California Sheephead
Bodianus pulcher
- Group: Other
- Typical depth: 0–55 m
- Max size: 91 cm
- For divers: dangerous
- IUCN status: VU
Every California sheephead starts life as a female and switches to male at around 30 cm, the males turning black and red with a bulging forehead. It crunches sea urchins, mussels and crabs among kelp beds and rocky reef, and can live more than fifty years.
Taxonomy: Animalia › Chordata › Teleostei › Eupercaria incertae sedis › Labridae › Bodianus
Species data via the World Register of Marine Species (WoRMS), AphiaID 1702292.
FAQ
- How deep does the California Sheephead live?
- The California Sheephead (Bodianus pulcher) is typically found at 0–55 m.
- Is the California Sheephead dangerous to divers?
- The California Sheephead can be dangerous; divers should keep their distance.
- How big does the California Sheephead get?
- The California Sheephead grows to about 91 cm.