California sheephead are easily recognizable by their distinctive black and red coloring. They are also one of the biggest, toothiest fish in the kelp forest. They live in small groups along the rocky coastline of California. By day they forage for food, but at night they cover themselves in mucus and hide under rocks or in crevices to stay out of the eyes of predators.

California sheephead are keystone predators, meaning they serve a very important role in the ecosystem. Their strong appetites are helpful to kelp forests. By feeding on lobsters and grazers, like urchins and gastropod mollusks, sheephead keep them from overgrazing on kelp. They help keep the forest healthy and in balance.