Calico Surfperch

According to the California Department of Fish and Game, Calico surfperch are distinguished from other surfperches by a noticeable notch between the dorsal soft and hard/spiny rays. Further, the dorsal hard and soft rays are of equal length and sides often have broken bars and spots on each side. Compared to the closely related redtail surfperch (A. rhodoterus,) the body is much deeper and more oval, often being described as "disc-like." While both fish have anal and pelvic fins with a reddish hue, the redtail surfperch's caudal/tailfin is much deeper red. The redtail also has longer dorsal spines. The maximum size is 32.5 cm (12.8 in) and a weight of 1 kg (2.2 lb), but most are often under 26 cm (10 in). Like other surfperch, the fish is viviparous, meaning it gives birth to live, developed young. The fish can live up to 6 years.

Like other surfperch in the genus Amphistichus, the calico surfperch is often found in small schools in the surf zone with sandy, shallow waters. It may also inhabit rocky reefs and congregates around artificial structure like piers. It has been recorded at a depth of up to 9.1 m (30 ft). The fish is found from Cape Flattery in Washington to Guerrero Negro in Central Baja California

The calico surfperch is a demersal feeder, primarily eating benthic invertebrates such as mole crabs, gammarid zooplankton, and shrimp, including mollusks like clams and mussels.