Kelp perch
📖 Overview
Found among giant kelp, usually up in kelp canopy. Feed on small crustaceans, especially ones that live on kelp. Also a cleaner which picks external parasites from other fishes. Usually occur in large aggregations in summer . Viviparous, female carries the developing young .
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Dorsal spines (total): 7 - 9; Dorsal soft rays (total): 13 - 16; Anal spines: 3; Anal soft rays: 21 - 24; Vertebrae: 31 - 34. Color variable, olive brown to coppery above lateral line, with dark pigment under each scale, bright below lateral line; dark on axil; fins either pale or rosy .: fusiform / normal.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Kelp perch is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
Diet information for Kelp perch is currently being compiled.
🥚 Reproduction
Viviparous, female carries the developing young .
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Marine; demersal; depth range ? - 30 m . Subtropical; 61°N - 20°N, 154°W - 114°W central Baja California, Mexico, including Guadalupe Island, off north central Baja California.
🌿 Ecology
small crustaceans, especially ones that live on kelp
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🍽️ Edibility & Flavour
"Kelp perch is an edible species."
- Clear, bright eyes — cloudy eyes indicate age
- Firm flesh that springs back when pressed
- Fresh ocean smell, never strong or ammonia-like
- Bright red or pink gills, not grey or brown
- Shiny, moist skin with scales tightly attached
- Cloudy or sunken eyes
- Strong fishy or ammonia odour
- Soft, mushy flesh that doesn't spring back
- Discoloured or dry flesh
⚡ Nutrition
Per 100g cooked — Source: USDA FoodData Central
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Protein | 19.1 g |
| Omega-3 (total) | 368 mg |
🔬 Mercury Safety
Mercury data for Kelp perch has not yet been assigned. Please consult FDA/EPA guidance for general seafood safety advice.
🌿 Sustainability
🌐 Names & Taxonomy
| Language | Common Names |
|---|---|
| 🇬🇧English | kelp perch · Kelp Surfperch |
| 🇫🇷French | perche de varech |
| 🇵🇹Portuguese | Vieja-do-kelp |
| 🇷🇺Russian | Брахиист |
| 🇪🇸Spanish | mojarra sargacera |
| 🇨🇳Chinese | 短鰭海鯽 |
🔍 Similar Species
🗺️ Global Occurrence Map
Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) — 9 records indexed .
👥 Community & Contribute
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