Surfperch
| Surfperch Temporal range:
| |
|---|---|
| File:Embiotoca lateralis.jpg | |
| Striped surfperch (Embiotoca lateralis) | |
| Scientific classification Edit this classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Actinopterygii |
| Order: | Blenniiformes |
| Family: | Embiotocidae Agassiz, 1853 |
| Genera[1] | |
The surfperches are a family of viviparous ray-finned fishes, the Embiotocidae. Most species are marine, inhabiting coastal waters from Baja California to Alaska, with a few found in Asian Pacific coasts. The only freshwater species, the tule perch (Hysterocarpus traski), is endemic to California, United States.[2]
Etymology
[edit | edit source]From Greek embios meaning 'persistent' and tokos meaning 'birth', alluding to the viviparous reproduction exhibited by embiotocids.
Fossil record
[edit | edit source]Fossil embiotocids have been found in California, including Eriquius plectrodes from the Late Miocene[3][4] and the much younger Damalichthys saratogensis.[5]
Description
[edit | edit source]Surfperches are characterized by deep, laterally compressed bodies and a scaled ridge along the base of the dorsal fin.[2] In all species, males can be visibly distinguished from females by the presence of the distinct reproductive organ on the anal fin.[6]
Reproduction
[edit | edit source]Surfperches are viviparous, an uncommon trait among marine fishes. Eggs are internally fertilized, and females carry developing embryos for several months.[2] Embryos develop inside the ovary, and are initially nourished by the yolk[6] and surrounding ovarian fluid.[2] Embryos have highly vascular dorsal and anal fins which lay against the vascular ovarian wall, absorbing nutrients and oxygen directly from the mother’s blood supply.[2] Females give live birth to fully formed young instead of laying eggs.[7]
Biology
[edit | edit source]Feeding
[edit | edit source]Diet varies with species and location. For example, the pile surfperch (Rhacochilus vacca) specializes on hard-shelled mollusks and crustaceans, while the striped surfperch (Embiotoca lateralis) consumes mainly amphipods and bryozoans.[8]
See also
[edit | edit source]References
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