Fish And Shellfish Identification

Home FishingOceanFish ID Marine Fish and Shellfish Identification On this page

• Marine Species Portal
• Rockfish ID
• Invertebrate / Algae ID
• General ID
• ID Quiz
• Fishing Passport

Marine Species Portal

Learn more on the Marine Species Portal

Rockfish Identification

• Nearshore Rockfish of California (PDF)(opens in new tab)
• Yelloweye Rockfish, Vermilion Rockfish, and Canary Rockfish ID (PDF)(opens in new tab)
• Yellowtail Rockfish, Olive Rockfish, and Widow Rockfish ID (PDF)(opens in new tab)
• Copper Rockfish, Gopher Rockfish, and Canary Rockfish ID (PDF)(opens in new tab)
• Quillback Rockfish, Copper Rockfish, and Gopher Rockfish ID (PDF)(opens in new tab)
• Quillback Rockfish, China Rockfish, and Black-and-Yellow Rockfish ID (PDF)(opens in new tab)
• Black Rockfish and Blue Rockfish ID
  • English Version (PDF)(opens in new tab)
  • Versión en español (PDF)(opens in new tab)
  • Phiên bản việt nam (PDF)(opens in new tab)
  • 中文版 (PDF)(opens in new tab)
• Shelf Rockfish found off the California Coast (PDF)(opens in new tab)
• Slope Rockfish found off the California Coast (PDF)(opens in new tab)
• Northern California Rockfish IdentificationNorthern California Rockfish Identification(opens in new tab) (RecFIN)
• Central and Southern California Rockfish Identification(opens in new tab) (RecFIN)
• Rockfish Identification Tips(opens in new tab) (Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife)
• Rockfish Identification Resource(opens in new tab) (Alaska Fisheries Science Center)

Invertebrate and Algae Identification

• Dungeness Crab of California and Its Close Relatives
• Abalone Key Characteristics
  • Abalone Identification Cards(opens in new tab)
• Commonly Harvested Kelp and Other Marine Algae
• Underwater Species Identification - Invertebrates (Video)(opens in new tab) (Reef Check California)
• Underwater Species Identification - Algae (Video)(opens in new tab) (Reef Check California)

General Marine Fish Identification

• Guide To The Coastal Marine Fishes of California(opens in new tab) (Fish Bulletin 157)
• How Old Are the Fish I Am Catching?
  • English Version (PDF)(opens in new tab)
  • Versión en español (PDF)(opens in new tab)
  • 简体中文版 (PDF)(opens in new tab)
• California Sport Fish Identification Flyer (PDF)(opens in new tab)
• Common Surfperches of California (PDF)(opens in new tab)
• A Guide to Southern California Beach Fishing (PDF)(opens in new tab) includes images of some common species
• A Guide to Central California Beach Fishing (PDF)(opens in new tab) includes images of some common species
• Flatfishes of Del Norte, Humboldt, and Mendocino Counties (PDF)(opens in new tab)
• Marine Bait Fishes of Northern California (PDF)(opens in new tab)
• Silver (Coho) Salmon Identification (PDF)(opens in new tab)
• White Sharks and Similar Species (PDF)(opens in new tab)
• Underwater Species Identification - Fish (Video)(opens in new tab) (Reef Check California)

Marine Fish Identification Quiz

Try these fish identification quizzes and see how well you know your California marine fishes! Not only are these quizzes fun, but you may also learn some important information about these species and fishing regulations pertaining to them.

California Fishing Passport

A fishing incentive and recognition program to highlight and promote fishing throughout the state. Pick up your free copy of the California Fishing Passport book listing 150 different popular fresh and saltwater finfish and shellfish that occur throughout the state. Try to catch one of every species listed, and you will receive stamps in your passport book documenting each achievement.

Marine Region (Region 7) Regional Manager: Dr. Craig Shuman Main Office: 20 Lower Ragsdale Drive, Suite 100, Monterey, CA  93940 Email CDFW's Marine Region  |  (831) 649-2870 Office Locations  |  Marine Blog  |  Subscribe

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