Cabezon Gills

I have noticed that when I try to string up a Cabezon that they dont have a clear opening through their gills to their mouth. It was like a thick rubber blocking the passage through the gill. Very much different than other fish I have caught? I asked my dad if he knew what it was but he didn't have an answer either. So do any of you know?

Thanks,  CHUB

that is a real good question. i think that they do have an opening but you need to find what fold it is in. when i spearfish for them most of the time i grab for the gills and its hard to find it. under one of the flaps though are the gills in there.

they are a pretty funny fish to catch. my favorite part of them is their eyebrows. they look funny.

john

How do you expect your dad to know, he doesn't even know what a cab looks like   

Sorry for "burning" you dad. Hope the Cabezon thing doesn't carry on for to long. ha ha ha

Oh thanks John. I didn't think they had a clear passage all the way through. Next time i catch one I'll take your advice on that.

Chub - I sharpen the tip of my game clip - simply jab the tip of the game clip under the jaw of the cabby and secure = and your good to go 

Chub,

Most fish have the following... a nice gill cover (operculum) underneath which are several gill membranes and gill arches that are not connected and called "free".  Cabezons and other sculpins have their gill membranes joined to each other or "united".  There is an opening behind this cover but it can be hard to find.

As for the eyebrows... we the technical term there is "cirri" and they are a distinguishing characteristic.  In cabezon, there are cirri over the eyes and another on the midline of the snout. 


Brian