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Jacksmelt / Perch Atherinopsis californiensis

Typical: 8–15 in, 0.4–2 lb

Quickest tell: Jacksmelt are pencil-thin and silvery with two separated dorsal fins; the deep-bodied, colorful surfperches never share that elongated cigar shape, and surfperch bear live young while smelt lay eggs.

• Long, slender, nearly cylindrical silvery body (not deep-bodied)
• Bright silver lateral band running the length of the side
• Two small, widely separated dorsal fins
• Small mouth with tiny forked teeth on the jaws
• Greenish back, fine smooth scales; an egg-layer (not a livebearer like the surfperches)

Full Jacksmelt / Perch guide — season, gear and rules →

Redtail Surfperch Amphistichus rhodoterus

Typical: 8–14 in, 1–2 lb

Quickest tell: Among surf-zone fish, the rosy-red tail and fins on a deep, slab-sided body separate redtail surfperch cleanly from the slim, cigar-shaped, silver Jacksmelt.

• Deep, strongly compressed silvery oval body
• Reddish to pink-tinged tail and fins (especially the tail and pelvics)
• 8-11 narrow olive/brassy vertical bars on the sides
• Small mouth; spiny and soft dorsal continuous as one fin
• Gives birth to live young (livebearer), unlike the egg-laying smelts

Full Redtail Surfperch guide — season, gear and rules →

When Each Is Running July — current month highlighted

Where Jacksmelt / Perch and Redtail Surfperch Overlap

Both run in Northern California — that is where telling them apart actually matters.

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