What is a Grunion?
California grunion are a species of marine fish found only along the coast of southern California and northern Baja California. They are justifiably famous for their unique spawning behavior. Grunion spawn completely out of the water and lay their eggs on many sandy beaches in California. Shortly after high tide, on specific nights, sections of these beaches are sometimes covered with thousands of grunion dancing about on the sand. The popularity of these grunion runs means that some nights there are more people lining the beaches than grunion in the run.
The eggs remain buried in the sand throughout incubation, fully out of the water for approximately 2 weeks. The larvae hatch when the eggs wash out by high waves during tides before the new and full moons. Grunion spawn at the age of 1 year and live for 2 to 4 years. Because of their vulnerability during spawning season, they are protected by a closed season. No taking of grunion is permitted during April and May. During other months, no gear is permitted so collection may take place only with bare hands, and a fishing license is required. The Capistrano Bay District encourages “catch and release.”
Grunion Links:
Grunion Run Schedule | California Department of Fish and Game, Marine Region
