Phylum: Chordata — Class: Actinopterygii (ray-finned fish)— Order: Perciformes (perch like)— Family: Priacanthidae (bigeyes or catalufas)— Genus: Heteropriacanthus (Fitch and Crooke, 1984)
Species: Heteropriacanthus carolinus (Cuvier, 1829); from the Greek heteros (different), prion (saw), and akantha thorn) and the Latin carolinus (in reference to geographic area).
Identification: Silvery pink, mottled red or solid red in color; median fins with faint dark dots. Pelvic fins dusky or pale and without distinct spots. Section of preopercle behind canal striated and without scales. Dorsal spines (total): 10; Dorsal soft rays (total): 12-13; Anal spines: 3; Anal soft rays: 13 – 14.
Size: Most that are seen are around 8 inches in length; maximum length about 20 inches.
Range: Circumglobal in tropical and tropically influenced seas. Common in island habitats throughout the central Pacific. In the Eastern Pacific found along island habitats from off Baja California to the Galapagoes; probably uncommon along coast of Mexico, Central and South America, questionably to Chile.
The stressed fish prior to release
Habitat: Common in lagoon and seaward reefs, primarily around islands. Typically found in water 10 to 100 feet in depth although recorded to a depth of about 900 feet. Under or near ledges by day. Nocturnal, feeding mainly on octopi, pelagic shrimp, stomatopods, crabs, small fish, and polychaetes . Solitary, during the day usually occurring singly or in small groups; at dusk it may gather in large numbers. Known to produce sound.
Piers: In California, only recorded at the Cabrillo Mole, Avalon, Catalina Island.
Shoreline: Not recorded in California.
Boats: Not recorded in California.
Bait and Tackle: The one caught was at night on a piece of shrimp.
Food Value: Marketed in fresh fish markets although some reports of ciguatera poisoning
Comments: In December 2017, I made a trip to Avalon on Catalina Island. The last afternoon was spent fishing on the Cabrillo Mole with the usual species being caught. At 5:30, with darkness descending, I stopped fishing and headed over to get a cup of hot chocolate. Upon my return I packed up the gear and sat down to relax and wait for the last ferry back to the mainland.
My rest was interrupted when I saw a nearby angler pull in a fish. I walked over to see what he had caught which, I expected, would be a type of rockfish or a salema, both of which hit well at the Mole after it is dark.
However, the fish turned out to be a species that was new to me (and a quick check of my reference book did not reveal a picture). My first thought had been of a tiny, juvenile giant sea bass (it was only 5-6 inches long) but the fin structure was wrong. My next thought was of a was a popeye catalufa, the fin structure was about right but the color was wrong. My friend Hashem and I talked the angler into letting us take a couple of quick photos before returning the fish to the water. Since I am always seeking out new species, that fish, even though I didn’t catch it, put the final cap on the trip.
Upon returning home I sent a copy of the pictures to Milton Love at UC Santa Barbara for identification but he said he’s never seen it before. He said he would send the pictures out to a network of experts who should be able to identify it. It took a while but eventually it was decided that the fish was probably a Pacific glasseye, Heteropriacanthus carolinus, a fish more common to indo-Pacific waters like Hawaii and Australia.
Unfortunately, we had returned the fish to the water which Mr. Love let me know is generally good but in this case might have provided a definitive answer to the species (me bad!). Nevertheless, it may be the first recorded sighting of the fish in California.
Main Reference: FishBase — Starnes, W.C., 2018.FishBase.World Wide Web electronic publication. www.fishbase.org, ( 06/2018
https://www.fishbase.de/summary/Heteropriacanthus-cruentatus.html#
“The glasseye fish Heteropriacanthus, previously known as a monotypic genus, is now divided into three species based on morphological and genetic features. After examination on the type specimens and literature, herein we resurrect two junior binomens, H. carolinus (Cuvier, 1829) from the Indo-Pacific Ocean and H. fulgens (Lowe, 1838) from the northeastern Atlantic Ocean. Heteropriacanthus cruentatus (Lacepède, 1801) is now considered to be restricted to the Atlantic and southwestern Indian oceans. In light of these observations we discuss the evolutionary history of the genus.”
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28610238
“Glasseyes or glass bigeyes (Heteropriacanthus) are a genus of the bigeye family found in all tropical seas around the world. It occasionally makes its way into the aquarium trade. It grows to a size of 50.7 cm (20.0 in) in total length… All glasseyes used to classified in a single species, Heteropriacanthus cruentatus…but recent morphological and genetic analysis indicates that glasseyes should be divided into three species: Heteropriacanthus cruentatus (Atlantic Ocean and southwest Indian Ocean), H. fulgens (northeastern Atlantic), and H. carolinus (Indo-Pacific).“
http://www.wikiwand.com/en/Heteropriacanthus
Sunday, September 9, saw youth assemble at the Trinidad Pier (in the beautiful redwoods just 24 miles north of Eureka) to participate in the 5th Annual Trinidad Pier Youth Fishing Derby sponsored by United Pier and Shore Anglers of California (UPSAC), the Cher-Ae Heights Indian Community of the Trinidad Rancheria, the International Game Fish Association (IGFA), Humboldt Area Saltwater Anglers, Pacific Outfitters, and the California Department of Fish and Wildlife.
Although the day would turn a little windy and cold as it progressed, both the 36 youth and the total crowd estimated at close to a hundred people agreed it was a fun day at the pier.
Free loaner rods and reels, free terminal tackle, free bait, free hot dog lunches, raffle prizes, and a winner in each age group helped generate excitement. Of course catching some fish also helps and the fishing was improved from the previous years with quite a few perch caught along with brown rockfish, kelp greenling and two lingcod.
Volunteer John “Grondo” Grondalski
The loaner rods are rigged and ready to go
David Shigamatsu with an undersized lingcod
Crab caught by David Shigamatsu
Rex Bertrand and a brown rockfish
Kelp greenling caught by Emma Sobrehad
Warden Agoitia, Patricia Figueroa, Grondo Grondalski and Warden Hampton
David Shigamatsu and his dad with a legal-size lingcod caught on a shinerperch
Due to the wind that was picking up, and the chill that was creeping in, the derby was called a little early which meant time for some hot dogs and the raffle prizes.
Hot dogs, chips and drinks were available for all participants. The chef was CDFW volunteer Patricia Figueroa
Next up was the raffle. Prizes were provided by the Humboldt Area Saltwater Anglers and Pacific Outfitters.
Dan Troxel (who made and donated fishing rods) on the left and Warden Norris with the tackle box
The age group winners were then announced.
The under-6-year-old winner was Karter Quinn of Trinidad
The 6-year-old winner was Rex Bertrand of Arcata
The 7-year-old winner was Leona Sobrehad of McKinleyville
The 8-year-old winner was Robert Pitts of Eureka
The 9-year-old winner was Jordan Taylor of Fortuna
The 10-year-old winner was Dillon Dirrocco of McKinleyville
The 11-year-old winner was Alise Walker of McKinleyville
The 12-year–old winner was David Shigamatsu of Davis
The 13-year-old winner was Jonathan Pitcher of Arcata
The Grand Champion was David Shigamatsu of Davis
Many thanks to the entire group that once again made this a fun event for all the participants and their parents!
Back row: Katie Terhaar (CDFW), Ed Roberts IV (CDFW) Dan Troxel (CDFW Volunteer), Patricia Figueroa (CDFW Volunteer), “Grondo” Grondalski (CDFW Volunteer), Grant Roden (Trinidad Rancheria)
Front row: Ed Roberts III (CDFW) and Todd Rowan (Trinidad Rancheria)
August 15, 2018 saw the 30th Annual “Kid’s Day on the Pier” at the Marin Rod & Gun Club on San Quentin Point in San Rafael, California. The event was co-sponsored by UPSAC (United Pier and Shore Anglers of California), PFIC (Pier Fishing In California), and the IGFA (International Game Fish Association).
The day saw an enthusiastic group of 67 youngsters amidst a crowd of 175 people. The weather was great and the kids caught a fine mess of fish, which meant a lot of happy, smiling faces.
Loaner rods and reels were available as well as free bait and assistance when needed. Combined with the fishing was a free hot dog lunch and every participant received a rod and reel from the club.
The United Pier and Shore Anglers of California (UPSAC) and Pier Fishing In California (PFIC) brought tackle and people to help out while the International Game Fish Association (IGFA) provided certificates for the winners.
Dr. John Evans and his heavy pole for the big ‘uns
Dave DeJong and a California Halibut
Jacksmelt
52-inch leopard shark caught by David Shigematsu
After the fishing, it was time to retire to the clubhouse for lunch (hot dogs and chips), the award ceremony, and the raffle.
Each individual age group winner received a 1st Place trophy, a beautiful IGFA certificate, and an autographed copy of Pier Fishing in California by Ken Jones.
The 5-year-old and under winner: Ryan Radomski
The 6-year-old winner: Owen Radomski
The 7-year-old winner: Tyler Green
The 8-year-old winner (tie): Vincent DeJong,
The 8-year-old winner (tie): Logan Jackson
The 8-year-old winner (tie): Lucas Strosahlortega
The 9-year-old winner (tie): Parvati Nag
The 9-year-old winner: (tie) Parker Thompson
The 10-year-old winner (tie): Michael Monteiro
The 10-year-old winner (tie): Kody Monteiro
The 11-year-old winner: Kiana Choi
The 12-year-old winner (and overall champion): David Shigematsu
The 14-year-old winner: Dylan Monteiro
The largest fish of the day was a 52-inch leopard shark caught by David Shigematsu and a total of 77 fish were caught by the participants. Included were three leopard sharks, two California halibut, one striped bass, one bat ray and 69 large jacksmelt (12-14 inches).
Raffle Prizes — Every participant received a rod and reel
All agreed that it was another outstanding derby.
Representing the Marin Rod and Gun Club: Chairmen Gary Colmere, Vice-Chairman Roy Jackson, John Evans and upwards of 20 or more club members who performed a plethora of duties—serving as judges on the pier, cleaning and fixing rods and reels for both the derby and the raffle, cooking the hot dog lunch, setting up and cleaning the auditorium and kitchen, and helping announce the results of the raffle. A special thanks goes to Mary Ellen Smith who was busy doing many things—helping at the registration table, helping to tabulate the scorecards, helping with the certificates, and helping to cook the lunch. She stayed very busy!
Representing UPSAC: President Ken Jones, Vice-President Robert Gardner, and Secretary Brian Linebarger.
Representing the Pier Fishing in California (pierfishing.com) website family were the above UPSAC members as well as Melvin Kon (who took the pictures of the award winners and raffle winners), Kris Linebarger, Alex Poon, and David DeJong.
UPSAC Vice-President Robert Gardner
A huge thank you goes to the Marin Gun and Rod Club and the various other organizations and volunteers for putting on this great annual event.