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]
| Barred surfperch | |
|---|---|
| |
| Barred Surfperch caught at the Cowell Beach in Santa Cruz, CA, USA | |
Scientific classification 
| |
| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Actinopterygii |
| Family: | Embiotocidae |
| Genus: | Amphistichus |
| Species: | A. argenteus
|
| Binomial name | |
| Amphistichus argenteus Agassiz, 1854
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| Synonyms | |
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.
Fishery
editBarred surfperch are an important sport fishery for most surf fishermen in California, as they are common in the surf zone.[2] Anglers use sand crabs, sandworms, blood worms, shrimp, squid, cut fish, and small hard baits to catch these fish.
References
edit- ^ Froese, Rainer; Pauly, Daniel (eds.). "Amphistichus argenteus". FishBase. April 2013 version.
- ^ a b "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.
- ^ "Common Surfperches of California". California Department of Fish and Game.