Cabezon

The primary diet of the cabezon consists of crustaceans and molluscs, and small fishes from the water column

Image

Taxonomic description

• The name “Cabezon” comes from Spanish meaning "large head", which is a main identifying feature for this fish. ^[1]
• Grows up to 1 m (3 ft) in length and weigh over 11kg (24 lbs). Females are usually larger than males of the same age. ^[1]
• Ranges in color with varying shades of brown, red, or green with lots of darker mottling to help with camouflage. Females are usually greenish while males are more reddish. ^[1]
• Has smooth skin without scales, which distingushes it from lingcod. ^[1,2]

Distribution

• Found from the Eastern Pacific, from North Alaska to central Baja California, Mexico. ^[2]

Life history

• Adults spawn on rocky outcrops in shallow water, and males guard the eggs until they hatch. ^[3]
• After hatching, the larval young drift out to sea then develop into small, silvery fish. ^[3]
• After 3 to 4 months as larvae, the 3-5cm long fish settle at intertidal pools then move to reefs and kelp forests. ^[2,3]

Habitat

• Found nearshore from intertidal to 200m (656 ft.) among jetty rocks, kelp forests, and rocky reefs. ^[3]
• It is ambush predator that patiently waits for passing by prey, then lunges to engulf its prey with its large mouth. ^[1]
• Predators of this fish include larger fish and marine mammals. ^[2]
• Prized as a recreational game fish. ^[3]

This fish is not subject to barotrauma like other bottom dwelling fish as it lacks a swim bladder.

Image

Seasonal availability

• Caught commercially year-round except for the months of March-April, during which the fishery is closed. ^[9]

Regulatory and managing authority

• Managed federally by the NOAA fisheries and, as established by the Magnuson-Stevens Act, the Pacific Fishery Management Council (PFMC) through the Pacific Coast Groundfish Fishery Management Plan (FMP). ^[6]
• As established by the Marine Life Management Act, the California Fish and Game Commission (CFGC) regulates the fishery in state waters, and the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) manages this fishery through the California Nearshore Fishery Management Plan (NFMP). ^[7]
• The Groundfish Collective combines input from the industry and government entities to inform regulatory and/or management measures for this fishery. ^[13]

Gear type

• Caught commercially with hook and line, pots and traps. ^[3]

Status of the fishery

• There is little data about this fish relative to other groundfish. ^[3]
• Most fishing pressure comes from recreational fishing, in particular by Commercial Passenger Fishing Vessels, which increased access to nearshore fisheries starting in the late 1930s. ^[3]

Potential ecosystem impacts

• All environmental concerns regarding various methods of fishing apply. ^[11]
• There is not much concern over current levels of exploitation because of the cabezon's wide distribution, size limits on catch, and little demand for the fish. ^[3]

The eggs (roe) of cabezon can be potentially toxic if ingested, but the rest of this fish is prized for its meat!

Image

Edible portions

• Most of the fish can be eaten, except for the roe (eggs), which are poisonous to people. ^[1]

Description of meat

• The cabezon has blue colored flesh that turns white when cooked. ^[1]
• It has sweet, shellfish flavored meat that can be prepared in almost any manner. ^[1]

Culinary uses

• This versatile fish can be prepared in many ways: fried, baked, grilled, or steamed. ^[1]
• For some cooking suggestions for cabezon, visit ehow.com. ^[12]

Nutritional information 

• No nutritional information available, shown is information for Lingcod, a fairly similar species as described by those who fish and eat this fish. ^[10]

Toxicity report

• Although the rest of the fish is delicious, the roe (eggs) are toxic when consumed. ^[1,5]

Seasonal availability

• Available year-round except for March-April. ^[9]