rubberlip seaperch
Rhacochilus toxotes
Rocky-shore surfperch of the Mexican Pacific, which forms schools near rocks, algae and piers. It is of interest to rocky-shore sport fishing.
Also called: perca-de-lábio-de-borracha, mojarra labios de hule, rubberlip seaperch
- maximum
- 47 cm
- depth
- 1–50 m
who is the rubberlip seaperch
Surfperch of the family Embiotocidae, which lives in rocky areas, in kelp forests and near breakwaters and pilings, from the surf zone down to 50 m deep. It reaches 47 cm and is viviparous: the female carries the young until birth. It often forms schools. It occurs from California, in the United States, to central Baja California, in Mexico, including Guadalupe Island. It is commercially fished and used in sport fishing.
Essential profile. Identification, where it occurs and rules, with data from FishBase and the cited regulations. Season, time of day, technique and bait are added once we have a good source for the rubberlip seaperch; in the meantime, see the similar species.
identification
Rocky-shore surfperch with a compact body, which forms schools near rocks, algae and piers. The common name refers to its thick lips, like rubber. Like the other surfperches of the family, it is viviparous. On the same coast, the calico surfperch (Amphistichus koelzi) lives on sandy beaches in the surf zone, not on rocky shores, which separates the two by habitat. The pile perch (Phanerodon vacca) also lives on rocky shores, but it is silvery, with dark spots.
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Each card shows the day's index (0 to 100) and, below it, a strip with the index for each hour, from 0h to 23h. from poor to excellent.
Essential profile: the index uses a general fish model (weather, sun, moon and tide), without a season or time of day specific to this species.
where found
From California, in the United States, to central Baja California, including Guadalupe Island; in Latin America, only in Mexico, on rocky shores and among algae.
Habitat: Rocky shores and kelp beds, from the surf zone down to 50 m deep.
rules for the rubberlip seaperch
Summary of the regulations we found, with the source for each. Rules change; before keeping or transporting fish, check with the state environmental agency.
We found no species-specific rule beyond the region's general rules.
catch and release
catch and release Releasing the fish alive, quickly and with a wet hand. During a closed season it isn't always allowed: what the regulation says applies.
It has no venomous spine and is safe to handle. Fish carefully among the rocks and waves, where it lives.
how much it weighs without taking it out of the water
Length-weight relationship W = a·Lb (a = 0.0195, b = 2.97; FishBase (relação peso-comprimento bayesiana, estimativa)). It's an average: a fat or lean fish can vary by 10% to 20%.
estimated weight
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sources and references
Essential profile: size, length-weight, depth, countries and conservation come from FishBase and the cited regulations, and the texts were written from those sources. Season, time of day, sensitivities, technique and baits and lures are not included yet, because we did not find a good source for this species.
- scientific FishBase: Rhacochilus toxotes (ficha da espécie)Size, length-weight, depth, habitat, distribution, biology, and IUCN status. Page checked on Oct 13, 2026.
- scientific FishBase: nomes populares de Rhacochilus toxotesNames by country and language.
