White Seaperch
Phanerodon furcatus
Also known as: White Perch; Split-tail Perch
Size & Weight
Average Length
7.5"
Max Length
12.5"
Average Weight
0.5 lbs
Max Weight
1.5 lbs
Lifespan
9 years
Habitat
Depth Range
0 - 140 ft
Water Temp
50-60°F
Bays; estuaries; sandy areas with some structure; eelgrass
Behavior
Spawning Season
Fall-winter mating; birth spring-summer
Migration: Move into estuaries seasonally
Diet: Small crustaceans; worms; small mollusks
Fishing Tips
PNW Season
Year-round; spring in bays
Techniques: Bay fishing; pier fishing
Best Bait: Worms; small shrimp; mussels
Eating Quality
Edibility
Fair
Mild; white flesh; somewhat bony
Fun Facts
Deeply forked tail; common in San Francisco Bay; prefer sheltered waters
How to Identify
Deeply forked tail; prefer sheltered estuary waters; common in San Francisco Bay; silvery coloration
Commonly Confused With
Compare Side-by-SideOfficial Resources
Sources: CDFW
Change History (Last updated Feb 10, 2026 at 02:03 PM)
| Date | Change | Old Value | New Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| Feb 10, 2026 02:03 PM | Updated Similar Species | [2, 6, 12] | [2, 12, 6] |
| Feb 10, 2026 02:03 PM | Added image | — | species-11-554fb4c01e845255.jpg | Source: https://mexican-fish.com |
| Feb 02, 2026 10:33 AM | Updated Avg Length | — | 7.5 |