Polydactylus opercularis (Gill, 1863)
Yellow bobo
photo by Robertson, R.

Family:  Polynemidae (Threadfins)
Max. size:  50 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  demersal; marine; depth range 10 - 60 m
Distribution:  Eastern Pacific: Los Angeles Harbor in California, USA to off Paita, Peru; rare north of Baja California, Mexico.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 9-9; Dorsal soft rays (total): 11-13; Anal spines: 3-3; Anal soft rays: 12-14. Body and fins yellowish; no stripes or spots. Anterior parts of lower jaw with villiform teeth extending onto lateral surface, adjacent part of lip poorly developed in large specimens. Vomerine teeth present. Maxilla covered with small deciduous scales. Pectoral filaments 9. Lateral line unbranched, extending to upper end of caudal fin lobe. Swim bladder absent (Ref. 45049).
Biology:  Inhabits coastal waters and estuaries, on sand and mud bottom (Ref. 9332). Also found along sandy beaches (Ref. 57343). Esteemed food fish in the tropical eastern Pacific (Ref. 57343).
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 24 May 2007 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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