Barred surfperch

The barred surfperch (Amphistichus argenteus) is a species of surfperch native to inshore waters from northern California, United States to southern Baja California, Mexico. This species can reach a length of 43 centimetres (17 in) TL though most do not exceed 30 centimetres (12 in) TL. The maximum recorded weight is 2.0 kilograms (4.4 lb).[1] Like other surfperches, it gives birth to live young. The diet of the barred surfperch consists predominantly of sand crabs .[2]

According to the California Department of Fish and Game,[3] Barred Surfperch can be identified by bars and spots on sides which are often unbarred, as well as the absence of red tail.

Barred surfperch
Barred Surfperch caught at the Cowell Beach in Santa Cruz, CA, USA
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Actinopterygii
Family: Embiotocidae
Genus: Amphistichus
Species:
A. argenteus
Binomial name
Amphistichus argenteus
Agassiz, 1854
Synonyms
  • Mytilophagus fasciatus Gibbons, 1854
  • Amphistichus similis Girard, 1854
  • Amphistichus arenatus Ryder, 1885
Barred Surfperch caught at the Ocean Beach in San Francisco, CA, USA

Fishery

Barred surfperch are an important sport fishery for most surf fishermen in California. Anglers use sand crabs, sandworms, blood worms, shrimp, squid, cut fish, and small hard baits to catch these fish.

References
  1. Froese, Rainer and Pauly, Daniel, eds. (2013). "Amphistichus argenteus" in FishBase. April 2013 version.
  2. "The Pacific Mole Crab" (PDF). Gulf of the Farallones National Marine Sanctuary. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2011-07-19. Retrieved 2009-01-20.
  3. "Common Surfperches of California". California Department of Fish and Game.
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