How to Identify Shiner Perch

To identify Shiner Perch (Cymatogaster aggregata), look at these key features.

Physical Characteristics

Body shape

compressed

Coloration

Silvery body, often with 8-10 faint vertical bars on the sides. A series of 3-4 prominent yellow or brassy spots are typically present along the lateral line, particularly noticeable in fresh specimens. Fins are generally translucent or dusky.

Scale type

cycloid

Mouth position

terminal

Distinctive features

Viviparous (live-bearing), Small, compressed body, Yellow spots along the lateral line, Deeply forked caudal fin

Dorsal fin

Single dorsal fin with 9-11 spines and 19-25 soft rays. The spinous and soft-rayed portions are continuous.

Tail fin

Deeply forked caudal fin.

Pectoral fin

Pectoral fins are moderately sized, with 17-21 rays.

Distinctive fins

Anal fin has 3 spines and 16-26 soft rays. Pelvic fins are thoracic, with 1 spine and 5 soft rays.

Identification Tips

1. 1

   Body Shape and Coloration

   Look for a small, silvery, compressed body with faint vertical bars and distinct yellow or brassy spots along the lateral line. This combination is unique among most small surfperches.

2. 2

   Fins

   Note the continuous dorsal fin and the deeply forked caudal fin, which is more pronounced than in some other surfperch species.

3. 3

   Size

   Shiner Perch are relatively small, rarely exceeding 20 cm (8 inches) in length, which helps distinguish them from larger surfperch species.

4. 4

   Habitat

   Their preference for shallow, inshore, and estuarine environments is a good indicator.

Explore Shiner Perch