Hyperprosopon ellipticum (Gibbons, 1854)
Silver surfperch
Hyperprosopon ellipticum
photo by Fritzsche, R.A./J.W. Cavanagh

Family:  Embiotocidae (Surfperches)
Max. size:  27 cm TL (male/unsexed); max. reported age: 7 years
Environment:  demersal; marine; depth range 0 - 110 m
Distribution:  Eastern Pacific: southern British Columbia, Canada to Rio San Vincente, northern Baja California, Mexico.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 8-10; Dorsal soft rays (total): 25-28; Anal spines: 3-3; Anal soft rays: 29-34. Dark green dorsally, sides and belly silvery; a series of narrow vertical bars of pale golden pink on body wall; pectoral fins colorless (Ref. 6885). British Columbia specimens dark on end of caudal fin and free edge of spinous dorsal (Ref. 6885).
Biology:  Found inshore, in surf and sandy areas, also occur around rocks and piers (Ref. 2850). Intertidal and to 110 m (Ref. 96339). Viviparous, female carries the developing young (Ref. 205). Frequently caught, but not of much importance as a sport fish due to its small size (Ref. 2850).
IUCN Red List Status: Not Evaluated (N.E.) Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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