COMMON MARINE FISHES 



77 



Figure 49 



BLACK PERCH 



Embiotoca jacksoni 



Relationship: A member of the salt-water perch family, Embiotocidae. 



Distinguishing Characters: See page 76. The cluster of enlarged scales 

 between the pectoral and ventral fins ; the rather thick, reddish-brown lips ; the dorsal 

 spines which are shorter than the dorsal rays. Length to about 14 inches. Color: Highly 

 variable ; shades of brown usually predominate, tinged with blue, green, red or yellow. 

 Sometimes a smoky blue. Specimens almost entirely orange have been seen. Anal and 

 ventral fins often orange to red, the anal at times barred with blue; lips often yellow 

 to bright orange. 



Distribution: Central California south to central Lower California. 



Fishing Season: All year, except for the closed commercial season. 



Importance: A minor constituent of the salt-water perch catch. 



Fishing Gear: See page 76. 



Unauthorized Names: Surf fish, bay perch, pogie, blue perch. 



