A wrasse that changes sex with age: red-and-white females, black-headed males. Crab eaters. Two-fish bag for a reason.
Rocky reefs and kelp, 20–150 ft — Palos Verdes (outside MPAs), Catalina, and the deeper King Harbor / PV structure.
CDFW (Bodianus pulcher / Semicossyphus pulcher): 12-inch minimum, two fish. Shore and divers year-round; boat-based anglers open March 1–December 31, 2026. Live squid, prawn, and crab imitations on the reef. Stay out of Point Vicente no-take water.
CDFW currently lists the species as Bodianus pulcher on the Southern ocean page. Fillets 6.75 inches with skin.
CDFW Southern ocean regs — California sheephead →
Independent-site disclaimer: this summary is for orientation only and can change in-season. Confirm with CDFW before you keep a fish. Fish in LA is not affiliated with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife.
