Hyperprosopon argenteum Gibbons, 1854
Walleye surfperch
Hyperprosopon argenteum
photo by DeCloux, R.

Family:  Embiotocidae (Surfperches)
Max. size:  30 cm TL (male/unsexed); max. reported age: 6 years
Environment:  demersal; marine; depth range - 18 m
Distribution:  Eastern Pacific: Vancouver Island in British Columbia, Canada to central Baja California in Mexico, including Guadalupe Island (off northern central Baja California).
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 8-10; Dorsal soft rays (total): 25-28; Anal spines: 3-3; Anal soft rays: 30-35; Vertebrae: 33-37. Dark blue dorsally, sides and belly silvery with young having narrow golden vertical bars; tips of pelvic fins black; dusky on edge of caudal fin (Ref. 6885).
Biology:  Live in surf on sand beaches and over sand near rocks, often around piers. Often occur in dense schools. Feed on small crustaceans. Viviparous, female carries the developing young (Ref. 205). Usually bear 5-12 young. An important game species.
IUCN Red List Status: Not Evaluated (N.E.) Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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