Redtail surfperch

Redtail surfperch are a deep bodied fish, (i.e. oval in sideview), that are compressed (i.e. slender) from side to side, most often observed in the 8 to 11 inch lengths. The body is light colored, white to silver, with vertical marks or bars and red or pink fins (e. g. dorsal, anal and tail). The vertical marks begin as bars when young and become less distinct olive-red-brown markings as the fish grows. Fins of the redtail surfperch have both spines and fin rays, and the tail is moderately forked. The longest dorsal spines of the redtail surfperch are longer than dorsal fin rays, which helps distinguish the redtail surfperch from the barred and calico surfperch. The redtail surfperch body is about twice as long as it is high, not including the mildly forked tail. The tail is about ¼ of the fish’s length and is as wide as it is long. The first quarter of the redtail surfperch’s length includes a small upturned mouth, eye, and gill cover. The second quarter of the fish includes an upward sloping back, the dorsal fin spines along the highest part of the back, a pectoral fin at the leading edge of the lowest part on the belly, and a moderately sized pectoral fin two-thirds of the way down the body just behind the gill cover. The third quarter of a redtail surfperch body contains the dorsal fin rays, the anus, and the start of the anal fin. The belly of the redtail surfperch slopes upward after the anus. The posterior quarter of the fish contains the upward sloping end of the anal fin, and the forked tail. The lateral line starts behind the gill cove and runs high on the back parallel to the edge of the body above the pectoral fin to the tail. The extension of fins can significantly change the redtail surfperch outline or profile.