Home · Embiotocidae · Redtail surfperch
Redtail surfperch (Amphistichus rhodoterus) — Embiotocidae

Redtail surfperch

Amphistichus rhodoterus
Family: Embiotocidae

The Redtail surfperch (Amphistichus rhodoterus) is a brackish-water fish of the family Embiotocidae that grows up to 41 cm.

Length
41 cm
Water
Brackish
Depth
0.0–7.0 m
Body shape
Flat / disc-shaped
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Harmless
Edibility
Commonly eaten

Description

The redtail surfperch is a surfperch (Embiotocidae) from coastal waters of the eastern Pacific, off North America. The species grows to about 41 cm and has a deep, silvery body with a few faint reddish vertical bars and reddish fins. It lives in the surf and over sandy beaches and eats small crustaceans, molluscs and worms. Like other surfperches it is livebearing. It is a valued sport fish. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Redtail surfperch?

The Redtail surfperch has a flattened, disc-shaped body and is mainly silver-grey.

Where does the Redtail surfperch live?

The Redtail surfperch lives in brackish water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom.

How big does the Redtail surfperch get?

The Redtail surfperch grows to a maximum of about 41 cm.

Is the Redtail surfperch dangerous to humans?

No, the Redtail surfperch is harmless to humans.

Is the Redtail surfperch edible?

Yes, the Redtail surfperch is commonly eaten.

Download Fin's Fish Guide

Identify fish in seconds, log your catches and dives. Join the TestFlight beta.

Get the beta →

All data

Identification

Dutch name
Roze brandingbaars sourced
English name
Redtail surfperch sourced
Scientific name
Amphistichus rhodoterus
Family
Embiotocidae
Other names
Redtail seaperch; Redtail surfperch verified

Appearance

Size class
Large verified
Max length (cm)
41.0 verified
Body shape
Flat / disc-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Silver / grey sourced
Tail shape
Forked inferred

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Brackish sourced
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom sourced
Min depth (m)
0.0 verified
Max depth (m)
7.0 verified
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Territorial
No inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred
levensduur_max_jaar
9.0 verified

For anglers

Edibility
Commonly eaten inferred
Fishing method
Bodemvissen met natuurlijk aas (worm, garnaal of vis) op of vlak boven de bodem. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless verified

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

Same genus Amphistichus

More from the family Embiotocidae

Download Fin's Fish Guide

Identify fish in seconds, log your catches and dives. Join the TestFlight beta.

Get the beta →