This single DVD on the wrasses (family Labridae) and sea basses (family Serranidae) of southern California includes two 22-minute episodes covering the relatively few species of these largely tropical and subtropical fish found in our waters.

The local wrasses include the California sheephead, rock wrasse and señorita. A fascinating group, their rather interesting sex lives may involve transitioning from female to male as they mature. In the sheephead the immatures, females and males look like three different fish. The members of this group also are active cleaners, removing parasites and diseased tissue from a wide range of host species.

While the sea basses may not have such unusual lifestyles, they are very popular with anglers in our region. Two of the most common species are the kelp or calico bass, and the barred sand bass. A third, the spotted sand bass is referenced and some of the common sea bass from Mexico's Gulf of California (Sea of Cortez) are also featured in this episode.

The DVD is $25 plus $2.20 sales tax (8.75%) if shipped to a California address. Due to the USPS's new rates, postage via firtst class mail is $2.50. Other options include USPS Priority Mail.

This web page last updated September 13, 2008

This document maintained by Dr. Bill Bushing.
Material © 2008 Star Thrower Educational Multimedia