Rainbow Surfperch (Hypsurus Caryi) RARE FISH HARD TO FIND.

Species: Hypsurus caryi (Agassiz, 1853); from the Greek word hyps (high), the Latin word urus (a kind of wild ox) and Greek word cary (a nut)—apparently in reference to the shape. Family Embiotocidae, subfamily Embiotocinae.

Alternate Names: Rainbow surfperch, striped perch. Called moharra by the 19th century Portuguese fishermen; another early-day name was bugara. In Mexico called mojarra arcoiris or perca,

Identification: One of the most beautiful fish in California, rainbow seaperch have a typical perch-like shape, although they’re more elongated then striped seaperch and black seaperch. They have red and blue stripes on the sides, bright blue and red-orange pelvic fins, and a dark spot on the soft dorsal fin rays and anal fin.

Size: Up To 10 inches.

Range: Bahia San Carlos, central Baja California to Cape Mendocino, northern California. Common from northern Baja California, to San Francisco Bay.

Habitat: Shallow-water, rocky-shore areas, the seaperch also likes to school with at least 3 or more

Piers: Rainbow seaperch are common at only a few piers. Best bets: Gaviota Pier, Coast Guard Pier (Monterey), Monterey Wharf #2, Santa Cruz Wharf, Fort Point Pier, San Francisco Municipal Pier, Elephant Rock Pier, Fort Baker Pier.

Prefers colder water temps between 65-70 degrees F.

SIZE 3-5 INCH