Sheepshead

Alternative Names: Bay Snapper

Monterey Bay Recommendation: No recommendation. No significant commercial fishery.

Uses in Cooking: These are uncommon in kitchens, due to their thick hard scales. They can be a challenge to clean, but the meat inside is versatile and does well fried, baked, poached, grilled, or broiled.

Similar Fish: Red snapper, speckled trout, Copper Rockfish

Description: The firm and juicy white meat of sheepshead rivals any snapper. It is mild flavored and retains its moisture well. It flakes nicely and the skin has no off flavors.

Fun Facts: These fish have a very interesting set of teeth that look similar to a full set of human baby teeth. They also have an extremely bony mouth used for crushing invertebrates like crabs and oysters.