Walleye Surfperch
Mojarra Ojona
(Hyperprosopon argenteum)

Walleye Surfperch, Hyperprosopon argenteum: The Walleye Surfperch is characterized by its large eyes, black-tipped pelvic and caudal fins, and large, oblique mouth.

It reaches a maximum length of 12 inches and is known to form huge schools, which are estimated to consist of several hundred thousand individuals.

Although small, the Walleye Surfperch is viewed as an excellent food fish and is considered an important target of commercial fishermen.

Distribution in Mexico fishing areas

It ranges from British Columbia to Guerrero Negro, Baja California, Mexico, being more abundant north of San Francisco.

Mating occurs in November with a gestation period of 5 to 6 months. Each female produces 5 to 12 fry that measure 1.5 inches long.

They consume krill, amphipods, isopods, and small fish. Fossil remains indicate that Walleye Surfperch were present over one million years ago.

The Walleye Surfperch is a member of the Embiotocidae Family, which includes 24 individual Surfperches from 13 genera.

A favorite of beginning anglers, the Walleye Surfperch is a shiny, silvery perch that is very abundant in southern California.

It is present in the first 50 feet of the water column over sandy beaches, near rocky reefs, and around piers and jetties. The Walleye Surfperch is a mainstay of the pier fishery.

Walleye Surfperch, Mojarra Ojona, Hyperprosopon argenteum, Photo 1

Walleye Surfperch, Hyperprosopon argenteum: Caught while fishing off the municipal pier, Oceanside, California, in April 2006, on cut mussels with a traditional bottom rig with size 4 hooks. Size, approximately 5 inches. Photo courtesy of John Snow.

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