Introduction
The Xantic Sargo (Anisotremus davidsonii) is a sport and food fish species belonging to the family Haemulidae, commonly known as grunts. This species thrives primarily in the Pacific Ocean.
Conservation Status
The Xantic Sargo population is not currently considered endangered or threatened. It’s a resilient species that supports a good rate of sustainable commercial and recreational fishing. However, like all marine species, it is affected by habitat degradation and overfishing. Conservation efforts mainly involve overall ocean preservation and sustainable fishing regulations.
Statistics
| Statistic | Average | Range |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 30 cm | 15 – 51 cm |
| Weight | 1.4 kg | 0.5 – 3 kg |
| Average Lifespan | 12 years | — |
Distribution
Xantic Sargo is commonly found in the eastern Pacific Ocean. The range extends from Monterey Bay in California to southern Baja California in Mexico. This species does not exhibit significant migration patterns.
Habitats
The Xantic Sargo prefers subtropical environments. It habitually lives in rocky areas and reefs around 3 to 30 meters deep, where the water temperature ranges from 18 °C to 24 °C.
When and Where to See
This species can be seen all year round, though they are most active during daylight hours. They are typically abundant around harbors and rocky reefs.
Best Fishing Locations & Tips
Top places for fishing Xantic Sargo include:
1. Monterey Bay, California
2. La Jolla, California
3. Santa Monica Bay, California
4. Ensenada, Baja California
5. Cabo San Lucas, Baja California Sur
General Tips:
– Look for rocky areas and reefs.
– Xantic Sargo tends to swim near the bottom; bottom fishing techniques will yield the best results.
How to Catch
Xantic Sargo can be caught using a variety of baits such as squid, shrimp, or worms. Fly fishing, trolling, and bottom fishing can all be effective techniques. Early morning or late afternoons are typically the best times for fishing this species.
Identification Guide
Xantic Sargo has a silver-gray body color with a distinctive dark blotch at the base of the pectoral fin. The body shape is elliptical and compressed. It is distinguishable from other species by the presence of 12 dorsal spines and a complete lateral line.
Culinary
Xantic Sargo is a species sought after for its lean meat. It is said to have a delicate, mild taste that lends itself well to a variety of recipes. This fish is often grilled, fried or used in soups.
Additional Information
The Xantic Sargo feeds primarily on benthic crustaceans and small fish. Predators of this species include larger predatory fish and seabirds. The species does not have any known cultural or historical significance.
References and Further Reading
For more detailed information about the Xantic Sargo, these sources provide extensive material:
1. FishBase: An authoritative database on a wide range of fish species.
2. GBIF : Offers comprehensive data on geographic distribution and biological information.
3. iNaturalist : A valuable source for snapshots of this species in its natural habitat.
4. California Fishing : Details about fishing Xantic Sargo in California waters