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Dwarf surfperch (Micrometrus minimus) — Embiotocidae

Dwarf surfperch

Micrometrus minimus
Family: Embiotocidae

The Dwarf surfperch (Micrometrus minimus) is a saltwater fish of the family Embiotocidae that grows up to 16 cm.

Length
16 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
0–9.0 m
Diet
Omnivore
Behaviour
Small groups
Body shape
Flat / disc-shaped
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Harmless
Edibility
Not eaten

Description

The dwarf surfperch is a small fish of the surfperch family (Embiotocidae) from the eastern Pacific off the west coast of North America. The species grows to about 16 cm and has a silvery, oval body. It inhabits rocky inshore areas to about 9 metres, often among seaweeds. As an omnivore it feeds on algae and small invertebrates. Characteristic of surfperches is that they are livebearers: the female carries the young internally and gives birth to relatively large, immediately free-swimming young. The dwarf surfperch is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Dwarf surfperch?

The Dwarf surfperch has a flattened, disc-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern.

Where does the Dwarf surfperch live?

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

How big does the Dwarf surfperch get?

The Dwarf surfperch grows to a maximum of about 16 cm.

Is the Dwarf surfperch dangerous to humans?

No, the Dwarf surfperch is harmless to humans.

Is the Dwarf surfperch edible?

The Dwarf surfperch is not usually eaten.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Dwerg-brandingsbaars sourced
English name
Dwarf surfperch verified
Scientific name
Micrometrus minimus
Family
Embiotocidae
Other names
Dwarf perch verified

Appearance

Size class
Medium verified
Max length (cm)
16.0 verified
Body shape
Flat / disc-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Silver / grey 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)
9.0 verified
Origin
Native sourced

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Omnivore sourced
Social behaviour
Small groups inferred
Territorial
No inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes sourced
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred

For anglers

Edibility
Not eaten sourced
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 sourced

Status & sources

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

Same genus Micrometrus

More from the family Embiotocidae

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