Fish Identification Photos: Ocean Whitefish, Ocean Tilefish, Caulolatilus princeps: The Ocean Whitefish is characterized by its overall light blue-grey appearance, and long anal and dorsal fins that maintain their width throughout their length. The anal and dorsal fins have a yellow line and a white line at their margins and the pectoral fins have strong yellow and blue components (as pictured below). Their mouths end well before the eyes. There is a dark pit below and in front of the eyes that is brown in coloration, and at times there is a dark blotch on the gill covers. The caudal fin is yellow and concave.

The Ocean Whitefish is easily confused with Hubb’s Tilefish, Canlolatilus hubbsi (which has a large mouth, thick fleshy lips, a blunt straight caudal fin, and a black spot at the base of the pectoral fin), and the Pacific Golden-Eye Tilefish, Canlolatilus affinis (a less forked caudal fin and a yellow stripe below and in front of the eye).

The Ocean Whitefish is a member of the Malacanthidae Family which are also known as Tilefishes and Blanquillos. Three species of Tilefishes are found in the Gulf of California, each from the subfamily Latilinae, and they are found in moderately deep water over rubble bottoms. The Tilefishes are robust fish having moderately deep bodies with a characteristic predorsal ridge and long anal and dorsal fins that maintain their width throughout their length. At present there are 39 species of Malacanthidae known globally.

The Ocean Whitefish is found at depths of up to 450 feet in the water column over both rock and sand bottoms. It is found in all Mexican waters including around the oceanic islands. The Ocean Whitefish is reported to reach just over three feet in length; however 18-inch models are much more common. They are viewed by locals as good table fare.

Ocean Whitefish, Caulolatilus princeps: Caught with Captain Pata in the panga Salome, La Playita, San Jose del Cabo, Baja California Sur, Mexico, in 73-degree water, mid-morning in April 2003, in 250-foot deep water, utilizing 30-pound test, with a 40-pound two dropper loop rig, with swivel, 8-ounce bank sinker, and Mustad 92553 hooks, size 2/0, on cut bonito, 25 miles north of La Playita. Size approximately 14 inches and 1.5 pounds and a nonfighter. Viewed by locals as good table fare. Note: when you catch one of these you can fill a 5-gallon bucket in short order; also they very much prefer cut fish such as bonito versus live sardinas or cut squid. Very similar and not to be confused with the Pacific Golden Eye Tilefish. Ocean Whitefish, Caulolatilus princeps: Caught at Isla Angel de la Guarda, Sea of Cortez, Baja California, Mexico. Photo by Gene Kira.