Hypsurus
Hypsurus is a genus of marine fish in the family Embiotocidae, commonly known as surfperches. The genus includes four species, all of which are native to the northeastern Pacific Ocean. They are characterized by their compressed, elongated bodies, with a slightly pointed head and a small mouth. Surfperches are generally small fish, with most species growing to a maximum length of less than 30 cm.
Common Names
Surfperches are commonly called by a variety of names, including "surf perch," "seaperch," "walleye perch," and "black perch," though these names can be applied to other fish species as well.
Characteristics
Hypsurus species possess several distinctive characteristics:
- Compressed body shape, with a slightly pointed head and a small mouth.
- Single dorsal fin, continuous from head to tail.
- Pelvic fins that are located in the thoracic region (close to the pectoral fins).
- Coloration varies depending on the species, but typically includes shades of brown, green, and yellow.
Environments
Hypsurus species are found in coastal waters, typically residing in rocky intertidal zones, tide pools, and kelp forests. They are often found near the surf zone, hence their common name. These fish are generally tolerant of a wide range of salinity and temperature variations.
References
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