Marine Life

Blacksmith
(Chromis punctipinnis)
Courtesy of Tom Haight

Growing to about 12 inches, this schooling fish is bluish-gray with spots near the posterior end of the fish. They range from Monterey to Baja California. The young of the species are similarly shaped but have a distinctly different coloration. They are purple bodied with yellow-orange tails, definitely not normal looking for Southern California fish. Along with the Garibaldi, they are the only members of the tropical Damselfish family around these parts. Unfortunately for us, they lose their juvenile coloration at about two inches. The Blacksmith feed on plankton and are preyed on by seals, sea lions and larger fish such as the Kelp Bass.