A Field Guide To

Common Subtidal Plants and
    Animals
       Second Edition




   Santa Barbara Coastal Ecosystem
 Long-Term Ecological Research Program
      A Field Guide To
Common Subtidal Plants and Animals
        Second edition

  Santa Barbara Coastal Ecosystem
Long-Term Ecological Research Program



        Edited by

Dan Reed, Brent Mardian, and Bryn Evans



     Marine Science Institute
     University of California
   Santa Barbara, CA USA 93106


         2005
          Acknowledgements

A special thanks to Mike Anghera, Cary Galst, Monica
Pessino, Aimee Sarkaria, Cherlyn Seruto, and Allan Willis
who assisted in the preparation of the book. Funding was
provided by the National Science Foundation under grant
No. OCE99-82105. This book is intended for educational
use only. No portion of this field guide may be reproduced
for other purposes without the consent of the authors.
              Photo Credits
Shane Anderson-Asterina miniata, Embiotica lateralis, Squatina californica,
Medialuna californiensis, Neoclinus blanchardi,
Todd Anderson- Brachyistius frenatus
Mike Behrens- Haliotis kamtschatkana,
Chris Gotschalk- Sebastes chrysomelas
Richard Herman- Parastichopus parvemensis
Kevin Lafferty- Haliotis cracherodii
             Introduction
This guide contains information on the common marine plants
and animals that inhabit the shallow rocky reefs of the Santa
Barbara Channel. It’s purpose is to aid students, staff, and
faculty researchers of the Santa Barbara Coastal Ecosystem
Long-Term Ecological Research program (SBC-LTER) in field
identification. It also provides those less familiar with the Santa
Barbara Channel with a glimpse of the diverse marine life that
can be found at SBC-LTER study sites. SBC-LTER is one of 24
sites established and funded by the National Science
Foundation to investigate long-term ecological phenomena.
More information on SBC-LTER’s mission and research can be
found at: http://sbc.lternet.edu.




         How To Use This Book
Taxa in this book are arranged in phylogenetic order. Each
organism is identified by its scientific name and common name,
when available. The accompanying one to four letter code in
BOLD is the SBC-LTER species code that is used to identify the
taxa in all SBC-LTER databases. Brief information on key
characteristics used in identification, including the size and
habitat of most common occurrence, is provided for each taxon.
Phylum Chlorophyta/Phaeophyta        Chlorophyta/Phaeophyta




            Ulvoid
            UV
          •   Identification: Bright green algae with
             thin leafy blades in the genera Ulva and
             Enteromorpha.
          •   Size: Variable in size.
          •   Habitat: Usually found growing on
             rocks or epiphytic.




            Codium fragile
            Dead man’s fingers
            COF
          •   Identification: One to several erect
             branches from a broad base, then
             abundantly branched. Color dark
             green to blackish-green.
          •   Size: 10-30 cm tall.
          •   Habitat: Frequent on sides and tops of
             rocks in areas of high water motion.




            Filamentous brown algae
            FB
          •   Identification: Small finely branched
             filamentous brown algae. Frequently
             forming dense mats. Common genera
             include Ectcarpus, Giffordia and
             Hinksia.
          •   Size: Variable up to 30 cm long.
          •   Habitat: Growing on rocks and other
             hard substrates.
                         Phaeophyta
Phylum Phaeophyta


   Scytosiphon lomentaria
   SELO
      •  Identification: Small brown alga with
         slender tubular thalli. Gregarious in
         clusters from a crustose holdfast.
         Larger plants inflated and irregularly
         constricted.
      •  Size: 20-30 cm tall, thallus 4-6 mm in
         diameter.
      •  Habitat : on sheltered rocks.




    Colpomenia spp.
    CP
      •  Identification: Sac-like alga with broad
         basal attachment. Color from olive to
         medium brown.
      •  Size: Diameter up to 10 cm.
      •  Habitat: On rocks, occasionally
         epiphytic.




    Dictyota spp./ Pachydictyon spp.
    DP
    •    Identification: Smooth thin blades
        with rounded tips. Light to dark
        brown in color. Dichotomous to
        pinnate branching. No midrib.
    •    Size: Up to 45 cm tall. Blades 1-2 cm
        broad.
    •    Habitat: On rocky substrate.
                            Phaeophyta
Phylum Phaeophyta


        Taonia lennebackeriae
        TALE

        •  Identification: Thin strap-like to fan-
          shaped blade. Light to medium brown in
          color. Split or lacerated at tips when
          mature.
        •  Size: 10-30 cm tall, blades 10-60 mm
          broad.
        •  Habitat: Frequent on rocks, often
          partially embedded in sand.




        Dictyopteris undulata
        DU

        •   Identification: Alga irregularly
           dichotomous with short terminal
           branches. Distinguishing feature is the
           midrib running through the branches.
           Color yellowish-brown to olive.
        •   Size: 8-12 cm tall, reaching 24 cm.
        •   Habitat: Frequent on rocks.



        Laminaria farlowii
        Oar weed
        LAFA / LFJ
      •    Identification: Single long, wide blade with
          deep depressions in longitudinal rows. Dark
          brown in color with short stipe.
      •    Size: Blade length to 5 m. Stipe 4-7 cm
          long.
      •    Habitat: On rocky substrate.
Phylum Phaeophyta                   Phaeophyta



     Pterygophora californica
     Palm Kelp
     PTCA / PTJ
     •  Identification: Long woody
        unbranched stipe. Flattened in upper
        portion. Terminal blade with a midrib.
        Numerous lateral sporophylls. Small
        branched holdfast.
     •  Size: To 2.3 m in height.
     •  Habitat: May form extensive stands on
        rocky substrate.



     Eisenia arborea
     Southern sea palm
     EA
     •  Identification: Erect tree-like stipe that
        terminates into two branches that bear
        leafy brown blades with toothed
        margins. Color usually medium to
        dark brown .
     •  Size: Stipe 1-2 m long. Blades can be
        as long as stipe.
     •  Habitat: On rocky substrate.



     Egregia menziesii
     Feather boa kelp
     EGME / EGJ
     •  Identification: A large kelp having a
        long flat stipe bearing numerous small
        flat blades and floats along its entire
        length.
     •  Size: Plant 5 to 15 m long with blades
        to 8 cm long.
     •  Habitat: On rocky substrate.
                          Phaeophyta
Phylum Phaeophyta

      Macrocystis pyrifera
      Giant Kelp
      MPS / MPJ
      •  Identification: The largest of kelps
        possessing many round stipes each
        bearing numerous blades attached by
        gas filled floats. Large conical holdfast
        of root like haptera.
      •  Size: Up to 45.7 m tall.
      •  Habitat: On rocky substrate and
        occasionally in sand.


      Desmarestia ligulata
      Acid weed
      DL
    •    Identification: Thin pinnately branched
        thallus with slender midvein. Medium to
        dark brown in color. Finely branched and
        bushy or coarse with marginal spines.
    •    Size: 8 m tall.
    •    Habitat: Growing on rocks and attached to
        worm tubes in sandy habitats.




      Sargassum muticum
      SAMU
      •  Identification: Large alga having small
        leaf like blades with toothed margins that
        occur singly along the thallus. Medium to
        dark brown in color. Small cylindrical
        pneumatocysts borne in clusters.
      •  Size: up to 2 m tall, leaves to 10 cm long.
      •  Habitat: On hard substrate.
                      Phaeophyta/Rhodophyta
Phylum Phaeophyta/Rhodophyta

        Cytoseira osmundacea
        Bladder chain
        CYOS / CYJ
         •  Identification: dark brown fucoid with
           radial branches. Tall bushy reproductive
           parts
         •  Size: to 8 m tall, blades 1-1.5 cm broad.
         •  Habitat: On rocks, frequently mingled
           with Macrocystis.




        Scinaia confusa
        SCCA

         •  Identification: Rose pink tubular
           thallus, with regularly branched
           axes.
         •  Size: 3-15 cm tall.
         •  Habitat: grows on rocks.




        Gelidium robustum
        Agarweed
        GR
         •  Identification: Dark red branches,
           compressed, but basal axes cylindrical.
           Branches frequently distichous, often
           geniculate. Branches often covered by
           white encrusting bryozoans..
         •  Size: To 40 cm tall.
         •  Habitat: On tops of reefs in areas of
           high water motion.
                       Rhodophyta
Phylum Rhodophyta

    Lithothrix spp.
    Stone hair
    LI
     •  Identification: Alga dull purple to pink
        in color. Primary branching
        dichotomous but irregular lateral
        branches, gives a stringy look.
     •  Size: To 13 cm tall.
     •  Habitat: Found growing on rocks or
        animals in sandy areas.




    Corallina officinalis
    CO
     •  Identification: Fronds whitish,
        pinkish, or purplish. Bipinnate to
        tripinnate branching, with branches
        in one plane like a feather.
     •  Size: Height to 15 cm.
     •  Habitat: On hard substrate.




    Bossiella orbigniana
    BO
     •  Identification: Branches are thin and
        delicate, always dichotomous. Each
        segment is wing-nut shaped and has
        bumps (i.e. conceptacles) on the inner
        margin.
     •  Size: Height 15-30 cml.
     •  Habitat: On rocks.
                       Rhodophyta
Phylum Rhodophyta

    Calliarthron cheilosporioides
      CAL
    •  Identification: Articulate coralline alga
       with coarse pinnate branching. Segments
       flat and rounded. Conceptacles (bumps)
       on the margins of wings. Seen here with
       an orange epiphytic hydroid (Garvela
       annulata).
    •  Size: Fronds to 30 cm. Segments to 7
       mm.
    •  Habitat: Frequent growing on rocks.



      Encrusting coralline
      EC
    •  Identification: Calcified crusts of
       pinkish algae that cover the surface of
       hard substrates. Often intermixed with
       other erect species of coralline algae.
    •  Size: Variable sized patches that can
       cover a large proportion of the bottom.
    •  Habitat: Hard, rocky substrate.



      Prionitis lanceolata
      PL

    •  Identification: Dull, purplish red alga
       with narrow compressed branches.
       Cartilaginous in texture.
    •  Size: 20-30 cm tall, axes and branches
       2.5-5 cm wide.
    •  Habitat: grow on hard substrate.
                          Rhodophyta
Phylum Rhodophyta

     Callophyllis flabellulata
     CF
   •   Identification: Flat thin bladed red
      alga with finely dissected ultimate
      branches. Rose to orange-red color.
   •   Size: 4-10 cm tall.
   •   Habitat: growing on rocks or
      epiphytic.



     Gracilaria sp.
     GS
   •   Identification: Deep dull reddish algae
      with numerous cylindrical spaghetti-
      like branches arising from a discoid
      holdfast. Branches fleshy to
      cartilaginous.
   •   Size: 6-20 cm tall.
   •   Habitat: Frequently on rocks often
      embedded in shallow sand.



     Chondracanthus corymbiferus
     CC
   •   Identification: Among the largest of
      all red algae. Blades deep red.
      Broadly rounded and frequently
      ruffled, with smooth iridescent bases.
      Formerly Gigartina corymbiferus.
   •   Size: blades can grow more than 1m,
      30 cm wide. Holdfasts 1-5 cm wide.
   •   Habitat: On hard substrate.
                           Rhodophyta
Phylum Rhodophyta

          Chondracanthus spinosa
          CZ
        •  Identification: Colors range from
          purplish to black to brownish to red,
          grows in thick isolated clumps. Narrower
          blades than C. corymbiferus with large
          papillae and numerous spinelike to
          bladelike branchlets.
        •  Size: 20-30 cm tall, 4-6 cm broad
        •  Habitat: On hard substrate.




          Rhodymenia californica
          R
      •    Identification: Thalli bushy and clumped,
           one to many erect or spreading blades
           dichotomously or flabellately branched on
           short stipes. Color dark red to a bleached
           pink.
      •    Size: To 15 cm tall.
      •    Habitat: Found growing on rocks.



          Nienburgia andersoniana
          NA

    •      Identification: Thin narrow branched
          blades with a midrib in the lower parts
          and conspicuously toothed margins.
          Bright rose to dull carmine.
    •      Size: Main axes 1-16mm broad.
    •      Habitat: Found growing on rocks.
                         Rhodophyta
Phylum Rhodophyta

        Acrosorium uncinatum
        AU

      •  Identification: Thin flattened blades with
        irregular branches. Blades irregularly
        hooked at ends that cause it to become
        entangled. Frequently parasitic. Color
        deep rose red.
      •  Size: Height to 8 cm tall.
      •  Habitat: Often found epiphytic on other
        algae.


   Botryoglossum farlowianum
        Grape tongue
        BF
    •    Identification: Large deep red slightly
        iridescent blades having densely ruffled
        margins with numerous proliferations.
    •    Size: Erect axes 10-50 cm tall, blades
        0.15-2 cm wide.
    •    Habitat: Common growing on rocks.




        Laurencia sp.
        LS

    •    Identification: Erect bushy thalli with
        short stubby branches ending in a blunt
        tip. Color ranging from brown to rich
        red.
    •    Size: 3-10 cm tall.
    •    Habitat: Found growing on rocks or
        epiphytic.
                        Rhodophyta
Phylum Rhodophyta


      Bladey Red
      BR
    •  Identification: Broad catch all
      category for numerous species of red
      algae having thin fleshy blades.
    •  Size: Variable, but can reach 10 cm
      tall.
    •  Habitat: Rocky substrate.




      Filamentous red spp.
      FR

    •  Identification: Thin, finely branched
      red algae. Frequently forms tufts or
      clumps. Common genera include:
      Polysiphonia, Ceramium.
    •  Size: Variable, up to 20 cm tall.
    •  Habitat: On rocky substrate.




      Red Algal Turf
      RAT

    •  Identification: Low growing turf
      consisting of polysiphonous filamentous
      red algae (e.g. Polysiphonia spp.,
      Pterosiphonia spp, Tiffaniella spp.), turf
      dwelling invertebrates (e.g. tubiculous
      crustacea and polychaetes) and sediments.
    •  Size: 1 – 3 cm tall.
    •  Habitat: On rocky substrate.
Phylum Tracheophyta            Tracheophyta


       Phyllospadix torreyi
       Surfgrass
       PHTO
     •  Identification: Bright green narrow wiry
       leaves with flowering stems arising from
       a densely mingled rhizomous mat.
       Separate sexes. Flowers arranged in
       spadices.
     •  Size: leaves 2-4 mm wide, 1-2 m long.
     •  Habitat: open coast on rocky reefs, low
       intertidal to 6 m depth.



       Zostera marina
       Eelgrass
       ZOMA
     •  Identification: Dull, light green, strap-
       like leaves with long flowering stems.
       Monecious. Flowers inconspicuous in
       spadices.
     •  Size: leaves 6-12 mm wide, 30-150 cm
       long, flowering stems 1-3 m long.
     •  Habitat: protected sandy flats. Intertidal
       to shallow subtidal in bays and estuaries.
       Occurring offshore on open coast at
       depths of 5–20 m.
                         Porifera

Phylum Porifera
     Spheciospongia confoederata
     moon sponge
     SC
     •  Identification: Massive, smooth gray
       sponge (leathery in texture) with
       numerous crater-like oscula on outer
       ridge.
     •  Size: Up to 70 cm long and 14 cm thick
     •  Habitat: On rocky reefs.



     Tethya aurantia
     orange puffball
     TEAU
     •  Identification: Porous, globose sponge
       with very rough outer surface. Color
       ranges from orange to yellow.
     •  Size: Diameter at least 8 cm.
     •  Habitat: On sides of reefs and under
       ledges.




    Hymenamphiastra cyanocrypta
     cobalt sponge
     HC
     •  Identification: Thin, encrusting,
       usually, cobalt blue sponge.
     •  Size: Diameter up to 1 m.
     •  Habitat:common growing on rocky reef
       areas underneath ledges or on sides of
       rocks.
                            Anthozoa

Phylum Cnidaria

       Aglaophenia spp.
       hydroid
       AS
       •   Identification: Large feather-like brown
          plumes consisting of a central stalk
          with numerous pinnate branches.
       •   Size: Plumes to about 12 cm.
       •   Habitat: Attached to rocky substrate.




       Urticina lofotensis
       white-spotted rose anemome
       URLO
       •   Identification: Column is very
          distinctive red, with white spots.
          Tentacles are scarlet to crimson.
       •   Size: Maximum column diameter to 10
          cm.
       •   Habitat: Attached to rocky substrate.




       Urticina piscivora
       fish eating anemone
       URPI
       •   Identification: Deep red column with
         tentacles that are usually white, but
         occasionally red.
       •  Size: Crown to 8 inches in diameter.
       •   Habitat: Attatched to rocky substrate.
                         Anthozoa


Phylum Cnidaria

    Anthopleura spp.
    aggregating anemone
    ANSP

    •  Identification: Aggregations or solitary
       individuals. Color from green to
       reddish.
    •  Size: Maximum tentacular diameter to
       10-15 cm.
    •  Habitat: Attached to rocky substrate,
       may be buried in sand.



    Corynactis californica
    club-tipped anemone
    CY
    •  Identification: Small colonial anemone
       with bulbous-tipped tentacles. Color
       varies from orange, red, purple, pink, to
       almost white.
    •  Size: Diameter up to 2.5 cm.
    •  Habitat: attached to rocky substrates.


    Astrangia lajollaensis
    cup coral
    AL
    •  Identification: Small cup corals form
       large colonies. The stony cups are
       brownish-orange and tentacles are
       yellowish-orange.
    •  Size: Cups to about 1 cm in
       diameter.
    •  Habitat: on rocky reefs and under
       ledges.
                          Anthozoa


Phylum Cnidaria

    Balanophyllia elegans
    orange cup coral
    BAEL

    •   Identification: Solitary, orange, cup-
       shaped coral with orange tentacles.
    •   Size: Diameter up to 2.5 cm.
    •   Habitat: Attached to rocky substrate.




    Paracyathus stearnsi
    brown cup coral
    PAST
    •   Identification: Small brown solitary
       cup corals have long, almost clear,
       tentacles.
    •   Size: Maximum cup diameter of 4
       cm.
    •   Habitat: Attached to rocky
       substrate.

    Pachycerianthus fimbriatus
      tube dwelling anemone
    PAFI

    •   Identification: long, slender outer
       tentacles and shorter inner tentacles. Soft
       body protected by tube. Tentacles may be
       creamy white, brown, black, or orange.
    •   Size: Height to about 30cm, diameter to
       about 38 mm.
    •   Habitat: Sand and soft mud bottoms
                       Anthozoa


Phylum Cnidaria

    Lophogorgia chilensis
    red gorgonian
    LOCH


    •  Identification: Sea fan with red
      branches with white polyps. Branches
      are not in a single plan.
    •  Size: Height to about 1 meter.
    •  Habitat: Attached to rocky substrate.




    Muricea fruticosa
    brown gorgonian
    MUFR

    •  Identification: Thick brown branches
      with white polyps, usually in one
      plane. Brown in color.
    •  Size: Height to about 1 meter.
    •  Habitat: Attached to rocky substrate.




    Muricea californica
    california golden gorgonian
    MUCA

    •  Identification: Thick brown branches.
      Yellow polyps distinguish it from brown
      gorgonian.
    •  Size: Height to about 1 meter.
    •  Habitat: Attached to rocky substrate.
                       Polychaeta


Phylum Annelida

    Phragmatopoma californica
    Colonial sand tube worm
    PA
    •  Identification: Extensive colonies.
      Tubes constructed of cemented sand.
      Short lavender tentacles.
    •  Size: Diameter up to 1 cm.
    •  Habitat: Honeycomb colonies on or
      against rocks in areas of high sand
      transport.

    Sabellid worm
    SABW
    •  Identification: Worms in the family
      Sabellidae that retract into tube when
      disturbed. The most commonly
      observed species is the feather duster
      worm Eudistylia polymorpha which is
      identified by it’s plume of branched
      gills that vary in color from tan to
      orange.
    •  Size: Crown diameter to 7.5 cm
    •  Habitat: Attached to rocky substrate.


    Diopatra ornata
    Ornate tube worm
    DIOR

    •  Identification: Tubes usually
      completely covered with attached
      pieces of shell, algae, or other debris.
    •  Size: Tube diameter up to about 2 cm.
    •  Habitat: On sand or rubble usually near
      rocks.
                            Polychaeta
 Phylum Annelida

    Salmacina tribranchiata
    Fragile tube worm
    ST

    •     Identification: Small whitish tubes that
         form tangled complex masses up to a size
         of about 20 cm in diameter.
    •     Size: Tube diameter < 2 mm.
    •     Habitat: Attached to sides or under rocks.



                          Gastropda
Phylum Mollusca

      Haliotis corrugata
      Pink abalone
      HACO
      •   Identification: Shell is almost round, with
          corrugated, scalloped edge. Two to four
          raised shell holes remain open.
      •   Size: Length to 25 cm.
      •   Habitat: In rocky crevices and on sides of
          rocks.



        Haliotis cracherodii
        Black abalone
        HACR
      •   Identification: Shell color ranges from dark
          blue to black and shell is smooth. Five to 7
          holes are usually open.
      •   Size: Length to 20 cm.
      •   Habitat: On rocks and in crevices.
                           Gastropda


Phylum Mollusca

   Haliotis rufescens
   Red abalone
   HARU
   •     Identification: Shell usually brick-red,
        occasionally with bands of green or white.
        Three or four of the holes are open.
   •     Size: Length to 30 cm.
   •     Habitat: On rocks, occasionally on sand or
        gravel bottoms.




       Haliotis kamtschatkana
            assimilis
       Threaded abalone
       HAKA
     • Identification: Flat oblong shell with four
      to eight open holes that are slightly
      raised.
     • Size: Length to about 175 mm
     • Habitat:on rocks or in crevices




       Megathura crenulata
       Giant keyhole limpet
       MECR
     •    Identification: Mantle color varies from
         black to mottled gray and usually covers
         the entire shell. Shell has a large opening
         in the center.
     •    Size: Length of shell to 13 cm.
     •    Habitat: On rocky substrate.
                          Gastropda


Phylum Mollusca

      Lithopoma undosum
      (Formerly Astraea undosum)
      Red turban snail
      LIGL/S
    •    Identification: Heavily sculptured spiral
        shell that is frequently covered with
        encrusting coralline algae. Oval-shaped
        operculum has large rough ridges.
    •    Size: Shell diameter to 110 mm.
    •    Habitat: On rocky substrate.



      Norrisia norrisi
      NONO
      Norris’s top snail
      •   Identification: Red-brown flattened
         spiral shell with a bright red foot.
      •   Size: Shell diameter to 5.5 cm.
      •   Habitat: On kelp and rocky substrate.




      Tegula spp.
      TESP
      Turban snail

      •   Identification: Shell commonly smooth,
         rounded-conical. Color orange, black,
         brown or a combination of these. Foot
         with dark brown or black sides, white
         or cream color below.
      •   Size: Variable, 1-3 cm.
      •   Habitat: On kelp and rocky substrate.
                          Gastropoda


Phylum Mollusca
   Serpulorbis squamigerus
   scaled worm snail
   SE
      •  Identification: Shell is a partially coiled tube
        attached to substrate. No operculum.
        Usually occurring in aggregations.
      •  Size: Length of tube to 12 cm.
      •  Habitat: On rocky or other hard substrate.



    Cypraea spadicea
    Chestnut cowry
    CYSP
    •    Identification: Smooth shell with a brown
        dorsal surface and white margins on the
        ventral side. Foot and mantle are orange-
        brown with dark spots.
    •    Size: Up to 8 cm in length.
    •    Habitat: On rocky reefs and underneath
        ledges.


    Kelletia kelletia
    Kellet’s whelk
    KEKE
    •    Identification: White or gray, robust shell
        with heavy sculpturing crossed by thin
        spiral lines. Skin is yellow, mottled with
        black and white markings.
    •    Size: Length of shell to 18 cm.
    •    Habitat: In kelp beds on rocky and soft
        bottoms.
                       Gastropda


Phylum Mollusca

    Small Kelletia-like spp.
    SKE
    Whelk-like snail


    •   Identification: Catchall category for
       small Kelletia-like snails. May include
       juveniles Kelletii or other genera such
       as Pteropurpura
    •   Size: Variable, 1-3 cm.
    •   Habitat: On rocky substrate.




    Ceratostoma foliatum
    Leafy hornmouth
    CEFO
    •   Identification: Three distinctive wing-
       like processes protrude from the central
       shell, one on top and one to each side,
       with a tooth on the outside edge of the
       opening.
    •   Size: Length up to 9 cm.
    •   Habitat: commonly on rocky substrate.



    Mitra idae
    Ida’s miter
    MIID
    •   Identification: Dark brown, smooth
       shell covered with a black
       periostracum. The foot is white.
    •   Size: Up to 8 cm in length.
    •   Habitat: On rocky substrate.
                       Gastropda


Phylum Mollusca

    Conus californicus
    California cone
    COCA
    •  Identification: Smooth light brown
      shell with a transparent to white foot
      and a black proboscis.
    •  Size: Up to 4 cm in length.
    •  Habitat: On sandy and rocky bottoms.




    Aplysia californica
    California brown sea hare
    APCA
    •  Identification: Color varies from reddish,
      brownish, and/or greenish, overlaid with
      dark lines and spots.
    •  Size: Length can exceed 40cm.
    •  Habitat: Among seaweed, in kelp canopy,
      sometimes in sandy areas.



    Aplysia vaccaria
    California black sea hare
    APVA
    •  Identification: Body dark reddish
      brown to black, with white speckled
      patches. Distinguished from A..
      californica by larger size.
    •  Size: Length up to 75 cm.
    •  Habitat: Around kelp beds, rocky and
      sandy areas.
                          Bivalvia


Phylum Mollusca
     Crassedoma giganteum
     (Formerly Hinnites giganteus)
     Rock scallop

     CRGI
     •   Identification: Orange mantle. Adults
        cemented to substrate and have thick
        valves with spines protruding from ribs.
     •   Size:. Shell diameter to 20 cm.
     •   Habitat: On rocky substrate.




     Mytilus californianus
     MC
     California mussel


     •   Identification: Shell thick, pointed at
        anterior end, broadening posteriorly,
        sculptured with strong radial ridges and
        irregular growth lines. Surface often
        eroded or worn. Blue-black in color.
     •   Size: Length to 13 cm.
     •   Habitat: Form large beds on rocks and
        pilings.


     Chaceia ovoidea
     CHOV
     wart-neck piddock


     •   Identification: Boring clam, with
        siphon sticking out of rock. Siphon
        distinct dark brown.
     •   Size: Shell to 12 cm in length.
        Siphon fully extended can reach 1m
        in length.
     •   Habitat: Burrows into clay or shale
        reefs.
                    Bivalvia, Cephalopoda

  Phylum Mollusca
         Parapholas californica
         scaleside piddock
         PACA
       •  Identification: Boring clam, with white
         siphon that usually has reddish-brown spots
         and blotches.
       •  Size: Shell length to 15 cm. Siphon can
         extend to 15 cm.
       •  Habitat: Burrows into clay, soft shale and
         sandstone reefs.



         Octopus spp.
         octopus
         OCTO
       •  Identification: Octopus mimic colors and
         texture. They always have eight legs.
       •  Size: Armspan to 300 cm but usually
         closer to 30 cm.
       •  Habitat: Usually found hiding in
         crevices and under rocks.

                          Crustacea
Phylum Arthropoda
         Barnacle spp.
         barnacle
         BA
     •    Identification: Sessile barnacle, usually
         with feeding tentacles out. Plates or
         paired beaks cover the opening of the
         feeding tentacles.
     •    Size: Basal diameter ranges from 0.5
         cm to 10 cm depending on species.
         Height from 0.5 cm to 7.5 cm.
     •    Habitat: Requires hard substrate to
         attach to, such as rock or the shell of
         another animal.
                         Crustacea

Phylum Arthropoda

    Panulirus interruptus
    California spiny lobster
    PAIN
    •    Identification: Large reddish brown
        crustacean with long antennae covered
        with small sharp spines. Anterior
        portion of the thorax is covered with
        sharp spines, large spines on tail`.
        Claws absent.
    •    Size: Length up to 60 cm.
    •    Habitat: In crevices and underneath
        rocks during daytime, forages at night.

    Loxorhynchus grandis
    Sheep crab
    LOGR
    •    Identification: Large spider crab with
        robust, oval carapace covered with
        spines and tubercles. Males have larger
        chelipeds (claws) than females.
    •    Size: Carapace up to 16 cm in width.
    •    Habitat: Common on rocky and soft
        bottoms.


    Pugettia producta
    Kelp crab
    PUPR
      •  Identification: Smooth carapace with
        yellowish brown to reddish coloring.
        Feeds on algae.
      •  Size: Carapace width up to 12 cm.
      •  Habitat: Common on kelp and on rocky
        substrate.
                             Crustacea


    Phylum Arthropoda

         Cancer spp.
         crab
         CASP

         •   Identification: Typical “crab” shape
            like you see in the grocery store.
            Body and legs may be hairy or
            smooth.
         •   Size: Carapace width 2-18 cm.
         •   Habitat: On rocky and sand
            substrates.
                        Ectoprocta (Bryozoan)

Phylum Ectoprocta (Bryozoans)

         Diaperoecia californica
         staghorn bryozoan
         DC
         •   Identification: Colonies in coral-
            like masses, with flattened
            branches. Color light to dark
            yellow.
         •   Size: Colony height to 10 cm .
         •   Habitat: On rocks and other hard
            substrate.

         Bugula neritina
         BN

         •   Identification: Colony bushy, reddish
            brown or purple in color.
         •   Size: Colony 3-10 cm in height.
         •   Habitat: Found growing on rocks and
            in sandy substrate.
                        Ectoprocta (Bryozoan)


Phylum Ectoprocta (Bryozoans)

         Membranipora tuberculata
         encrusting bryozoan
         MT
         •    Identification: Small zooids form a
             white crustose colony, having a
             honeycomb appearance. Usually
             epiphytic. Seen here on Macrocystis.
         •    Size: Variable, can cover most of an
             alga, several cm in diameter.
         •    Habitat: Often found growing on
             Macrocystis, Cystiseira, and especially
             Gelidium.


         Thalamoporella californica
         TC
         •    Identification: Flesh colored colony
             dichotomously branched with a basal
             crust and many projections.
         •    Size: Colony varying in size but can
             form large mats.
         •    Habitat: Found growing on rocks and
             on some red algae, Gelidium,
             Lithothrix, and Gigartina, and
             Macrocystis.


   Phylum Echinodermata              Holothuroidea



             Cucumaria piperata
             CUPI


           •  Identification: Small cucumber. 10
             branched tentacles. Usually white,
             with brown or black speckles.
           •  Size: Length to about 60 mm.
           •  Habitat: In rocky areas and crevices.
                        Holothuroidea


Phylum Echinodermata

        Cucumaria salma
        sea cucumber
        CUSA

        •  Identification: Body salmon to orange
          color with 5 rows of tube feet. Tentacles
          black and goldish yellow, with white
          banding.
        •  Size: Length to 15 cm.
        •  Habitat: In holes and crevices in rocks.




      Eupentacta quinquesemita
      White sea cucumber
      EUQU

      •    Identification: Small white to yellowish
          sea cucumber, cannot completely retract
          its long tube feet.
      •    Size: Length to 10 cm.
      •    Habitat: On rocky substrate.



        Parastichopus californicus
        California sea cucumber
        PAST
        •  Identification: Dark red, brown or
          yellow sea cucumber has stiff, conical
          papillae. Tube feet only on ventral
          surface.
        •  Size: Length to 40 cm.
        •  Habitat: On rocks and soft substrates.
                               Echinoidea /Holothuroidea


     Phylum Echinodermata

                  Parastichopus parvimensis
                  Warty sea cucumber
                  PAPA
                  •   Identification: Brownish sea cucumber
                      is covered with small black-tipped
                      papillae or pseudospines.
                  •   Size: Length to 25 cm.
                  •   Habitat: On soft substrate.

Photo by: Richard Hermann




                  Pachythyone rubra
                  PRUB
              •      Identification: Small brownish white
                    holothurian, with white to opaque
                    feeding apendages and protruding tube
                    feet
              •      Size: 1cm to 7 cm
              •      Habitat: on rocky reefs and often feed
                    upon by Pychnopodia helianthoides

                                      Echinoidea


                  Lytechinus anamesus
                  White sea urchin
                  LA
                •    Identification: small sea urchin with
                     sharp, short white spines. Test is
                     usually white with dark blotches.
                •    Size: Diameter to about 8 cm.
                •    Habitat: On soft as well as rocky
                     bottoms, often aggregate around food
                     sources.
                         Echinoidea/ Astroidea

Phylum Echinodermata

      Strongylocentrotus purperatus
      purple sea urchin
             SPL/S

        •      Identification: Medium sized sea urchin
              with short purple spines. Frequently
              bores depressions in rocks.
        •      Size: Diameter to about 5 cm.
        •      Habitat: On rocky substrate.




     Strongylocentrotus franciscanus
          red sea urchin
          SFL/S
      •       Identification: Large urchin with sharp,
             long spines. Color ranges from red,
             red-brown, to dark purple. (Note: small
             urchins in foreground are S. purpuratus
      •       Size: Diameter to 10 cm.
      •       Habitat: On rocky substrate.

                                Astroidea

            Asterina miniata
            AML/S
            bat star

          •    Identification: This webbed sea star
              varies greatly in color. Lacks
              pedicellariae or spines. Number of
              arms usually 5, but can be 4 to 9.
          •    Size: Diameter to 20 cm.
          •    Habitat: On rocky and sandy substrates.
                          Asteroidea
Phylum Echinodermata

      Dermasterias imbricata
      leather star
      DIL/S
        •  Identification: This sea star feels
           smooth and almost leather-like.
        •  Size: Diameter to 25 cm.
        •  Habitat: On rocky substrate,
           occasionally on sand.




        Orthasterias koehleri
        Rainbow sea star
        OKL/S
        •  Identification: Vivid color, ranging
           from pink with gray to bright red with
           yellow banding. Small disk with 5
           slender arms.
        •  Size: Arm radius to 21 cm.
        •  Habitat: On mud, sand, rock and kelp.
           Depths extending to 250 m.




        Pisaster brevispinus
        short spined sea star
        PBL/S

      •    Identification: This sea star is always
          pink. It has short aboral spines.
      •    Size: Diameter to 60 cm.
      •    Habitat: On rocky and soft substrates.
                           Asteroidea

Phylum Echinodermata

        Pisaster giganteus
        giant spined sea star
        PGL/S
        •  Identification: This sea star has long
          uniformly spaced spines with swollen
          tips. Each spine is surrounded by a
          blue circle.
        •  Size: Diameter to 60 cm.
        •  Habitat: On rocky and sand substrates.




      Pisaster ochraceus
      ochre sea star
      POL/S
      •    Identification: Thick armed star with
          numerous small white spines on the
          aboral surface arranged in a reticular
          pattern. Color varies from dark gray to
          orange.
      •    Size: Diameter to 35 cm.
      •    Habitat: Low intertidal to shallow
          subtidal on rocky habitats.



      Pycnopodia helianthoides
      sunflower sea star
      PHL/S

      •    Identification: Large sea star has 20 to
          24 flexible arms. Juveniles have 5
          arms. Color varies from purple to
          brown, orange, or yellow.
      •    Size: Diameter to 90 cm.
      •    Habitat: On rocky and soft substrates.
                            Asteroidea

Phylum Echinodermata

      Mediaster aequalis
      Red seastar
      MEAE
      •     Identification: red in color, smooth
            embossed type texture
      •     Size: up to 14 cm
      •     Habitat: live on rocky reefs and feed on
            a host of other inverts, ascidians,
            sponges, etc.



        Ophiothrix spiculata
        spiny brittle star
        OPSP
        •    Identification: Small brittle star with
            long, erect spines on the arms and disc.
            Often aggregates.
        •    Size: Diameter usually < 15 cm.
        •    Habitat: On rocky and soft substrates.




          Ophioplocus esmarki
          Smooth brittle star
          OPES
      •     Identification: Relatively smooth, with a large
            disc and short spines that can be folded again
            the arms. Color brown to gray-brown.
      •     Size: Diameter to 15 cm.
      •     Habitat: On rocky and soft substrates.
                         Chordata
Phylum Chordata

     Polyclinum planum
     elephant ear tunicate
     POPL
     •   Identification: Ear-like, lobed colony of
        zooids attached to substrate by slender
        stalk. Brown to yellow color.
     •   Size: Diameter of lobe to about 20 cm.
     •   Habitat: Attached to rocky substrate.



       Archidistoma psammion
       AR
     •   Identification: Colonies form flat slabs or
        oval lobes. Test is firm, leathery to touch.
        Color varies from dark brown, purple,
        maroon, gray, or whitish. Zooids arranged
        in circular systems.
     •   Size: 1-2 cm thick and can reach 20 cm
        long.
     •   Habitat: On rock surfaces in sand scoured
        areas.


    Chelyosoma productum
    CHPR
     •   Identification: A small flat tunicate that
        occurs in colonies. Often covered with silt
        and difficult to see. It is usually a
        translucent brown and unlike most
        tunicates feels hard to the touch
     •   Size: zooid diameter ~ 2 cm
     •   Habitat: on horizontal rock surface
                           Chordata
Phylum Chordata

       Styela montereyensis
       stalked tunicate
       STMO

     •  Identification: Long stalked, solitary
        tunicate with longitudinal ridges. Color
        yellow to dark red-brown.
     •  Size: Height to about 25 cm.
     •  Habitat: Attached to rocky substrate.
          Squatinidae/Scyliorhinidae/Carcharhinidae

Family Squatinidae
     Squatina californica
     Pacific angel shark
     SCAL
     •  Identification: Flattened forebody with
        large pectoral fins, rear body and base
        are tubular, and two dorsal fins near
        base of tail.
     •  Size: 0.6m to 1.5m.
     •  Habitat: Sandy bottoms near rocky
        reefs and kelp beds. Typically found
        on bottom, may be partially buried.

Family Scyliorhinidae
     Cephaloscyllium ventriosum
     Swell shark
     CVEN
     •  Identification: Flattened head, two
        dorsal fins located towards back of
        body, and dark spots over body.
     •  Size: 30cm to 1m.
     •  Habitat: Sand flats, rocky reefs and
        kelp beds. Typically found on bottom
        in caves or crevices.

Family Carcharhinidae
     Triakis semifasciata
     Leopard shark
     TSEM
     •  Identification: Short, rounded snout
        and dark saddle blotches that run the
        length of the body.
     •  Size: 60cm to 2.1m.
     •  Habitat: Shallow inshore areas of sand,
        rocky rubble and mud flats. Often
        found in bays and protected areas.
          Myliobatidiae/Batrachoididae/Scorpaenidae

Family Myliobatididae
     Myliobatis californica
     Bat ray
     BRAY
     •  Identification: Large bulbous head,
        long pectoral fins, whip-like tail, and
        long venom injecting barb at base of
        tail.
     •  Size: 60cm to 1.8m (wide).
     •  Habitat: Anywhere from sand and mud
        flats to kelp beds. Typically rest on
        bottom and more active at night.

Family Batrachoididae
     Porichthys notatus
     Plainfin midshipman
     PNOT
     •  Identification: Wide, flattened head,
        protruding eyes, upturn mouth, rows of
        white spots on head and several rows
        running the length of the body, and
        spiny dorsal fin.
     •  Size: 5cm to 38cm.
     •  Habitat: Sand and mud bottoms.
        Buried during the day and hover right
        above bottom at night.

Family Scorpaenidae
     Scorpaena guttata
     California scorpionfish
     SGUT
     •  Identification: Spines and short barbels
        and skin flaps on head and spots on
        head, body and fins.
     •  Size: 18cm to 43cm.
     •  Habitat: Recesses on rocky reefs.
        Typically lie on bottom nestled in with
        debris.
                       Scorpaenidae

Family Scorpaenidae
     Sebastes caurinus
     Copper rockfish
     SCAU
     •  Identification: White belly, pale fins,
       and dark band that slopes downward
       from eye toward pectoral fin. White
       lateral line extending from dorsal fin
       toward tail
     •  Size: 25cm to 57cm.
     •  Habitat: Rocky areas from offshore
       reefs to shallow protected bays and
       areas of kelp. Found in protected areas,
       rest on bottom.

     Sebastes serriceps
     Treefish
     STRE

     •  Identification: Five to six wide
       blackish bars across back and base of
       tail, two dark bands from eye to
       pectoral fin, and pink lips.
     •  Size: 15cm to 40cm.
     •  Habitat: Caves, crevices, and other
       protective recesses. Often hidden from
       view.


     Sebastes chrysomelas
     Black and yellow rockfish
     SCHR
     •  Identification: Two dark diagonal
       bands extend from lower eye and bright
       yellow spots over dark undercolor.
     •  Size: 15cm to 39cm.
     •  Habitat: Rocky areas in caves and
       crevices. Often rest on bottom.
                       Scorpaenidae

Family Scorpaenidae
     Sebastes carnatus
     Gopher rockfish
     SCAR
     •  Identification: Several pale colored
       splotches on back, two diagonal bands
       extend from lower eye, and pale
       blotches on dorsal spines.
     •  Size: 15cm to 39cm.
     •  Habitat: Rocky areas in caves and
       crevices. Often rest on bottom.




     Sebastes atrovirens
     Kelp rockfish
     SATR
     •  Identification: Can change color and
       markings with background.
     •  Size: 15cm to 42cm.
     •  Habitat: Kelp beds and other algae
       areas. Typically drift in shaded areas.



     Sebastes mystinus
     Blue rockfish
     SMYS
     •  Identification: Slightly projected jaw
       that extends to midpoint of eye, two to
       four curved bands around front of head,
       straight and slanted rear edge of anal
       fin, and sloping band from eye toward
       pectoral fin with a smaller band below.
     •  Size: 20cm to 53cm.
     •  Habitat: Kelp forests, shallow reefs
       and open water over deep reefs, rarely
       in sheltered waters. Found in large
       schools with other rockfish.
               Scorpaenidae/Hexagrammidae

Family Scorpaenidae
     Sebastes serranoides
     Olive rockfish
     SSER
     •  Identification: Lighter coloring below
       lateral line and several pale spots below
       dorsal fin.
     •  Size: 25cm to 60.6cm.
     •  Habitat: Open waters over banks, reefs
       and descending coastlines. Congregate
       in schools.

Family Hexagrammidae
     Oxylebius pictus
     Painted greenling
     OPIC
     •  Identification: Pointed snout, five to
       six dark bands encircle fins and body,
       and two pair of cirri between eyes and
       dorsal fin.
     •  Size: 10cm to 25cm.
     •  Habitat: Shallow rocky areas and
       around docks. Typically hover above
       bottom or move from perch to perch.


     Ophiodon elongatus
     Lingcod
     OELO
     •  Identification: Single, whitish lateral
       line, large mouth with prominent
       canine teeth, and long dorsal separated
       by notch just before taller rear dorsal.
     •  Size: 45cm to 1.5m.
     •  Habitat: Rocky areas. Either rest on
       bottom or patrol territory.
                  Hexagrammidae/Cottidae

Family Hexagrammidae
     Hexagrammos decagrammus
     Kelp greenling
     HDEC
     •  Identification: Male: Blue irregular
       spots outlined by small dark spots on
       head and forebody and a pair of cirri
       above eyes. Female: Speckled with
       red-brown to gold over a pale
       undercolor.
     •  Size: 25cm to 60.6cm.
     •  Habitat: Generally kelp beds but also
       rocky areas and sand bottoms.
Family Cottidae
     Scorpaenichthys marmoratus
     Cabezon
     SMAR
     •  Identification: Bulbous head, stout
       body, and prominent cirrus above each
       eye.
     •  Size: 40.4cm to 1m.
     •  Habitat: Rocky bottoms near kelp
       beds. Usually rest on bottom.




     Leiocottus hirundo
     Lavender sculpin
     LHIR
     •  Identification: Slender, tapered
       elongated body, first two extremely
       long dorsal fin spines form a spike-like
       projection, and red to blue spots on
       spines of dorsal fins aligned diagonally.
     •  Size: 10cm to 25cm.
     •  Habitat: Shallow sand flats and rocky
       reefs around kelp beds.
                         Serranidae

Family Serranidae
     Stereolepis gigas
     Giant sea bass
     SGIG
     •  Identification: Large mouth, bulky
       body, low profile foredorsal fin, tall
       soft dorsal, and sizable black spots.
     •  Size: 60cm to 2.3m.
     •  Habitat: Rocky bottoms, rocky
       outcroppings and kelp forests. Drift in
       shaded areas.




     Paralabrax clathratus
     Kelp bass
     PCLA
     •  Identification: Square cut tail, first two
       spines of foredorsal fin short, and large,
       pale blotches on back.
     •  Size: 30cm to 72cm.
     •  Habitat: Kelp beds, rocky inshore
       areas and seaweed flats. Also found in
       deeper patch reefs and areas of sand.



     Paralabrax nebulifer
     Barred sand bass
     PNEB
     •  Identification: Square cut tail, dusky
       bars on side, and third foredorsal spine
       distinctly longer.
     •  Size: 25cm to 66cm.
     •  Habitat: Sandy areas near reefs, rocky
       outcroppings and kelp beds. Typically
       rest on bottom.
             Girellidae/Scorpididae/Embiotocidae

Family Girellidae
     Girella nigricans
     Opaleye
     GNIG
     •  Identification: Football-shaped profile,
        one to three white spots on back, and
        bright blue to blue-green eyes.
     •  Size: 15cm to 66cm.
     •  Habitat: Shallow rocky reefs and kelp
        beds.


Family Scorpididae
     Medialuna californiensis
     Halfmoon
     MCAL
     •  Identification: Football-shaped profile,
        darker coloring on back graduating to
        pale shades on sides and a whitish
        belly, and a dusky spot on upper-rear
        gill cover.
     •  Size: 15cm to 45cm.
     •  Habitat: School near kelp beds, oil rigs
        and high profile reefs.

Family Embiotocidae
     Rhacochilus toxotes
     Rubberlip surfperch
     RTOX
     •  Identification: Large, fat lips with
        white to pink tint, thin, football-shaped
        body, dark bar below front portion of
        soft dorsal fin, and spinous dorsal fin
        shorter than soft dorsal.
     •  Size: 20cm to 47cm.
     •  Habitat: Kelp forests, rocky
        outcroppings, jetties and piers.
                        Embiotocidae

Family Embiotocidae
     Embiotoca jacksoni
     Black surfperch
     EJAC
     •  Identification: Large lips, thin, football-
       shaped body, blue strip along base of
       anal fin, and about nine dusky bars on
       body.
     •  Size: 12.6cm to 39cm.
     •  Habitat: Kelp beds.




     Hypsurus caryi
     Rainbow surfperch
     HCAR
     •  Identification: Thin, football-shaped
       body with a flat belly, bars on back
       shaded orange, and a black spot on
       upper corner of mouth.
     •  Size: 12.6cm to 30cm.
     •  Habitat: Sandy areas, rocky reefs and
       around kelp beds.



     Embiotoca lateralis
     Striped surfperch
     ELAT
     •  Identification: Thin, football-shaped
       body and several narrow, iridescent
       blue strips separated by wider orange to
       copper colored stripes that run laterally.
     •  Size: 12.6cm to 38cm.
     •  Habitat: Rocky reefs, kelp forests,
       eelgrass, leafy algae areas and
       sandy/rocky surf zones.
                       Embiotocidae

Family Embiotocidae
     Brachyistius frenatus
     Kelp surfperch
     BFRE
     •  Identification: Thin body, dark areas
       on scales that form stripes above
       midlateral line, concave head above
       eyes, and snout pointed upward due to
       prominent lower jaw.
     •  Size: 9cm to 21.5cm.
     •  Habitat: Kelp beds.




     Damalichthys vacca
     Pile surfperch
     DVAC
     •  Identification: Thin, football-shaped
       body, deeply forked tail, spinous dorsal
       fin lower than soft, dark bar below
       front portion of soft dorsal fin, and a
       black spot behind corner of mouth.
     •  Size: 15cm to 44cm.
     •  Habitat: Rocky reefs, kelp forests,
       under docks and around jetties and oil
       rigs.

     Phanerodon furcatus
     White surfperch
     PFUR
     •  Identification: Thin, football-shaped
       body, deeply forked tail, and black line
       at base of dorsal fin.
     •  Size: 10cm to 32cm.
     •  Habitat: Shallow bays, near docks and
       jetties, sandy areas, rocky reefs and
       around kelp beds.
                  Pomacentridae/Labridae

Family Pomacentridae
     Hypsypops rubicundus
     Garibaldi
     HRUB
     •  Identification: Thin, oval-shaped body,
       bright orange with a possibility of blue
       spots, and deeply notched tail between
       two rounded lobes.
     •  Size: 12.6cm to 35cm.
     •  Habitat: Rocky reefs and kelp beds.



     Chromis punctipinnis
     Blacksmith
     CPUN
     •  Identification: Typically blue bordered
       tail, anal and dorsal fins and black spots
       on scales scattered from mid-body to
       tail.
     •  Size: 10cm to 30cm.
     •  Habitat: Shallow reefs and rocky areas.



Family Labridae
     Pimelometopan pulchrum
     California sheephead
     SPUL
     •  Identification: Juvenile: White mid-
       body stripe, black spots on rear dorsal
       and anal fins and upper base of tail, and
       red. Adult: White chin, dark head and
       rear body, protruding canine teeth, and
       older species form bulbous lump on
       nape.
     •  Size: 30cm to 90cm.
     •  Habitat: Rocky bottoms, especially
       kelp beds.
                     Labridae/Clinidae

Family Labridae
     Oxyjulis californica
     Senorita
     OCAL
     •  Identification: White belly, sharp
       canine teeth that typically protrude
       from mouth, yellow to orange in color,
       and large black spot on tail base.
     •  Size: 8cm to 25cm.
     •  Habitat: Rocky reefs, kelp beds and
       boulder-strewn areas surrounded by
       sand.

     Halichoeres semicinctus
     Rock wrasse
     HSEM
     •  Identification: Terminal Phase: Dark
       bar behind pectoral fin and may have
       dusky bars on back. Initial Phase: Dark
       areas on scales from spotted stripe on
       upper side. Juvenile: Two black spots
       on dorsal fin and canine teeth protrude
       form mouth.
     •  Size: 30cm to 38cm.
     •  Habitat: Boulder-strewn areas mixed
       with sand and small rocky reefs.
Family Clinidae
     Neoclinus blanchardi
     Sarcastic fringehead
     NBLA
     •  Identification: Large mouth with jaws
       extending almost to gill openings, two
       blue with yellow spots on foredorsal
       fin, and cirri over eyes.
     •  Size: 8cm to 30cm.
     •  Habitat: Hard sand and mud bottoms.
       Found in crevices, burrows, holes and
       empty shells.
                           Clinidae

Family Clinidae
     Alloclinus holderi
     Island kelpfish
     AHOL
     •  Identification: Pale spot extending
       from cheek lower rear quarter of eye,
       raised rear dorsal fin, pale cover spots
       cover body, a row of dark blotches on
       upper body, and long pectoral fins.
     •  Size: 5cm to 10cm.
     •  Habitat: Rocky coastlines, reefs with
       abundant algal growth and kelp beds.



     Heterostichus rostratus
     Giant kelpfish
     HROS
     •  Identification: Forked tail and an
       elongated head with a upturned,
       pointed snout.
     •  Size: 15cm to 61cm.
     •  Habitat: Kelp beds and areas of leafy
       algae growth. Typically found amongst
       the blades blending in with
       background.

     Gibbonsia montereyensis
     Crevice kelpfish
     GMON
     •  Identification: Rounded tail fin, short
       pectoral fins, soft rays of rear dorsal fin
       are spaced more widely towards rear,
       and a single row of spots along upper
       side.
     •  Size: 6cm to 15cm.
     •  Habitat: Rocky areas with numerous
       recesses and abundant algae growth.
       Typically found in the intertidal zone.
                     Gobiidae/Bothidae

Family Gobiidae
     Coryphopterus nicholsii
     Blackeye goby
     CNIC
     •  Identification: Dark to pale tan, black
       eye, and black edge of foredorsal fin.
     •  Size: 4cm to 15cm.
     •  Habitat: Sandy areas near reefs,
       outcroppings and docks. Typically
       found in protective recesses.




     Lythrypnus dalli
     Bluebanded goby
     LDAL
     •  Identification: Bright red with four to
       nine bright blue bars and a tall
       foredorsal fin.
     •  Size: 2cm to 6cm.
     •  Habitat: Open rocky areas.



Family Bothidae
     Paralichthys californicus
     California halibut
     PCAL
     •  Identification: Large mouth, upper jaw
       extends to or behind eye, and tail
       arched in middle with outer edges
       square cut.
     •  Size: 38cm to 1.5m.
     •  Habitat: Flat sandy or mud bottoms.
       Rest on bottom usually covered by
       bottom material.
                        Bothidae

Family Bothidae
     Citharichthys stigmaeus
     Speckled sanddab
     CSTI
     •  Identification: Speckles, often small
       blotches, and ventrally compressed.
     •  Size: 8cm to 18cm.
     •  Habitat: Gravel, sand and shell rubble
       flats. Rest on bottom.