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Black perch (Embiotoca jacksoni) — Embiotocidae

Black perch

Embiotoca jacksoni
Family: Embiotocidae
LC · Least Concern

The Black perch (Embiotoca jacksoni) is a saltwater fish of the family Embiotocidae that grows up to 39 cm.

Length
39 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
0.0–46.0 m
Diet
Carnivore
Behaviour
Small groups
Activity
Diurnal
Body shape
Flat / disc-shaped
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Harmless
Edibility
Commonly eaten

Description

The black surfperch is a livebearing fish of the family Embiotocidae from the northeastern Pacific, along the coast of California. The species has a deep, laterally compressed, dark brown to blackish body with strikingly thick, often orange-yellow lips and reaches about 39 cm. It lives mainly in rocky areas near kelp forests, from the intertidal zone to about 46 m depth, usually in small groups. The diet consists of small invertebrates sought among algae. Characteristically the female carries the young internally and gives birth to live young.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Black perch?

The Black perch has a flattened, disc-shaped body, is mainly brown and shows a vertical stripes pattern.

Where does the Black perch live?

The Black perch lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom.

How big does the Black perch get?

The Black perch grows to a maximum of about 39 cm.

Is the Black perch dangerous to humans?

No, the Black perch is harmless to humans.

Is the Black perch edible?

Yes, the Black perch is commonly eaten.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Zwarte brandingsbaars sourced
English name
Black perch verified
Scientific name
Embiotoca jacksoni
Family
Embiotocidae
Other names
Black perch; Black surfperch; Butterlips verified

Appearance

Size class
Medium verified
Max length (cm)
39.0 verified
Body shape
Flat / disc-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Brown inferred
Pattern
Vertical bars inferred
Tail shape
Forked inferred
Mouth position
Terminal inferred
Lips
Thick / fleshy inferred
Barbels
No sourced
Dorsal fins
One continuous inferred
Dorsal spines
Yes sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom sourced
Min depth (m)
0.0 verified
Max depth (m)
46.0 verified
Origin
Native sourced

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore sourced
Social behaviour
Small groups inferred
Territorial
No inferred
Activity
Diurnal inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes sourced
Sexual dimorphism
Yes inferred
levensduur_max_jaar
10.0 verified

For anglers

Edibility
Commonly eaten sourced
Fishing method
Sport- en kleinschalige kustvisserij met hengel. sourced
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless sourced

Status & sources

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

Same genus Embiotoca

More from the family Embiotocidae

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