Shiner surfperch
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Natural History
The most abundant surfperch along the California coast, shiner surfperch live in loose schools in sloughs and bays and around pilings. A male shiner surfperch changes color with the seasons. Come summer, he covers his shiny silver and yellow stripes with a darker suit of courtship colors.
Conservation
Shiner surfperch are a common California recreational catch. There's also a limited commercial catch in California averaging 600 pounds per year.
Cool Facts
Shiner surfperch can live in both salty ocean water and the fresher water in coastal wetlands.