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.