Creature Feature: Kelp Greenling and Rock Greenling

The kelp greenling and rock greenling are very closely related. Kelp greenling are most common in central and northern California. They may be found southward to La Jolla, but are quite rare south of Point Conception.

Creature Feature: Yellowtail

Yellowtail may be found statewide off California, but most fish are taken south of Point Conception from the sea surface to a depth of 228 ft. Prime yellowtail areas include the La Jolla kelp beds, the area between Oceanside and Dana Point, Horseshoe Kelp, Palos Verdes Peninsula, Santa Catalina Island, and San Clemente Island. 

Creature Feature: Monkeyface Prickleback

Monkeyface Pricklebacks are found statewide, but are most common north of Point Conception. They inhabit rock-pool areas between the high and low tide lines, seeking cover in crevices and secluded holes.

Creature Feature: Spotted Sand Bass

The Spotted Sand Bass may be found from Monterey southward off California to a depth of 200 ft.; however, this species is generally confined to large bays in Southern California. In fact, it is rarely seen north of Santa Monica Bay.

Creature Feature: Thresher Shark

The Thresher Shark is found most frequently off the central and southern parts of the state, inhabiting the upper layers of deep offshore waters near the edge of the continental shelf. This shark travels the oceans worldwide, occurring from the surface to depths of at least 200 ft.