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Cymatogaster aggregata Gibbons, 1854
Shiner Perch
Family: Embiotocidae

Photograph

© Aaron Baldwin     (Photo ID #2134)

Map

Source: Distribution of Cymatogaster aggregata as compiled by Aquamaps

Species Information

Dorsal spines (total): 8 - 11; Dorsal soft rays (total): 19 - 22; Anal spines: 3; Anal soft rays: 22 - 25; Vertebrae: 33 - 37. Distinguished by the rather deep, compressed body, the large scales, and the three spines in the anal fin (Ref. 27547). Lateral line slightly arched, complete (Ref. 27547). Generally silvery, with back dusky to greenish; middle of sides toward head are scales with groups of fine black dots on them, forming about eight longitudinal stripes; the stripes are often interrupted, especially in females, by three pale yellow, vertical bands; paired fins colorless; dorsal and caudal fins plain or dusky; anal fin usually colorless, sometimes with a yellow blotch toward the front (Ref. 27547). Breeding males may be almost solid black and develop fleshy lobes on both sides of anal fin (Ref. 27547).

Source: FishBase. Eschmeyer, W.N., E.S. Herald and H Hammann. 1983 . (Ref. 2850).

Biology

Species Biology

Usually in shallow water, around eelgrass beds, piers and pilings and commonly found in bays and quiet back waters (Ref. 2850). Also in calm areas of exposed coast (Ref. 2850). Enter brackish and fresh waters (Ref. 2850). Found in loose schools or aggregations (Ref. 2850). Young feed mainly on copepods, while adults eat various small crustaceans, mollusks, and algae (Ref. 27547). Exhibit seasonal onshore-offshore movements (Ref. 27547). demersal; non-migratory; freshwater; brackish; marine; depth range ? - 146 m (Ref. 2850). Subtropical.

Source: FishBase. Eschmeyer, W.N., E.S. Herald and H Hammann. 1983 . (Ref. 2850).

Distribution

Distribution

Eastern Pacific: Wrangell, southeastern Alaska to Bahia San Quintin, northern Baja California, Mexico.

Source: FishBase. Eschmeyer, W.N., E.S. Herald and H Hammann. 1983 . (Ref. 2850).

Status Information

Origin StatusProvincial StatusBC List
(Red Blue List)
COSEWIC
NativeSNRNo StatusNot Listed



BC Ministry of Environment: BC Species and Ecosystems Explorer--the authoritative source for conservation information in British Columbia.

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