UC San Diego Library – Scripps Digital Collection

The viviparous surfperches (family Embiotocidae) are familiar to anglers and commercial fishermen alike, along the Pacific Coast of the United States. Until the present, 21 species have been recognized in the world. Two additional forms are herein described as new. Twenty species are found in California alone, although not all are restricted to that area.

The family, because of its surf-loving nature, is characteristic of inshore areas, although by no means restricted to this niche. Two species are generally found in tidepools, while one, Zalembius rosaceus, occurs in fairly deep waters along the continental shelf.

Because of their rather close relationships, the Embiotocidae have been a problem for the angler, the ecologist, the parasitologist, and others, to identify and even, occasionally, have proved to be difficult for the professional ichthyologist to determine. An attempt has been made in this revision, to remedy this situation by including full descriptions based on populations, rather than on individual specimens, and by including a key which, it is hoped, will prove adequate for juvenile specimens, as well as for adults.

An outline of the general history of the group and their viviparity has been included. An attempt has been made to outline the family's evolution. While it is recognized that such an attempt is not final in nature, it has been included as a point of departure for future workers. In analyzing the evolutionary trends, within the family, it was found necessary to revise the subfamilial, generic, and subgeneric limits. In every instance I have been influenced by the similarity between species rather than their difference, so it will be found that considerable "lumping" has occurred.