Shiner Surfperch

Cymatogaster aggregata

The Shiner Surfperch, also known as the shiner perch, is a small reef fish found along the Pacific coast from Alaska to Baja California. It is easily recognizable by its deep-bodied shape and silvery sides adorned with fine horizontal bars and three broad yellow vertical bars. During the breeding season, males can turn almost entirely black. It is distinguished from similar species like the tule perch by having fewer dorsal fin spines. This species is commonly found in estuaries, lagoons, and coastal streams, favoring eelgrass beds and often congregating around piers. While it typically resides in shallow waters, it can be found at depths up to 146 meters. The Shiner Surfperch primarily feeds on zooplankton, such as copepods and gammarid amphipods, but also consumes small crustaceans, marine worms, mollusks, and fish eggs. The Shiner Surfperch is viviparous, with females carrying developing young. Males mature at birth, while females often wait until one year of age before spawning. This species is not heavily fished commercially but is popular among beginner anglers. It is considered of Least Concern by the IUCN.