Description
The
surfperches are a group of fish found along the Pacific coast of North
America and Asia. There are twenty-three different types of surfperches.
They are 4 to 18 inches in size. Surfperches have a small mouth. Their
diet includes small animals without a back-bone such as mussels, crustaceans
and worms.
When
born, the young are fully developed miniature versions of adults. During
development, the young gets most of their nutrition from the body fluids
of the mother. Also, the young are thought to be able to reproduce just
a few weeks after birth.
Shiner
surfperch are small, (up to 8 inches, 20 cm) with deep bodies. They have
one dorsal fin, with the spiny and soft parts joined. The tail fin is deeply
forked and the eyes are somewhat large. Their color is silver with striped
patterns. Females are usually larger than males throughout their lives.
Habitat
The
surfperches are a group of fish found along the Pacific coast of North
America and Asia. These fish typically live in shallow coastal waters within
and around bays. Rocky bottom coasts are an ideal habitat, because it protects
them from predators and the environment.
Quiet
bays, backwaters, and shallow areas are where most of the surfperch live.
They will commonly be found among eelgrass and kelp beds. Their range is
from southern Alaska to Baja, California.
Diet
Shiner
surfperch have small mouths, which are used for plucking small crustaceans
from sea life for food. They also will eat fish, eggs, mussels and algae.
They will feed on whatever food is available.
Enemies
These
small fish are important prey for bigger fish such as sturgeon, salmon
and sand bass. Other enemies include great blue herons and harbor seals.
Shiner surfperch are used by humans as bait fish.
Lifespan
Both
males and females turn into adults in one year. They have a short life
span. Maximum life span is about 4 to 6 years.
Interesting
Facts
Surfperch
are eaten by Oriental North Americans dried or pickled.
Surfperch
lives are threatened because the near shore waters are so polluted from
pollution run-off.
It is
thought females can become pregnant just weeks after birth.
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