scarcely differs from the 
herring of the Atlantic. Less than a foot in length. One of the most important 
of food fishes.
        65. California Sardine (Clupea sagax)�Almost exactly identical with the 
sardine of Europe. Smaller than the preceding. Probably to some extent 
migratory. The bay near the beach is darkened for long distances, at certain 
seasons, with this little fish. It is excellent food, and, owing to its great 
abundance, must sometime prove valuable.
        66. California Anchovy (Stolephorus ringens)�It is about four to six 
inches in length, is extremely common, and serves as food for salmon, bonito, 
sea bass and barracuda. They are used as bait for flounders and rock fish; have 
no other economic value.
        67. Sucker (Catostomus)�Found in all the streams entering the bay.
        68. Rat Fish (Chimaera Colliei)�Reaches a length of nearly two feet, and 
weighs five or six pounds. The liver is large and well filled with oil of a 
superior quality. The flesh is not good. The male has a curious crest on front 
of head, a distinguishing feature.
        69. Carp (Cyprinus carpio)�This fish has been introduced and cultivated 
in ponds and sluggish streams. There is, however, a native species in our 
streams named Orthodon microlepidotus, which is said to be good food. It reaches 
a length of twelve or eighteen inches.
        70. Eels and Catfish�There are several species of these fish in our 
streams and along our coast, but their history has not been sufficiently made 
out to clearly distinguish them. They are not of much interest, however, at 
present, as food fishes.
        71. Rays, Skates and Torpedo�These fish are more remarkable for their 
annoyance to fishermen than for the food they furnish. The "Sting Ray" 
(Myliobatis Californicus) has a sharp spine (sting) which may pierce the hands 
or feet, causing severe wounds, and, perhaps, blood poisoning. The true Rays 
(Raia inornata, R. binoculata, R. rhina, and R. stellulata) are more plentiful 
than useful. The first two are found in the markets of San Francisco; and used 
by the French for food. They are about two feet in length. There are two species 
of the Rhinobatus and one Torpedo.
        72. Sharks�The list of sharks, residents and visitors, in this bay 
numbers about fourteen. Three are very large, reaching thirty or forty feet in 
length, and are valued for the oil obtained from their livers. The young of some 
species are dried by the Chinese for the use or that people. Some are pursued 
for their oil, such as Nos. 2, to and 14. No. 10 is valuable for its fins, and 
No. 14 for its skin, which is used to polish woodwork�also for the oil of its 
liver.
        (1) Squatina angelus (Angel Fish).
        (2) Heptranchias maculatus (Shovel-nosed Shark).
        (3) Hexanchus corinus�Three to five feet.
        (4) Scylliorrhinus ventriosus (Ground Shark).
        (5) Alopes vulpes (Thrasher)�Five to fifteen feet.
        (6) Isurus oxrrhynthus�About seven. feet.
        (7) Lamna cornubica (Mackerel Shark)�Eight to ten feet.
        (8) Carcharodon carcharias (Man-eater Shark)�Rare. Fifteen to 
thirty-five feet.
        (9) Cetorhinus maximus (Bone Shark, Basking Shark)�Thirty-six to forty 
feet.
        (10) Galeorhinus zygopterus (Oil Shark).
        (11) Triads semifasciatus (Cat Shark).
        (12) T. Henlei.
        (13) Mustlelus Californicus.
        (14.) Squalus acanthias (Dog Fish)�One to three feet.
        73. Hag Fish (Polistotrema Stouti and Bdellostoma Dombeyz)�This is a 
kind of eel and more important on account of its destructiveness to other fishes 
than anything else. It fastens onto rock fish, halibut, and other fishes, 
especially when they are caught in gill nets, and devours even in a single night 
all the flesh, only leaving a mere hulk of head, skin, and bones. It is 
sometimes called "Slime Eel" (Myxine glutinosa), which is found on the Atlantic 
Coast, having a similar vicious habit.
        74. Lamprey Eels (Petromyzon)--Found in fresh and brackish water. 
Doubtless a good food fish but seldom used. Their habits and qualities are too 
imperfectly known on this coast.