The redtail surfperch (Amphistichus rhodoterus) is a marine fish that inhabits the near-shore and estuarine waters of North American Pacific coasts. Redtail surfperch are a deep bodied fish, that are compressed from side to side, most often observed in the 8 to 11 inch lengths. The body is light colored, white to silver, with vertical marks or bars and red or pink fins (e. g. dorsal, anal and tail). The vertical marks begin as bars when young and become less distinct olive-red-brown markings as the fish grows. Fins of the redtail surfperch have both spines and fin rays, and the tail is moderately forked. The longest dorsal spines of the redtail surfperch are longer than dorsal fin rays, which helps distinguish the redtail surfperch from the barred and calico surfperch. The redtail surfperch body is about twice as long as it is high, not including the mildly forked tail. The tail is about ¼ of the fish\\\'s length and is as wide as it is long. Redtail surfperch grow to at least 2.1 kg (4.5 pounds), 41 cm total length (16 inches); and reach the age of 14 years. Redtail surfperch are common along sandy ocean beaches and jetties year-round; these fish are found up-bay in estuaries seasonally, commonly during spring. Redtail surfperch are distributed from Avila Beach, California to Hope Island, B.C. and are the only New World marine surfperch that does not inhabit Southern and Baja California waters.
