John,
For years (25?), the following dichotomous key has been used to identify the 400+ species of marine fishes found along California (and likely quite a ways northward as well). For around $10.00, I don't think it can be beat!! I'm sure its still available through the California Department of Fish & Game, and I know that a recent reprinting is available through the California State University Long Beach's Bookstore (I saw it sitting there a couple of weeks ago while back for a vacation).
Miller, D.J. and R.N. Lea. 1972. Guide to the coastal marine fishes of California. California Department of Fish and Game. Fish Bulletin 157. 249pp.
Michael D. Noah, Ecologist U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Japan District Box 81 (CEPOJ-PP-E) APO AP 96338-5010
011-81-311-763-5065 011-81-311-763-8869 FAX
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-----Original Message----- From: John Wullschleger [SMTP:[log in to unmask]] Sent: Friday, August 22, 1997 9:41 PM To: [log in to unmask] Subject: Pacific Coast Fishes
Would anyone care to recommend current references on marine fishes of the Pacific Coast of North America. A key would be great, but photos/drawings, characteristics, distribution, and life history information are of interest as well. I am particularly interested in fish that inhabit the near-short and intertidal regions. Thanks in advance.
John Wullschleger Fish/Intertidal Biologist Olympic National Park Forks, WA
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