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The Redtail Surfperch (Amphistichus rhodoterus) is a species of marine ray-finned fish belonging to the family Embiotocidae, the surfperches. It is a popular sport fish along the Pacific coast of North America, known for its vibrant coloration and strong fighting ability. This species is viviparous, giving birth to live young, a characteristic shared by all surfperches.
Physical Characteristics
- Body shape
- compressed
- Coloration
- Silvery-white to brassy on the sides, often with 8-9 faint, vertical bars that may be indistinct. The most distinguishing feature is the bright red to reddish-orange coloration on the caudal (tail) fin, and often on the pelvic and anal fins. The dorsal fin may also have reddish hues. Some individuals may exhibit iridescent blue or green reflections.
- Scale type
- cycloid
- Mouth position
- terminal
- Distinctive features
- Bright red to reddish-orange caudal fin, Deep, compressed body, Small, terminal mouth, Large, cycloid scales
- Dorsal fin
- Single dorsal fin with 9-11 spines and 22-27 soft rays. The spinous portion is lower than the soft-rayed portion.
- Tail fin
- Moderately forked, bright red to reddish-orange.
- Pectoral fin
- Relatively large and rounded, clear to slightly yellowish.
- Distinctive fins
- Pelvic and anal fins often share the reddish coloration of the caudal fin. The anal fin has 3 spines and 27-32 soft rays.
Identification Tips
Caudal Fin Color
The most reliable identifier is the bright red to reddish-orange coloration of the tail fin. This is usually very prominent.
Body Shape and Bars
Look for a deep, compressed body with faint, often indistinct, vertical bars on the sides. The bars are typically 8-9 in number.
Mouth Size
The mouth is relatively small and terminal, distinguishing it from some other surfperch species with larger or more inferior mouths.
Scale Size
Possesses relatively large, cycloid scales, which are smooth to the touch.
Habitat
- Water type
- saltwater
- Depth
- Typically found in shallow waters, from the surf zone to depths of about 18 meters (60 feet).
- Environment
- Prefers sandy beaches, surf zones, and shallow coastal areas with moderate to strong wave action. Often found near submerged rocks or kelp beds that provide shelter and foraging opportunities.
- Geographic range
- Eastern Pacific Ocean, from Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada, south to northern Baja California, Mexico. Most abundant from northern California to Washington.
Aquarium Information
- Care level: expert
- Temperament: peaceful
- Diet: carnivore
- Minimum tank size: 200 gallons
- Temperature: 10-18°C (50-65°F)
- pH level: 7.8-8.4
- Hardness: 10-15 dKH
- Compatibility: Best kept in a species-specific tank or with other large, temperate marine fish that can tolerate similar water conditions. Avoid aggressive or very small tank mates.
- Special requirements: Requires a large, well-filtered, and well-oxygenated temperate marine aquarium with strong water movement to simulate surf zone conditions. Live rock and sand substrate are beneficial. Not commonly kept in home aquaria due to size and specific environmental needs.
Wild Information
- Conservation status: least concern
- Seasonality: Available year-round, but fishing success can vary with seasonal surf conditions and spawning aggregations. Spawning typically occurs in late spring to early summer.
- Market price: N/A (primarily recreational)
- Commercial importance: low
- Taste: Mild, flaky white meat
- Texture: Firm, moist
- Cooking methods: Pan-fried, Baked, Grilled, Steamed
- Nutritional value: Good source of lean protein and Omega-3 fatty acids.
Key Facts
Live Bearersbehavior
Like all surfperches, Redtail Surfperch are viviparous, meaning they give birth to live, fully formed young rather than laying eggs. Females can carry up to 100 or more embryos.
Surf Zone Specialistsbehavior
These fish are highly adapted to life in the turbulent surf zone, using their compressed bodies and strong fins to navigate strong currents and waves.
Dietary Habitsbehavior
Their diet primarily consists of small crustaceans, such as sand crabs (Emerita analoga), mysid shrimp, and other invertebrates found in sandy substrates.
Angler's Delightinteresting
Redtail Surfperch are a highly prized sport fish for surf anglers due to their strong fighting ability and good eating quality.
Safety Information
Safe- Safety level: safe
- Venomous: No
- Edibility: edible
- Handling notes: No specific handling precautions are required beyond standard fish handling to avoid fin spines. The dorsal and anal fin spines are sharp but not venomous. Handle carefully to avoid punctures.
Similar Species
Barred Surfperch
Amphistichus argenteus
The Barred Surfperch has more distinct, darker vertical bars on its sides and lacks the prominent red caudal fin of the Redtail Surfperch. Its tail fin is typically dusky or yellowish.
Spotfin Surfperch
Hyperprosopon anale
The Spotfin Surfperch is generally smaller, has a more silvery body, and is characterized by a distinct black spot on the soft-rayed portion of its dorsal fin. It also lacks the red tail.
Silver Surfperch
Hyperprosopon ellipticum
The Silver Surfperch is more uniformly silvery, lacks distinct bars, and does not have a red tail. It often has a black spot at the base of the pectoral fin.
Scientific Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Actinopterygii
- Order
- Perciformes
- Family
- Embiotocidae
- Genus
- Amphistichus
- Species
- Amphistichus rhodoterus
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