Fin's Fish Guide
The Russian River tule perch (Hysterocarpus traskii) is a brackish-water fish of the family Embiotocidae that grows up to 15 cm.
Description
The tule perch (Hysterocarpus traskii) is the only freshwater species of the family Embiotocidae (surfperches) and is endemic to California. The species has a deep, laterally compressed, silvery-grey body, sometimes with cross-bars, and reaches about 15 cm. It inhabits pools and runs with mud to gravel bottoms of low-elevation rivers and lakes, usually near emergent aquatic plants or overhanging banks. Like all surfperches the species is livebearing and bears relatively large, well-developed young. The diet consists of small invertebrates. Owing to habitat loss the species has declined locally.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Russian River tule perch?
The Russian River tule perch has a flattened, disc-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a vertical stripes pattern. The only freshwater surfperch; ovoviviparous with well-developed young.
Where does the Russian River tule perch live?
The Russian River tule perch lives in brackish water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Low-lying rivers and lakes of California.
How big does the Russian River tule perch get?
The Russian River tule perch grows to a maximum of about 15 cm.
Is the Russian River tule perch dangerous to humans?
No, the Russian River tule perch is harmless to humans. This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status.
Is the Russian River tule perch edible?
The Russian River tule perch is not usually eaten.
More photos
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
More from the family Embiotocidae
Want the complete picture on the Russian River tule perch?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Russian River tule perch is one of 12,519 species in the app.