surfperches

kelp perch

Scientific name: Brachyistius frenatus

Family: Embiotocidae

Phylum: Chordata

Typical size: Up to 22 centimeters long

Depth range: 5 to 30 meters

Description: Oval shaped body that is golden brown color without stripes or dots. Large scales. Forked tail fin characteristic of perches. 

Habitat and behavior: Found among kelp in shallow areas, sometimes in small groups of 3 to 4 individuals or larger. A cleaner fish for some other fishes.

pile perch

Scientific name: Rhacochilus vacca

Family:  Embiotocidae

Phylum: Chordata

Typical size: Up to 40 centimeter total length

Depth range: Up to 50 meters

Description: The pile perch’s body is an oval shape compressed on two ends. It is shiny silver color with a darker brown/black vertical stripe on its body. 

Habitat and behavior: Lives from Alaska to Baja California. They live along rocky shores often with kelp, pilings or other underwater structures. Typically swim in schools.

shiner perch

Scientific name:Cymatogaster aggregata

Family: Embiotocidae

Phylum: Chordata

Typical size: Up to 45 centimeters total length 

Depth range: Intertidal to 20 meters, found as deep as 50 meters

Description: They have an elongated body with a singular dorsal fin. They are usually silvery with hints of dark green. They have 8 darker horizontal stripes which are (especially for females) intersected with 3 yellow vertical stripes.

Habitat and behavior: They live from Alaska to Baja California. They live in bays with eelgrass, pilings or other structures. Shiner perches can adapt to live in brackish (mixture of freshwater and saltwater) water.

striped perch

Scientific name: Embiotoca lateralis

Family: Embiotocidae

Phylum: Chordata

Typical size: 38 centimeters

Depth range: Subtidal to 50 meters

Description: Oval shaped body with grey color and lateral stripes that shine blue and iridescent rainbow in color. Fins are gold or yellow in color with forked tail characteristic of surf perches.

Habitat and behavior: Found in schools around rocky reefs and kelp. Eats worms, mussels, small crustaceans.