List of fishes of California


California has an exceptional diversity of marine and freshwater fish found in its waters. the following is a list of species, both native and introduced.

Native Species

Class Myxini (Hagfishes)

Family Myxinidae (Hagfishes)

Class Petromyzonti (Lampreys)

Family Petromyzontidae (Northern Lampreys)

Class Chondrichthyes (Cartilaginous Fishes)

Family Heterodontidae (Bullhead Sharks)

Family Orectolobidae (Carpet Sharks)

Family Rhincodontidae (Whale Sharks)

Family Alopiidae (Thresher Sharks)

Family Cetorhinidae (Basking Sharks)

Family Lamnidae (Mackerel Sharks)

Family Hexanchidae (Cow Sharks)

Family Echinorhinidae (Bramble Sharks)

Family Squalidae (Dogfish Sharks)

Family Somniosidae (Sleeper Sharks)

Family Dalatiidae (Kitefin Sharks)

Family Carcharhinidae (Requiem Sharks)

Family Sphyrnidae (Hammerhead Sharks)

Family Triakidae (Houndsharks)

Family Torpedinidae (Electric Rays)

Family Rajidae (Skates)

Family Arhynchobatidae (Softnose Skates)

Family Dasyatidae (Whiptail Stingrays)

Family Gymnuridae (Butterfly Rays)

Family Myliobatidae (Eagle Rays)

Family Mobulidae (Devilrays)

Family Chimaeridae (Shortnose Chimaeras)

Class Actinopterygii (Ray-Finned Fishes)

Family Acipenseridae (Sturgeons)

Family Polyodontidae (Paddlefishes)

Family Clupeidae (Herrings, Shads, and Sardines)

Family Engraulidae (Anchovies)

Family Salmonidae (Salmon, Trout, Chars, and Whitefish)

Family Osmeridae (Smelts)

Family Galaxiidae (Galaxiids)

Family Argentinidae (Argentines)

Family Bathylagidae (Deep-sea Smelts)

Family Opisthoproctidae (Barreleyes)

Family Umbridae (Mudminnows)

Family Esocidae (Pikes)

Family Cyprinidae (Carps and Minnows)

Family Catostomidae (Suckers)

Family Ictaluridae (North American Catfishes)

Family Aphredoderidae (Pirate Perches)

Family Amblyopsidae (Cavefishes)

Family Bythitidae (Viviparous Brotulas)

Family Gadidae (Cods)

Family Merlucciidae (Merluccid Hakes)

Family Phycidae (Phycid Hakes)

Family Lotidae (Hakes and Burbots)

Family Ophidiidae (Cusk-eels)

Family Bythitidae (Viviparous Brotulas)

  • Genus Ogilbia
  • * Ogilbia deroyi Rare, southern CA

Family Batrachoididae (Toadfishes)

Family Lophiidae (Goosefishes)

Family Antennariidae (Frogfishes)

Family Ogcocephalidae (Batfishes)

Family Mugilidae (Mullets)

Family Atherinopsidae (New World Silversides)

Family Belonidae (Needlefishes)

Family Hemiramphidae (Halfbeaks)

Family Exocoetidae (Flyingfishes)

Family Adrianichthyidae (Ricefishes)

Family Fundulidae (Topminnows)

Family Profundulidae (Middle American Killifishes)

Family Poeciliidae (Livebearers)

Family Cyprinodontidae (Pupfishes)

Family Gasterosteidae (Sticklebacks)

Family Syngnathidae (Pipefishes and Seahorses)

Family Scorpaenidae (Scorpionfishes)

Family Sebastolobidae (Thornyheads)

Family Anoplopomatidae (Sablefishes)

Family Hexagrammidae (Greenlings)

Family Cottidae (Sculpins)

Family Psychrolutidae (Fatheads)

Family Agonidae (Poachers)

Family Cyclopteridae (Lumpfishes)

Family Liparidae (Snailfishes)

  • Genus Acantholiparis
  • * Acantholiparis opercularis Deep water
  • Genus Careproctus
  • * Careproctus cypselurus Deep water
  • * Careproctus melanurus Deep water
  • * Careproctus ovigerum Deep water
  • * Careproctus phasma Deep water
  • * Careproctus rastrinus Deep water
  • * Careproctus reinhardti Deep water
  • * Careproctus satanicus Deep water
  • * Careproctus scottae Deep water
  • * Careproctus segaliensis Deep water
  • * Careproctus sinensis Deep water
  • * Careproctus spectrum Deep water
  • * Careproctus trachysoma Deep water
  • Genus Elassodiscus
  • * Elassodiscus tremebundus Deep water
  • Genus Liparis
  • * Liparis cyclopus
  • * Liparis dennyi
  • * Liparis fucensis
  • * Liparis greeni
  • * Liparis inquilinus
  • * Liparis pulchellus
  • * Liparis rutteri
  • * Liparis tessellatus
  • Genus Nectoliparis
  • * Nectoliparis pelagicus Deep water
  • Genus Paraliparis
  • * Paraliparis albescens Deep water
  • * Paraliparis cephalus Deep water
  • * Paraliparis dactylosus Deep water
  • * Paraliparis devriesi Deep water
  • * Paraliparis holomelas Deep water
  • * Paraliparis mento Deep water
  • * Paraliparis rosaceus Deep water
  • * Paraliparis ulochir Deep water
  • Genus Polypera
  • * Polypera simushirae Deep water
  • Genus Rhodichthys
  • * Rhodichthys regina Deep water

Family Centropomidae (Snooks)

  • Genus Centropomus
  • * Centropomus medius Rare vagrant
  • * Centropomus nigrescens Rare vagrant
  • * Centropomus robalito Rare vagrant
  • * Centropomus unionensis Rare vagrant
  • * Centropomus viridis Rare vagrant

Family Moronidae (Temperate Basses)

Family Serranidae (Sea Basses)

Family Priacanthidae (Bigeyes)

Family Apogonidae (Cardinalfishes)

Family Malacanthidae (Tilefishes)

Family Pomatomidae (Bluefishes)

Family Rachycentridae (Cobias)

Family Echeneidae (Remoras)

Family Carangidae (Jacks)

Family Coryphaenidae (Dolphinfishes)

Family Bramidae (Pomfrets)

Family Caristiidae (Manefishes)

Family Emmelichthyidae (Rovers)

Family Lutjanidae (Snappers)

Family Lobotidae (Tripletails)

Family Gerreidae (Mojarras)

Family Haemulidae (Grunts)

Family Inermiidae (Bonnetmouths)

Family Sparidae (Porgies)

Family Sciaenidae (Drums and Croakers)

Family Mullidae (Goatfishes)

Family Pempheridae (Sweepers)

Family Polyprionidae (Wreckfishes)

Family Centracanthidae (Picarel porgies)

Family Pomacentridae (Damselfishes)

Family Labridae (Wrasses)

Family Scaridae (Parrotfishes)

Family Uranoscopidae (Stargazers)

Family Trichonotidae (Sand divers)

Family Creediidae (Sand burrowers)

Family Leptoscopidae (Sandfishes)

Family Trachinidae (Weeverfishes)

Family Chiasmodontidae (Swallowers)

Family Trichodontidae (Sandfishes)

Family Ammodytidae (Sand lances)

Family Trachinoididae (Sand lances)

Family Percophidae (Duckbill flatheads)

Family Blenniidae (Combtooth blennies)

Family Tripterygiidae (Threefin blennies)

Family Dactyloscopidae (Sand stargazers)

Family Chaenopsidae (Pikeblennies, tube blennies)

Family Clinidae (Kelpfishes)

Family Labrisomidae (Labrisomid blennies)

Family Gobiesocidae (Clingfishes)

  • Genus Acyrtops
  • * Acyrtops beryllinus Rare vagrant
  • Genus Acyrtus
  • * Acyrtus artius Rare, southern CA
  • * Acyrtus rubiginosus
  • Genus Arcos
  • * Arcos erythrops
  • * Arcos macrophthalmus
  • * Arcos poecilophthalmos Rare, southern CA
  • * Arcos rhodospilus
  • Genus Derilissus
  • * Derilissus altifrons Deep water
  • * Derilissus lombardii Deep water
  • * Derilissus nanus Deep water
  • * Derilissus vittiger Deep water
  • Genus Gobiesox
  • * Gobiesox adustus
  • * Gobiesox daedaleus Rare, southern CA
  • * Gobiesox eugrammus
  • * Gobiesox fluviatilis Rare, southern CA
  • * Gobiesox juniperoserrai Rare, southern CA
  • * Gobiesox lucayanus Rare vagrant
  • * Gobiesox maeandricus
  • * Gobiesox marijeanae Rare, southern CA
  • * Gobiesox marmoratus
  • * Gobiesox milleri Rare, southern CA
  • * Gobiesox multitentaculus Rare, southern CA
  • * Gobiesox nigripinnis Rare, southern CA
  • * Gobiesox papillifer
  • * Gobiesox pinniger
  • * Gobiesox potamius Rare, southern CA
  • * Gobiesox punctulatus Rare, southern CA
  • * Gobiesox rhessodon
  • * Gobiesox schultzi Rare, southern CA
  • * Gobiesox stenocephalus Rare, southern CA
  • * Gobiesox woodsi Rare, southern CA
  • Genus Rimicola
  • * Rimicola cabrilloi
  • * Rimicola dimorpha Rare, southern CA
  • * Rimicola eigenmanni
  • * Rimicola muscarum
  • * Rimicola sila
  • Genus Tomicodon
  • * Tomicodon abuelorum Rare, southern CA
  • * Tomicodon australis Rare, southern CA
  • * Tomicodon bidens Rare, southern CA
  • * Tomicodon boehlkei Rare, southern CA
  • * Tomicodon briggsi Rare, southern CA
  • * Tomicodon chilensis Rare vagrant
  • * Tomicodon clarkei Rare, southern CA
  • * Tomicodon eos Rare, southern CA
  • * Tomicodon fasciatus
  • * Tomicodon humeralis Rare, southern CA
  • * Tomicodon lavettsmithi Rare, southern CA
  • * Tomicodon leurodiscus Rare, southern CA
  • * Tomicodon myersi Rare, southern CA
  • * Tomicodon petersii
  • * Tomicodon prodomus Rare, southern CA
  • * Tomicodon reitzae Rare, southern CA
  • * Tomicodon rhabdotus Rare, southern CA
  • * Tomicodon rupestris Rare, southern CA
  • * Tomicodon vermiculatus Rare, southern CA
  • * ''Tomicodon zebra''

Family Callionymidae (Dragonets)

Family Eleotridae (Sleepers)

Family Gobiidae (Gobies)

Family Microdesmidae (Wormfishes)

  • Genus Clarkichthys
  • * Clarkichthys bilineatus Rare, southern CA
  • Genus Gunnellichthys
  • * Gunnellichthys curiosus Rare, southern CA
  • * Gunnellichthys monostigma Rare, southern CA
  • * Gunnellichthys pleurotaenia Rare, southern CA
  • Genus Microdesmus
  • * Microdesmus aethiopicus Rare vagrant
  • * Microdesmus affinis Rare, southern CA
  • * Microdesmus bahianus Rare, southern CA
  • * Microdesmus carri Rare, southern CA
  • * Microdesmus dipus
  • * Microdesmus knappi Rare, southern CA
  • * Microdesmus lanceolatus Rare, southern CA
  • * Microdesmus longipinnis Rare, southern CA
  • * Microdesmus luscus Rare, southern CA
  • * Microdesmus multiradiatus Rare, southern CA
  • * Microdesmus retropinnis Rare, southern CA
  • * Microdesmus suttkusi Rare, southern CA

Family Ptereleotridae (Dartfishes)

Family Schindleriidae (Infantfishes)

Family Scombridae (Mackerels and Tunas)

Family Xiphiidae (Swordfish)

Family Istiophoridae (Billfishes)

Family Centrolophidae (Medusafishes)

Family Nomeidae (Driftfishes)

Family Ariommatidae (Ariommatids)

  • Genus Ariomma
  • * Ariomma brevimanum Deep water
  • * Ariomma dollfusi Deep water
  • * Ariomma evermanni Deep water
  • * Ariomma indicum Deep water
  • * Ariomma luridum Deep water
  • * Ariomma melanum Deep water
  • * Ariomma parini Deep water
  • * Ariomma regulus Deep water

Family Stromateidae (Butterfishes)

Family Amarsipidae (Amarsipas)

Family Tetragonuridae (Squaretails)

Family Caproidae (Boarfishes)

Family Luvaridae (Louvars)

Family Zanclidae (Moorish Idol)

Family Acanthuridae (Surgeonfishes)

Family Siganidae (Rabbitfishes)

Family Chiasmodontidae (Swallowers)

  • Genus Chiasmodon
  • * Chiasmodon niger Deep water
  • Genus Dysalotus
  • * Dysalotus alcocki Deep water
  • * Dysalotus oligoscolus Deep water
  • Genus Kali
  • * Kali colubrina Deep water
  • * Kali falx Deep water
  • * Kali indica Deep water
  • * Kali kerberti Deep water
  • * Kali macrodon Deep water
  • * Kali macrura Deep water
  • * Kali normani Deep water
  • * Kali parri Deep water
  • Genus Pseudoscopelus
  • * Pseudoscopelus altipinnis Deep water
  • * Pseudoscopelus aphos Deep water
  • * Pseudoscopelus astronesthidens Deep water
  • * Pseudoscopelus cephalus Deep water
  • * Pseudoscopelus cordilluminatus Deep water
  • * Pseudoscopelus lavenbergi Deep water
  • * Pseudoscopelus microps Deep water
  • * Pseudoscopelus obtusifrons Deep water
  • * Pseudoscopelus odontoglossum Deep water
  • * Pseudoscopelus scriptus Deep water
  • * Pseudoscopelus sagamianus Deep water
  • * Pseudoscopelus scutatus Deep water
  • * Pseudoscopelus stellatus Deep water

Family Anarhichadidae (Wolffishes)

Family Pholidae (Gunnels)

Family Stichaeidae (Pricklebacks)

Family Cryptacanthodidae (Wrymouths)

Family Zaproridae (Prowfishes)

Family Scytalinidae (Graveldivers)

Family Bathymasteridae (Ronquils)

Family Ptilichthyidae (Quillfishes)

Family Lumpenidae (Eelblennies)

Family Zoarcidae (Eelpouts)

  • Genus Bothrocara
  • * Bothrocara brunneum Deep water
  • * Bothrocara molle Deep water
  • * Bothrocara pusillum Deep water
  • Genus Dadyanos
  • * Dadyanos insignis Deep water
  • Genus Dieidolycus
  • * Dieidolycus adocetus Deep water
  • * Dieidolycus leptodermatus Deep water
  • Genus Gymnelus
  • * Gymnelus hemifasciatus Rare, far north
  • * Gymnelus viridis Rare, far north
  • Genus Lycodapus
  • * Lycodapus australis Deep water
  • * Lycodapus dermatinus Deep water
  • * Lycodapus endemoscotus Deep water
  • * Lycodapus fierasfer Deep water
  • * Lycodapus leptus Deep water
  • * Lycodapus mandibularis Deep water
  • * Lycodapus parviceps Deep water
  • * Lycodapus pachysoma Deep water
  • * Lycodapus psarostomatus Deep water
  • Genus Lycodes
  • * Lycodes brevipes Deep water
  • * Lycodes brueggeni Deep water
  • * Lycodes cortezianus Deep water
  • * Lycodes diapterus
  • * Lycodes esmarkii Deep water
  • * Lycodes fasciatus Deep water
  • * Lycodes frigidus Deep water
  • * Lycodes fulvus Deep water
  • * Lycodes jugoricus Deep water
  • * Lycodes lavalaei Deep water
  • * Lycodes luetkenii Deep water
  • * Lycodes macrochir Deep water
  • * Lycodes marisalbi Deep water
  • * Lycodes microlepis Deep water
  • * Lycodes mucosus Deep water
  • * Lycodes pacificus Deep water
  • * Lycodes palearis Deep water
  • * Lycodes polaris Deep water
  • * Lycodes raridens Deep water
  • * Lycodes reticulatus Deep water
  • * Lycodes rossi Deep water
  • * Lycodes sagittarius Deep water
  • * Lycodes seminudus Deep water
  • * Lycodes soldatovi Deep water
  • * Lycodes tanakae Deep water
  • * Lycodes teraoi Deep water
  • * Lycodes turneri Deep water
  • * Lycodes vahlii Deep water
  • Genus Lycenchelys
  • * Lycenchelys albeola Deep water
  • * Lycenchelys albomaculata Deep water
  • * Lycenchelys antarctica Deep water
  • * Lycenchelys argentina Deep water
  • * Lycenchelys aurantiaca Deep water
  • * Lycenchelys bachmanni Deep water
  • * Lycenchelys bellingshauseni Deep water
  • * Lycenchelys bullisi Deep water
  • * Lycenchelys camchatica Deep water
  • * Lycenchelys crotalinus Deep water
  • * Lycenchelys fedorovi Deep water
  • * Lycenchelys folletti Deep water
  • * Lycenchelys hippopotamus Deep water
  • * Lycenchelys hureaui Deep water
  • * Lycenchelys jordani Deep water
  • * Lycenchelys kolthoffi Deep water
  • * Lycenchelys labradorensis Deep water
  • * Lycenchelys maculata Deep water
  • * Lycenchelys makushok Deep water
  • * Lycenchelys muraena Deep water
  • * Lycenchelys nanospinata Deep water
  • * Lycenchelys nigripalatum Deep water
  • * Lycenchelys parini Deep water
  • * Lycenchelys paxillus Deep water
  • * Lycenchelys pentactina Deep water
  • * Lycenchelys platyrhina Deep water
  • * Lycenchelys porifer Deep water
  • * Lycenchelys rassi Deep water
  • * Lycenchelys ratmanovi Deep water
  • * Lycenchelys rosea Deep water
  • * Lycenchelys sarsii Deep water
  • * Lycenchelys scaurus Deep water
  • * Lycenchelys squamosa Deep water
  • * Lycenchelys uschakovi Deep water
  • * Lycenchelys verrillii Deep water
  • * Lycenchelys vitiazi Deep water
  • * Lycenchelys volki Deep water
  • * Lycenchelys wilkesi Deep water
  • * Lycenchelys xanthoptera Deep water
  • Genus Lycodopsis
  • * Lycodopsis pacifica Deep water
  • Genus Melanostigma
  • * Melanostigma atlanticum Deep water
  • * Melanostigma bathium Deep water
  • * Melanostigma gelatinosum Deep water
  • * Melanostigma orientale Deep water
  • * Melanostigma pammelas Deep water
  • Genus Pachycara
  • * Pachycara bulbiceps Deep water
  • * Pachycara crossacanthum Deep water
  • * Pachycara dolichaulus Deep water
  • * Pachycara garricki Deep water
  • * Pachycara goni Deep water
  • * Pachycara lepinium Deep water
  • * Pachycara mesoporum Deep water
  • * Pachycara microcephalum Deep water
  • * ''Pachycara nazca''

Family Anguillidae (Freshwater Eels)

Family Chlopsidae (False Morays)

Family Muraenidae (Moray Eels)

Family Heterenchelyidae (Mud Eels)

Family Moringuidae (Spaghetti Eels)

Family Congridae (Conger Eels)

Family Nettastomatidae (Duckbill Eels)

Family Serrivomeridae (Sawtooth Eels)

Family Nemichthyidae (Snipe Eels)

Family Synaphobranchidae (Cutthroat Eels)

Family Ophichthidae (Snake Eels and Worm Eels)

Family Alepocephalidae (Slickheads)

Family Platytroctidae (Tubeshoulders)

Family Cetomimidae (Flabby Whalefishes)

Family Megalomycteridae (Bignose Fishes)

Family Mirapinnidae (Hairyfish)

Family Stephanoberycidae (Pricklefishes)

Family Hispidoberycidae (Bristlyskin)

Family Barbourisiidae (Red Whalefish)

Family Rondeletiidae (Redmouth Whalefishes)

Family Diretmidae (Spinyfins)

Family Anoplogastridae (Fangtooths)

Family Monognathidae (Onejaw Gulpers)

  • Genus Monognathus
  • * Monognathus ahlstromi Deep water
  • * Monognathus bertini Deep water
  • * Monognathus boehlkei Deep water
  • * Monognathus bruuni Deep water
  • * Monognathus herringi Deep water
  • * Monognathus isaacsi Deep water
  • * Monognathus jesperseni Deep water
  • * Monognathus jesse Deep water
  • * Monognathus nigeli Deep water
  • * Monognathus oceanicus Deep water
  • * Monognathus rajui Deep water
  • * Monognathus rosenblatti Deep water
  • * Monognathus smithi Deep water
  • * Monognathus taningi Deep water

Family Eurypharyngidae (Gulper Eels)

Family Saccopharyngidae (Swallowers)

Family Cyematidae (Bobtail Snipe Eels)

Introduced Species

The following is a list of notable fish species that have been introduced to California and have established self-sustaining populations. This list is not exhaustive but covers the most impactful and widespread introductions.Alosa pseudoharengus IntroducedAmeiurus catus IntroducedAmeiurus natalis IntroducedCarassius auratus IntroducedCtenopharyngodon idella Introduced Cyprinus carpio IntroducedDorosoma cepedianum IntroducedDorosoma petenense IntroducedGambusia affinis IntroducedHypophthalmichthys molitrix Introduced Hypophthalmichthys nobilis Introduced Ictalurus furcatus IntroducedIctalurus punctatus IntroducedLepomis cyanellus IntroducedLepomis gibbosus IntroducedLepomis macrochirus IntroducedLepomis microlophus IntroducedMenidia beryllina IntroducedMicropterus dolomieu IntroducedMicropterus floridanus Introduced Micropterus salmoides IntroducedMorone americana Introduced Morone chrysops IntroducedMorone saxatilis IntroducedNotemigonus crysoleucas IntroducedOncorhynchus aguabonita Introduced outside native rangeOncorhynchus clarkii Non-native subspecies introducedOreochromis aureus IntroducedOreochromis mossambicus IntroducedOreochromis niloticus IntroducedPerca flavescens IntroducedPimephales promelas IntroducedPomoxis annularis IntroducedPomoxis nigromaculatus IntroducedPtychocheilus lucius Reintroduced Salmo trutta IntroducedSalvelinus fontinalis IntroducedSalvelinus namaycush IntroducedSander canadensis Introduced Sander vitreus IntroducedTinca tinca Introduced