Other Saltwater
Surfperch
Embiotocidae
SaltwaterEmbiotocidaeVaries by species; most are not considered threatened, but some localized populations may be vulnerable to habitat degradation and overfishing.
About
Surfperch are laterally compressed fish with a single dorsal fin that has both spiny and soft ray sections. They are viviparous, meaning they give birth to live young, a relatively uncommon trait in fish.
- Average size
- Varies by species, ranging from 4-17 inches (10-43 cm)
- Colors
- Varies greatly by species; silver, red, brown, black, and yellow are common, often with bars or spots.
- Diet
- Small invertebrates such as crustaceans (e.g., amphipods, isopods), mollusks, and small fish.
- Region
- Primarily found along the Pacific coast of North America, from Alaska to Baja California.