Thresher Sharks (Alopias species)

Known by a variety of names, the thresher shark is characterized by its well-muscled tail, the upper lobe of which is usually as long as the rest of the body. These sharks use their tails to herd baitfish into a mass by slapping or thrashing the water, then stunning or injuring fish before swallowing them.

Grayish to dark charcoal in color, the thresher shark turns abruptly white on the belly and may be mottled on the lower half of the body. The thresher is further identified by the absence of a keel on the caudal peduncle; by its small, pointed, and broad-based teeth; and by its comparatively smooth skin.

Tiger Shark (Galeocerdo cuvier)

One of the largest of the requiem sharks, the tiger shark grows to 24 feet. It is infamous as one of the most dangerous sharks.

Although some sharks will attack and kill humans without necessarily eating them, the tiger shark is especially fearsome because it is well-known as a man-eater, often devouring the remains of its victims.

White Shark (Carcharodon carcharias)

Although a relatively uncommon deep-water fish, the white shark occasionally enters shallow waters and will attack, without provocation, humans and small boats alike; because it often lingers near islands and offshore colonies of seals and sea lions, which are some of its preferred foods, it is thought that some attacks on humans occur because the white shark mistakes divers or surfers in wet suits for seals.

It is undoubtedly the most dangerous shark, due to a combination of size, strength, ability, and disposition to attack and because of the many recorded attacks that have taken place in the twentieth century.

California Sheephead (Semicossyphus pulcher)

A member of the Labridae family of wrasses, the California sheephead is a strong bottom-dwelling fish that is a favorite of spearfishing divers. It has some commercial value, although declining numbers caused it to be supplanted commercially by rockfish. Its flesh is white, firm, and mild, and it is preferred in chowder and in salads.

Other Names

sheepie, goat, billygoat (large), red fish, humpy, fathead; Spanish: vieja de California.

Sheepshead (Archosargus probatocephalus)

This is the most popular member of the Sparidae family of porgies with saltwater anglers in the United States and is a large fish that is commonly caught around barnacleencrusted structures along shores. It is an excellent food fish and is of commercial value.

Other Names

convict fish, sheepshead seabream; Portuguese: sargo; Spanish: sargo chopa.

Silversides

Silversides are members of the Atherinidae family and occur throughout the world. They are important forage for larger predators along shores, in bays, and in estuaries.

Every silverside lacks a lateral line and has small, almost useless teeth. Its pelvic fins are located well behind the pectoral fins, and the small, spiny dorsal is well separated from the soft dorsal. The body is typically elongated.

Black Skipjack (Euthynnus lineatus)

A member of the Scombridae family of mackerel, bonito, and tuna, the black skipjack is commonly caught by anglers, usually while trolling or casting for other pelagic species. It is often used as a bait for big-game fish. Its food value has mixed ratings, although it is of some commercial importance. Its flesh is dark red and the taste is strong.

Other Names

little tuna, false albacore, spotted tuna, mackerel tuna, skipjack; Spanish: barrilete negro, bonito negro, pataseca.