Family Embiotocidae - surfperches
The surfperches are endemic to the Pacific coast, from Alaska to southern
California, with the exception of two species occurring off Japan. These fish
are unique among bony fishes because they give birth to live young. Although
most surfperches are less than 40 cm, they do provide an extensive sport fishery
and some commercial fishing.
Calico surfperch- Amphistichus koelzi
Remarks: Caught by the
sport angler and commercial fishers. Found throughout the bay but may
concentrate near eel grass, rocks or other structure. This fish makes for
excellent eating and successful anglers use small jigs or cut
bait.
Identification: Body is deep with broken reddish
vertical bars. All fins are reddish. Dorsal fin spines no longer than the soft
rays. weighs up to half a kilogram and a length of
30cm.
Range: Northern Baja to Cape Flattery, Washington,
but rare north of California. Surf zones and sandy bottoms out to 9m is common
habitat for the calico.
Redtail surfperch- Amphistichus rhodoterus
Remarks: One of the most
sought after surfperches by commercial and recreational anglers. Frequents the
bay mostly in winter, spring and summer to feed and reproduce. Small lures and
strip bait are effective for taking redtail surfperch.
Identification: Body is deep and silver with solid
vertical reddish brown bars. All fins are red. The last few dorsal fin rays are
longer than the remaining soft rays. Size is to 40cm and over half a kilogram.
Range: Vancouver Island to Monterey California. Stays
within the surf zones but will enter bays and backwaters.
Shiner surfperch- Cymatogaster aggregata
Remarks: Anglers
occasionally catch these fish but most are returned due to small size. The
shiner surfperch is very common in the Humboldt county region and is a source of
food for larger predators.
Identification: A smaller
surfperch reaching only 18cm. The body is silver with horizontal dark spots and
three oblique yellow bars are on the sides.
Range:
Southeast Alaska to northern Baja. The euryhaline shiner surfperch resides in
near fresh water environments to four miles off shore.
Pile surfperch- Damalichthys vacca
Remarks: One of the
largest surfperches but infrequently caught by bay anglers. Feeds heavily on
crustaceans; anglers should use sand crabs, strip bait or small lures. Pile
surfperch can be found throughout the bay year
round.
Identification: Two unique midbody markings on this
fish are: a dark bar at the dorsal fin base fading toward the belly and the
first few dorsal fin soft rays are long. Three other less pronounced
characteristics are: a dark spot below the eye, a deeply forked caudal fin and
dark colored scales on the lower body sides. Body is silver colored with the
dark markings noted and reaches 44cm.
Range: Alaska to
central Baja, inhabiting rocky shores near kelp to a depth of 46m.
Striped surfperch- Embiotoca lateralis
Remarks: Another large
surfperch sought after by sport and commercial anglers. Frequents the bay in all
seasons and will accept jigs, bait and sand crabs.
Identification: A colorful burnt reddish fish having
horizontal blue stripes. Vibrant blue spots are common on the head and gill
cover. The upper lip is black and the fins are brownish. Length is to 38cm.
Range: Southeast Alaska to northern Baja. Preferred
habitat is rocky areas, kelp forests and sometimes surf zones.
Spotfin surfperch- Hyperprosopon anale
Remarks: Rarely enters the
bay, prefers the surf and open ocean zones.
Identification:
Body is silver but is darkest on the upper back. The dorsal and anal
fins normally have a black spot. Maximum size is 20cm.
Range:
OregonÍs Seal Rock to central Baja. Found over sand bottomed surf areas
to a depth of 91m.
Walleye surfperch- Hyperprosopon argenteum
Remarks: One of the most
abundant surfperch in the bay. Important commercially and to recreational
anglers. Crustaceans are itÍs primary diet but can be caught on small baited
hooks. Resides in all areas of the bay except for shallow mud flats.
Identification: Large eyes, silver body and black tipped
pelvic fins are three key characteristics. Caudal fin is forked and normally
blacked edged. Size is to 30cm.
Range: Vancouver Island to
central Baja. Common in large schools around piers and sandy beaches to a depth
of 18m.
Silver surfperch- Hyperprosopon ellipticum
Remarks: Caught frequently
by anglers but discarded due to small size. Utilizes the bay year round for
residence and spawning. Common in the channels and around the piers and jetties.
Identification: Body is silver and may have faint dusky
bars on the sides. Caudal fin is pink toned and the anal fin usually has an
orange spot. Length to 27cm.
Range: British Columbia to
northern Baja. Inhabits sandy surf areas and estuaries; out to a depth of 110m.
White surfperch- Phanerodon furcatus
Remarks: Found in the bay
year long residing in the calm water zones. Although moderate in size the white
surfperch has commercial and sport importance. Like many members of this family
this fish will accept bait and lures.
Identification: Body
is silver to whitish with a thin dark line just below the dorsal fin. The anal,
pelvic and pectoral fins commonly have a yellow coloration. Caudal fin is forked
and attains a length of 32cm.
Range: Vancouver Island to
northern Baja. Prefers the calm areas near piers, jetties and other structure to
a depth of 43m.