How to Identify Silver Surfperch

To identify Silver Surfperch (Hyperprosopon ellipticum), look at these key features.

Physical Characteristics

Body shape

compressed

Coloration

Overall silvery, often with a darker, iridescent blue-green dorsal surface fading to bright silver on the sides and belly. Some individuals may exhibit faint, dusky vertical bars on their sides, particularly when stressed or in certain lighting. The pelvic fins are typically black-tipped.

Scale type

cycloid

Mouth position

terminal

Distinctive features

Deeply compressed body, Large eyes relative to head size, Black tips on pelvic fins, Absence of a black spot at the base of the soft dorsal fin (distinguishes from Walleye Surfperch)

Dorsal fin

Single dorsal fin with 9-11 spines and 23-28 soft rays. The spinous portion is lower than the soft-rayed portion.

Tail fin

Moderately forked caudal fin.

Pectoral fin

Pectoral fins are relatively long and pointed.

Distinctive fins

Pelvic fins have one spine and five soft rays, with characteristic black tips.

Identification Tips

1. 1

   Coloration

   Look for the overall bright silvery body, often with a bluish-green sheen on the back. The most reliable field mark is the black tips on the pelvic fins.

2. 2

   Body Shape

   Its deeply compressed, oval-shaped body is characteristic of surfperches.

3. 3

   Fin Structure

   Count the dorsal fin rays (9-11 spines, 23-28 soft rays) and observe the black-tipped pelvic fins. The absence of a black spot at the base of the soft dorsal fin is key for distinguishing it from Walleye Surfperch.

4. 4

   Size

   Adults typically reach a maximum length of about 30 cm (12 inches), with most individuals encountered being smaller, around 15-20 cm (6-8 inches).

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