Southern California is home to some of the most diverse marine life in North America, from colorful garibaldi and sheephead to giant sea bass, rockfish, sharks, and pelagic species found offshore. The Fishes of the Southern California Coast FoldingGuide™ is a waterproof field guide designed to help divers, snorkelers, anglers, and ocean enthusiasts identify the fish species they encounter both above and below the surface.
Covering species found from San Luis Obispo to the Mexican border, this compact guide is packed with beautiful illustrations, species descriptions, size references, and conservation information, making it an excellent companion for anyone exploring California waters.
Why We Love It
This is one of the most useful fish identification guides for California divers because it focuses specifically on species found in our local waters. Whether you're diving Catalina, the Channel Islands, La Jolla, or your favorite local beach, you'll recognize many of the fish featured inside.
The detailed illustrations by renowned marine artist Val Kells make identifying species much easier than relying on photos alone. The artwork highlights key features that help distinguish similar-looking fish.
Its waterproof laminated construction means it can safely live in your dive bag, boat box, or backpack without worrying about water damage, making it perfect for frequent use on dive trips.
Features
- Covers 60 fish species found along the Southern California coast
- Includes both common and less frequently encountered species
- Covers inshore, nearshore, and offshore fish
- Includes sharks, rockfishes, scorpionfishes, and many other species
- Detailed full-color illustrations
- Concise species descriptions
- Includes size specifications
- Conservation status information
- Created by marine fish expert and illustrator Val Kells
- Waterproof and beachproof laminated construction
- Compact folding format for easy field reference
- Made in the USA
Perfect For
- Southern California scuba divers
- Freedivers
- Snorkelers
- Spearfishers
- Anglers
- Marine biology students
- Nature enthusiasts
- Wildlife educators
- Anyone interested in California marine life
Specs
Title: Fishes of the Southern California Coast
Format: FoldingGuide™ Field Guide
Coverage Area: San Luis Obispo, California to the Mexican Border
Species Covered: 60 Southern California Fish Species
Illustrator: Val Kells
Construction: Waterproof Laminated Guide
UPC: 740620904219
ISBN: 9781621261735
SKU: FSC-173 (F88)
Made In: USA
Blue Holic Tip 🌊
If you're diving Southern California regularly, this may be one of the most useful marine life guides you can own. Bring it along on your next Catalina or Channel Islands trip and challenge yourself to identify every fish you see during the day. You'll be amazed how quickly your fish identification skills improve.