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Silver surfperch (Hyperprosopon ellipticum) — Embiotocidae

Silver surfperch

Hyperprosopon ellipticum
Family: Embiotocidae

The Silver surfperch (Hyperprosopon ellipticum) is a saltwater fish of the family Embiotocidae that grows up to 27 cm.

Length
27 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
0.0–110.0 m
Body shape
Flat / disc-shaped
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
North America: Canada, Mexico, USA
Edibility
Commonly eaten

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Description

The silver surfperch is a surfperch (Embiotocidae) from coastal waters of the eastern Pacific, off North America. The species grows to about 27 cm and has a deep, oval, bright silvery body sometimes with a pink tinge on the tail. It lives in the surf and over sandy beaches and eats small crustaceans, molluscs and worms. Like other surfperches it is livebearing. It is a valued sport fish. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Silver surfperch?

The Silver surfperch has a flattened, disc-shaped body and is mainly silver-grey.

Where does the Silver surfperch live?

The Silver surfperch lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. North America: Canada, Mexico, USA

How big does the Silver surfperch get?

The Silver surfperch grows to a maximum of about 27 cm.

Is the Silver surfperch dangerous to humans?

No, the Silver surfperch 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 Silver surfperch edible?

Yes, the Silver surfperch is commonly eaten.

More photos

Silver surfperch (Hyperprosopon ellipticum) — Embiotocidae — 2
Wikimedia Commons — Breezygamer117 (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Silver surfperch (Hyperprosopon ellipticum) — Embiotocidae — 3
iNaturalist ((c) Yinan Li, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Silver surfperch (Hyperprosopon ellipticum) — Embiotocidae — 4
iNaturalist ((c) tristanpham, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Silver surfperch (Hyperprosopon ellipticum) — Embiotocidae — 5
iNaturalist ((c) Jacob, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Fin

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All data

Identification

English name
Silver surfperch sourced
Scientific name
Hyperprosopon ellipticum
Family
Embiotocidae
Other names
Silver surfperch verified

Appearance

Size class
Medium verified
Max length (cm)
27.0 verified
Body shape
Flat / disc-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Silver / grey sourced
Tail shape
Forked inferred

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom sourced
Min depth (m)
0.0 verified
Max depth (m)
110.0 verified
Natural range
North America: Canada, Mexico, USA sourced
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Territorial
No inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred
levensduur_max_jaar
7.0 verified
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known. inferred

For anglers

Edibility
Commonly eaten inferred
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 verified
First aid
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. verified

Status & sources

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

Same genus Hyperprosopon

More from the family Embiotocidae

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