Species profile
Redtail Surfperch
Amphistichus rhodoterus
Identify Redtail Surfperch (Amphistichus rhodoterus) from a photo — free, unlimited, no sign-up — with the CatchRules iPhone app. Plus current fishing rules across 1 jurisdiction.
At a glance
Redtail Surfperch (Amphistichus rhodoterus) is a bony-fish species with specific harvest rules tracked in 1 of 66 jurisdictions covered by CatchRules.
Confirmed by 196 research-grade iNaturalist observations, with California, Oregon, and Washington the top jurisdictions by observation count.
Notable details
- Named for their vivid reddish-pink tail and anal fin, distinctive among the surfperch family.
- Like all surfperch, redtails are live-bearers—females give birth to fully formed juveniles.
- Can reach up to 16 inches long and weigh over 4 pounds.
- Found only along surf zones from Washington to central California, rarely straying from breaking waves.
- A favorite target for shore anglers who cast sand crabs and shrimp into the surf.
Where Redtail Surfperch are seen
Jurisdictions with rules for Redtail Surfperch
Background
Redtail surfperch (Amphistichus rhodoterus) is a marine fish that inhabits the near-shore and estuarine waters of North American Pacific coasts.
Background excerpt adapted from Wikipedia's Redtail Surfperch article (CC BY-SA). Visit Wikipedia for the full entry.
Other bony fish on CatchRules
Frequently asked questions
What is Redtail Surfperch?
Redtail Surfperch (Amphistichus rhodoterus) is a bony-fish species with specific harvest rules tracked in 1 of 66 jurisdictions covered by CatchRules.
What is the scientific name for Redtail Surfperch?
Redtail Surfperch is Amphistichus rhodoterus.
Is Redtail Surfperch regulated for fishing?
Yes — Redtail Surfperch has fishing regulations in 1 U.S. state and/or Canadian province tracked by CatchRules. See the "Jurisdictions with rules" section above for the binding-source links.
How can I identify Redtail Surfperch?
Take a photo with the free CatchRules iPhone app — on-device identification recognizes Redtail Surfperch along with ~1,500 other species. No sign-up, unlimited use.
Photo credit: iNaturalist / Wikipedia. Identification reference only — verify regulations with the issuing wildlife agency before retaining a catch.