Fin's Fish Guide
The Shiner (Cymatogaster aggregata) is a brackish-water fish of the family Embiotocidae that grows up to 20 cm.
Description
The shiner perch (Cymatogaster aggregata) is a small, laterally compressed perch of the family Embiotocidae from the northeastern Pacific. The species has a silvery body with yellowish vertical bars and reaches about 20 cm. It lives in shallow water around eelgrass beds, piers and pilings, often in bays and quiet backwaters, and sometimes enters brackish water. Characteristic of surfperches is that they bear live young rather than laying eggs. The fish forms loose schools and feeds on small invertebrates. It is sometimes caught by anglers but is of limited commercial importance.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Shiner?
The Shiner has a flattened, disc-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a vertical stripes pattern. Ovoviviparous (like all surfperches); silvery body with yellow vertical bars.
Where does the Shiner live?
The Shiner lives in brackish water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Shallow coastal waters of the northeast Pacific.
How big does the Shiner get?
The Shiner grows to a maximum of about 20 cm. On average the species is around 12 cm.
Is the Shiner dangerous to humans?
No, the Shiner 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 Shiner edible?
The Shiner is rarely 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 Shiner?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Shiner is one of 12,519 species in the app.