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California sheephead

Semicossyphus pulcher

INDEX

fauna

California sheephead
Species Description

All California sheephead are hatched female and morph into their male form at various stages in their lifecycle, determined by environmental conditions and pressures. Because of this, they are considered to be protogynous hermaphrodites which have planktonic larvae. Their coral and kelp-heavy habitat provides protection from predators, which is important as this species is diurnal, foraging during the day and seeking shelter at night.

Species Details

FAMILY

Labridae

GENUS

Labridae

SIZE

Up to 91cm

LIFE SPAN

Yo to 20 years

HEMISPHERE

Northern

ECOSYSTEM

Kelp forests & reefs.

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