Phanerodon vacca (Girard, 1855)
Pile perch
photo by Gotshall, D.W.

Family:  Embiotocidae (Surfperches)
Max. size:  44.2 cm SL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  demersal; marine; depth range - 46 m
Distribution:  Eastern Pacific: Wrangell, southeastern Alaska to Guadalupe Island, off north-central Baja California, Mexico.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 9-11; Dorsal soft rays (total): 21-25; Anal spines: 3-3; Anal soft rays: 27-30; Vertebrae: 33-38. Above, dark gray or brown pigment with a silvery luster which dominates the color on sides and belly; darker blotches on the back and sides, dark vertical bars on juveniles; fins dusky (Ref. 6885).
Biology:  Adults occur in rocky shores, often around kelp, pilings and underwater structures (Ref. 2850). Feed on hard-shelled mollusks, crabs and barnacles (Ref. 2850). Viviparous, female carries the developing young (Ref. 205).
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 04 February 2009 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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