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Black Sea Bass Return!
To the delight of divers, the giant black sea bass are back, lounging around reefs around the Channel Islands, along the Southern California coastline and in particular off Catalina Island. The huge beasts, up to five feet in length and weighing several hundreds of pounds are protected and have become accustomed to very close approach by divers. A popular hang-out is near the dive site known as Italian Gardens at Catalina Island where as many as ten have been seen at one time. Giant black sea bass move into shallow water as temperatures warm and stick around until about mid-fall.
Treefish Secrets
Treefish, a relatively common fish on California reefs, are a member of the rockfish family. Treefish are distinguished by black and yellow vertical stripes as well as their red lips. Although often seen in the daytime, they are primarily nocturnal. They are territorial and it is thought that the red lips are a territorial display. Their lips are brighter in color at night.
Did you know...
...the great white shark will hold its head above water to see what is going on above? This is the only shark to exhibit this behavior.
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Return to Cover Page/Contents for July 2005 issue