Rubberlip Seaperch
Rhacochilus toxotes

Physical Description

• Typical perch shape, oval and vertically compressed body.
• Brown or copper in color, with white or tan underbelly.
• Thick lips (hence their name), usually pink or white in color.
• Largest seaperch, can reach 18.5 inches in length and can weigh 5 pounds.
• Juveniles have one or two vertical dark bars on side, fade by adulthood.

Range

• Mendocino County, California to southern Baja California, Mexico.
• Most common in Monterey Bay area.

Habitat

• Live in shallow water, like rocky reefs, kelp forests, and tide pools.
• Also found in harbors and bays, near jetties and pilings.

Reproduction

• Like all perch, rubberlip surfperch bear live young.
• Known to have litters of 20 at a time, up to 3.5 inches long at birth.

Diet

• Feed on thin-shelled invertebrates.
• Adults feed on crabs, shrimp, and octopus.
• Juveniles feed on worms, mussels, small crabs, and tiny snails.

Predators

• Adult rubberlip, pile, and striped surfperch are considered too large to often be eaten by many predators.
• Kelp bass eat juvenile surfperch.
• Electric rays, sharks, large serranid bass, seals, and sea lions are also potential predators of surfperch.

Interesting Facts

• Their thick lips are highly sensitive, and even have taste buds. They use their lips to poke around and detect their prey. 

Sources: California Department of Fish and Wildlife; Pierfishing.com; Species Profiles: Life Histories and Environmental Requirements of Coastal Fishes and Invertebrates

Photo: Herb Gruenhagen