Family Hexagrammidae - greenlings
Greenlings only occur along the eastern Pacific from southern California to Alaska. Most species are found within shallow coastal waters near kelp and/or rocks. Feeding behaviors range from piscivorous to bottom scavenging.
Kelp greenling- Hexagrammos decagrammus
Remarks: Found year long throughout the bay. Lives at the bottom but will swim to the surface in search of food. Caught frequently by anglers and is excellent eating.
Identification: Coloration differs between the sexes of this species. Females are light tan with darker reddish brown spots and the males are green or olive with brilliant blue spots. Located above each eye is a cirrus and a single smaller one is midway between the eyes and dorsal fin. Both sexes have a notched long soft rayed dorsal fin. The pectoral fins are large and rounded. Anal fin is long and maximum body size is 53cm.
Range: The Aleutian Islands to San Diego California but more common northward. Inhabits rocky coastal zones near kelp to 46m.
Rock greenling- Hexogrammos superciliosus
Remarks: Similar in size and habits to the kelp greenling but less common in the bay. Rock greenling will reside in the channels and jetty areas. Caught occasionally by anglers using cut bait.
Identification: Coloration is dark olive with lighter blotches; larger males will have red blotches. Located above each eye is a large cirrus. The dorsal fin is long and deeply notched. Pectoral fins are rounded and the anal fin is long. Length is to 61cm.
Range: Bering Sea to Point Conception California, residing around rocky areas and kelp beds.
Lingcod- Ophiodon elongatus
Remarks: This fish is common along CaliforniaÍs coast and is highly prized by recreational and commercial fishers. Lingcod are bottom dwelling and lethargic but are effective predators. Prey consists of any fish small enough to swallow; anglers have success with large jigs or live bait.
Identification: Body is elongate and may reach 152cm and weigh 32kg. Mouth is large having many teeth with the jaw extending past the eye. Coloration is a green or olive camouflage pattern with a lighter underside. The dorsal fin is long and is deeply notched midway.
Range: Kodiak Island to northern Baja. Commonly inhabits rocky structures from tidepools to 427m.
Painted greenling- Oxylebius pictus
Remarks: Although a bay resident, rarely caught by anglers. Prefers the jetties and other similar structures.
Identification: Body is white or tan with five to seven vertical reddish bars extending onto the fins. Three red bands radiate from the eyes, one forward and two backward. There is a cirrus above each eye and another midway between the eyes and the dorsal fin. Length to 25cm, but most under 15cm.
Range: Kodiak Island to north central Baja; more common south of Washington. Prefers rocky and intertidal zones to 49m.