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California Grunion

Leuresthes tenuis

Also known as

Grunion, Sand Smelt, California Smelt

IUCN status

Least Concern

About the California Grunion

The California Grunion is a slender, silvery fish, typically reaching about 7 inches (19 cm) in length. Its body is elongated and somewhat compressed, with small, smooth scales and a pointed snout. The distinctive silvery coloration with a faint stripe along its flank helps it blend into its sandy nearshore environment, making it a sleek and agile swimmer.

Source: FishBase & iNaturalist

Habitat

Grunion inhabit the sandy surf zones and nearshore waters along the Pacific coast. They are most famous for their unique spawning behavior, where they swim onto sandy beaches during high tides to lay eggs, making the intertidal zone a crucial part of their life cycle. These highly specialized fish depend on specific beach conditions for successful reproduction.

Distribution

This species is native to the Pacific coast of North America, with its range extending from Monterey Bay in California southward through Baja California. They are a familiar sight during their spawning runs in these coastal regions.

Behaviour

Grunion are schooling fish, often found in large groups in the nearshore environment. Their most remarkable behavior is the 'grunion run,' where females, accompanied by males, swim onto sandy beaches during specific high tides after a new or full moon to spawn. The females dig themselves tail-first into the sand to deposit eggs, which are then fertilized by the males. These runs are a celebrated natural phenomenon, making them easily accessible for observers and collectors.

Edibility

★★★★★

California Grunion are considered good table fare, often described as having a delicate, mild flavor. Due to their small size, they are typically fried whole, after a quick cleaning, resulting in a crispy and flavorful treat.

Lure suggestion

For the California Grunion, traditional lures, baits, or rigging are generally not used. Anglers, or rather collectors, typically 'catch' grunion by hand during their famous grunion runs when the fish beach themselves to spawn. No fishing tackle is required; instead, it's a unique experience of carefully collecting the fish directly from the sand during designated open seasons.