Ocean Whitefish
Aquarium Inhabitant Bio
Caulolatilus princeps
Description
The Ocean whitefish can be identified by its long and slender body shape, dark brown coloration along its back which fades to a white belly, and yellow fin margins. The fins are sometimes tinged with blue. Two 9" whitefish are present in this exhibit.
Habitat and distribution
Most commonly found in deep coastal waters over rocky reefs and sandy bottoms. Ranges in the Eastern Pacific from USA to Mexico.
Diet
crustaceans (e.g. crabs and shrimp), cephalopods (e.g. squid and octopus), and small fishes
Fun Fact
Ocean Whitefish remains have been found in abundance in kitchen middens on Santa Cruz Island, suggesting that they were an important food resource for the original peoples of the channel islands
