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Common name: Cowcod (also known as cow rockfish, cowfish, red snapper, Pacific red snapper )
Scientific name: Sebastes levis
California record: 21 lbs. 14 oz. from Hidden Reef on Aug. 10, 1998 by angler Carlos A. Herrera
Description: Cowcod have a rather large profile with a big head and a mouth with a protruding lower jaw. Adult cowcod are typically bright orange while juvenile fish have four dark vertical bands on their sides. Their dorsal spines are deeply notched and resemble a spikey hairdo.
Habitat: Cowcod are found from the Ranger Bank and Guadalupe Island, Baja California up to Usal, California. Juveniles can be found in shallower water starting around 60 ft., while adults prefer much deeper water up to 1,200 ft. As with most rockfish species, cowcod prefer rocky bottoms and structure with big drop-offs and ledges.
Reproduction: Cowcod are a non-migratory species and give birth to live young. Females can produce up to 2 million eggs per year. Juveniles typically live and grow in shallow water and make their way to deeper water as they mature.
Cowcod are slow growing and ages up 55 years have be recorded.
Eating habit: Small fish, octopi and squid is the main diet of cowcod.
Fishing methods, tips, and best lures and baits: California state law currently prohibits the take of cowcod off California.
Best times of the year for targeting this species: California state law currently prohibits the take of cowcod off California.
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