The roosterfish (Nematistius pectoralis) is a fish found in the warmer shallow waters of the Pacific from Baja California to Peru.

[5] It was first described by American ichthyologist, mammalogist, malacologist, and librarian Theodore Gill in 1862 based on specimens from the Smithsonian Institution collected by John Xantus.

Roosterfish are ovuliparous meaning they exhibit external fertilization where the sperm and eggs are shed directly into the water.

Juveniles tend to live in shallow waters close to the coast where there is a surplus of food and protection from predation.

[9] The results of analyzing the stomach contents of multiple roosterfish showed nine species of prey fish and one cephalopod.

The most common prey item in the stomachs of the roosterfish was anchovies of the genus Anchoa.

[10] Roosterfish follow prey species to maintain high nutritional content throughout the year.

The northern extent of their range is the Pacific Ocean and the Gulf of California surrounding the Baja Peninsula.

[11] The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) had roosterfish listed as globally data deficient[11] until 2024 when they were classified as Least Concern.

When fly fishing, natural colored salt streamers and shrimp patterns are the go-to.

For spin fishing a longer heavy action rod is best when casting these big lures and poppers.

Having a large arbor reel that has the capacity to hold a significant amount of backing is necessary when targeting these fish.

Typically an intermediate of sinking line that matches the weight of the rod is best when fishing streamers.