The California Halibut

What They Look Like:

• Size: Up to 5 feet in length and 72 pounds in weight.
• Colorization: Brownish green or black with dark blotches all over
• Unique Features: Two eyes on one side.
• A large lateral line throughout the body.

• Found on sandy bottoms around Gaviota, California.
• Range: Between shore and 600 feet.
• Habitat: Found near rocks, reefs and kelp hold fasts.

• Diet: They eat mainly fish and squid.
• Fact: They are not attracted to fresh water
• Reproduction: They spawn in shallow water in April-July.
• Females mature at 4-5 years, males mature at 2-3 years.

• Halibut have been seen leaping out of the water while chasing after anchovies.
• An albino halibut has been reported, as well as numerous ambicolored (pigmented on both sides) individuals.
• Young are found in shallow water, they move out into the ocean as they grow older and larger.
• They move out into the ocean when about 2 years old.

The County Connections Project

Questions or Comments
contact Mark Thompson at

hmarkt@aol.com

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