Meet Our Animals > California Sheephead
Quick Facts
Native to Eastern Pacific Ocean, from Monterey Bay to the Gulf of California
Primary Diet Hard-shelled animals, including sea urchins, mollusks, lobsters, and crabs
Adult Weight Up to 36 pounds
Status Vulnerable

California Sheephead

These fish are sequential hermaphrodites — each individual starts its life as a female and then can change into a male later in life as needed (for example, if the ratio of males to females were to become imbalanced in a local population). Young sheephead also look very different from adults. California sheephead have large, prominent teeth and powerful jaws for crushing prey. They may even bite if handled improperly.

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Aquatic & Reptile Center