Redtail surfperch, redtail seaperch • Amphistichus rhodoterus
{rhodoteros = rosy}
The reddish caudal and anal fins are clearly visible in this photo by Kaia Bryce.
Identification
The redtail surfperch is silvery with a brassy sheen and a series of dark vertical bars along its sides. Its deeply forked caudal (tail) fin is reddish, as is its anal fin and — to a lesser extent — its dorsal fin. This fish reaches 41 cm long.
Habitat & Range
The redtail surfperch is most common along open, sandy shorelines exposed to surf. The above specimen, found during a beach seine on Calvert Island, was north of the species' recorded range, which extends from central California north to Vancouver Island, BC.
Similar Species
The redtail surfperch can be difficult to differentiate from other silvery surfperches, including the silver surfperch (Hyperprosopon ellipticum) which has a pinkish tail fin.
Human Uses
This species is caught by recreational fishermen casting from surf-swept beaches or nearby piers.
The redtail surfperch is silvery with a brassy sheen and a series of dark vertical bars along its sides. Its deeply forked caudal (tail) fin is reddish, as is its anal fin and — to a lesser extent — its dorsal fin. This fish reaches 41 cm long.
Habitat & Range
The redtail surfperch is most common along open, sandy shorelines exposed to surf. The above specimen, found during a beach seine on Calvert Island, was north of the species' recorded range, which extends from central California north to Vancouver Island, BC.
Similar Species
The redtail surfperch can be difficult to differentiate from other silvery surfperches, including the silver surfperch (Hyperprosopon ellipticum) which has a pinkish tail fin.
Human Uses
This species is caught by recreational fishermen casting from surf-swept beaches or nearby piers.
References
Froese, R. and Luna, S. M. Amphistichus rhodoterus (Agassiz, 1854) Redtail surfperch. FishBase. Accessed 28/09/2015.
Lamb, A. and Edgell, P. Coastal Fishes of the Pacific Northwest. Revised. (2010). Madeira Park, BC: Harbour Publishing. P. 94.
Authors and editors of page
Kelly Fretwell and Brian Starzomski (2015).
Froese, R. and Luna, S. M. Amphistichus rhodoterus (Agassiz, 1854) Redtail surfperch. FishBase. Accessed 28/09/2015.
Lamb, A. and Edgell, P. Coastal Fishes of the Pacific Northwest. Revised. (2010). Madeira Park, BC: Harbour Publishing. P. 94.
Authors and editors of page
Kelly Fretwell and Brian Starzomski (2015).
