can you identify this fish

[arch007]

these fish were eating barnacles off my hull.

wonder what kind of fish this is ?

thanks

[Tin Tin]

My guess California Sheephead https://www.flickr.com/photos/rling/4984821883

[atoll]

mutant fiberglass eating pirahna

[Jahwork]

Hola,

I have seen many similar species. Most commonly found in heavily trafficked marinas. We called them “Wrinkle Necked Brown Trout”. Or in this case perhaps this is the much more elusive and rare “California Wrinkle Necked Brown Trout”. Most often they are “bred” in your marina neighbors black water holding tank and then “released” from captivity in the wee dark hours of night. Or sometimes have been known to be placed into a bucket onboard then immediately released. An act that is referred to as “Bucket and Chuckit”. In some instances they are farm raised and then removed via a suction device into a “pump out boat or facility”. You will usually be abke to easily identify these fish “breeders” by those who spend much time on their vessels, never or rarely leave the dock, and rarely if ever have one of the aforementioned “pump out boats” visit. However they have been released or caught, I hear they are not the greatest of eating. Both hard to clean and cook. Although surprisingly few bones I am told.

Now for the serious response, Atoll made me laugh so I thought I would attempt a sarcastic reply in return, I haven’t a clue what kind of fish that really is.

Safe journeys,
~Jake