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Shiner Perch, Cymatogaster aggregata
		Appearance and Identification: · Max size 235 mm FL · Fairly deep bodied · Silver to gray coloration, 3 yellow vertical bars, fine horizontal bars · Breeding males turn dark, bars obscured by speckling · Fin rays/spines: dorsal 8-9 spines/18-23 rays, anal 3 spines/22-25 rays, pectoral 19-21 rays, pelvic 1 spine/5 rays, · Lateral line scales: 36-46
Life History:
		Shiner perch live in marine, bay, and estuarine environments. They are found in waters with salinities ranging from 0-35 ppt, though perch typically prefer a salinity of at least 10 ppt. At the mouth of a river, younger fish are found upstream of the older ones, as they have a greater tolerance for freshwater. Favorable surf perch water is generally less than 19°C with a potential range of 7-26°C. Surf perch are rarely found in water with a temperature that exceeds 24-25°C. They move around a bay or estuary in response to flow regimes and reproductive needs. During winter or periods of high river flow surf perch move to the ocean whereas they move into the estuary during the summer breeding season. Within the estuary they feed mostly on zooplankton such as copepods, while in a river they may feed on amphipods and midge larvae. Juvenile surf perch feed throughout the day and night whereas adults feed mostly during the day. Food consumption may change as opportunities arise. Breeding in surf perch involves courtship and mating, and leads to the live-birth of 3-4 cm perch. Between March and May perch move into shallow water areas where the female fish first gives birth and then mates again. One female fish may hold the sperm of several males as the eggs develop within her. In November to December the eggs are fertilized and 4-6 months later the female returns to bear young again. Body size is positively correlated with the number of young born. Young perch form shoals and remain in shallow water areas where food and protection form predators may be in greater supply. They grow most rapidly in the first year of what is typically a 2 year life. Surf perch may live up to 7 years.
Links to Other Research
	Here's a list of California watersheds where Shiner Perch may be found. © 2003 - Regents of the University of California Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources Communication Services E-Mail Web Master ANR Non-Discrimination Statement