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Rainbow Surfperch

Hypsurus caryi

Rainbow Surfperch

Hypsurus caryi
Other Common Names
Rainbow Seaperch
At the Aquarium
Connected Coasts
Other Common Names
Rainbow Seaperch

At the Aquarium

Connected Coasts

Appearance

As their name suggests, rainbow surfperch are very colorful. They are iridescent grayish to purple with bright blue spots and many orange to dark reddish brown bars that span across the top half of their body. They also have a blackish spot on the base of their dorsal fin and on their anal fin. Rainbow surfperch can grow up to 30.5 cm.

Habitat

Kelp beds and sandy bottoms to depths of 50 m.

Diet

Small molluscs and polychaetes.

Life History

The rainbow surfperch is viviparous, meaning they give birth to live young. Reproduction occurs in large gatherings in the fall. Pregnancy lasts 7 to 9 months and young are born in shallow coastal waters. Each female produces 9 to 22 young that are about 6.8 cm long. Information on rainbow surfperch life span is unavailable.

IUCN Status

Not Evaluated

Ecosystem & Cultural Importance

Rainbow surfperch are preyed on by a variety of species including game fish, marine mammals, and birds. Predatory fish include striped bass, California halibut, Pacific bonito, lingcod, salmon, rockfishes, kelp bass, barred sand bass, and leopard shark. They are also eaten by harbor seals, river otters and birds such as great blue heron, least tern, Caspian tern, Forster’s tern, cormorants, loons, osprey, and various gulls. Occasionally caught by recreational fishermen.
Range
Northern California (Cape Mendocino) to northern Baja California, Mexico (Bahia San Carlos).
On the Oregon Coast
This animal is not native to the Oregon Coast, however is found in the larger Pacific Ocean. It lives in the Aquarium as part of our Connected Coasts gallery.
Fun Facts
Like other perches, the rainbow surfperch are sometimes called “picker fish” because they pick food out of mid water as they feed.

Citations & Other Resources

  • CA Marine Species Portal. (n.d.). . https://marinespecies.wildlife.ca.gov/rainbow-seaperch/false/.
  • Kells, V. A. 2016. A field guide to coastal fishes. From Alaska to California. Johns Hopkins University Press, Baltimore.
  • Snyderman, M. 1998. California marine life: a guide to common marine species. Roberts Rinehart Publishers in cooperation with Monterey Bay Aquarium, Niwot, Colo.
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About Oregon Coast Aquarium

Since opening in 1992, the Oregon Coast Aquarium has been a premier attraction on Oregon’s central coast and an enduring advocate for the health of our ocean. For over three decades this 501(c)3 non-profit organization has supported marine wildlife and fostered environmental stewardship through its education programs, community partnerships, and rehabilitation efforts. Accredited by the Association of Zoos & Aquariums, the Oregon Coast Aquarium is consistently ranked as one of the top 10 aquariums in the U.S., providing visitors with opportunities to connect with 15,000 animals spanning 300 different species. The Oregon Coast Aquarium is located at 2820 S.E. Ferry Slip Rd., Newport, OR. Learn more about the Oregon Coast Aquarium and its vital work at aquarium.org, 541-867-3474. Follow us on Facebook or Twitter for the latest updates.

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