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Brown sea-perch (Brachyistius frenatus) — Embiotocidae

Brown sea-perch

Brachyistius frenatus
Family: Embiotocidae
DD · Data Deficient

The Brown sea-perch (Brachyistius frenatus) is a saltwater fish of the family Embiotocidae that grows up to 22 cm.

Length
22 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
0–30.0 m
Diet
Carnivore
Behaviour
Small groups
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
Northeast Pacific; giant kelp beds.
Edibility
Rarely eaten

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Description

The kelp surfperch is a surfperch (Embiotocidae) from the northeastern Pacific. The species is small, coppery and lives among giant kelp, usually high in the kelp canopy. It feeds on small crustaceans and sometimes acts as a cleaner that picks parasites from other fishes. Like all surfperches it is livebearing: the female gives birth to fully formed young. The species is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Brown sea-perch?

The Brown sea-perch has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly brown and shows a plain pattern. Lives high in the kelp canopy and sometimes cleans other fishes; ovoviviparous surfperch.

Where does the Brown sea-perch live?

The Brown sea-perch lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Northeast Pacific; giant kelp beds.

How big does the Brown sea-perch get?

The Brown sea-perch grows to a maximum of about 22 cm.

Is the Brown sea-perch dangerous to humans?

No, the Brown sea-perch is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.

Is the Brown sea-perch edible?

The Brown sea-perch is rarely eaten.

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All data

Identification

English name
Brown sea-perch verified
Scientific name
Brachyistius frenatus
Family
Embiotocidae
Other names
Kelp perch; Kelp seaperch verified

Appearance

Size class
Medium verified
Max length (cm)
22.0 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Brown inferred
Pattern
Plain inferred
Tail shape
Forked inferred
Mouth position
Terminal inferred
Lips
Thin inferred
Barbels
No sourced
Dorsal fins
One continuous inferred
Dorsal spines
Yes sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom sourced
Max depth (m)
30.0 verified
Natural range
Northeast Pacific; giant kelp beds. inferred
Origin
Native sourced

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore sourced
Diet (detail)
Small crustaceans; sometimes cleaner-fish behaviour sourced
Social behaviour
Small groups inferred
Territorial
No inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes sourced
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known. inferred
Special features
Lives high in the kelp canopy and sometimes cleans other fishes; ovoviviparous surfperch. sourced

For anglers

Edibility
Rarely eaten sourced
Fishing method
Bottom fishing with natural bait (worm, shrimp or fish) on or just above the seabed. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless sourced
First aid
None required: this species is harmless to humans. sourced

Status & sources

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

More from the family Embiotocidae

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