Saltwater · Year-round on shallow reefs; best in warmer months May–October when algae growth is heavy.
Zebra Perch
Kyphosus azureus
A barred, oval sea chub of Baja Pacific reef flats — formerly placed in the genus Hermosilla — and a true herbivore that grazes red, brown and green algae in water often less than 8 m deep.
Seasons · Peak
Identifying features
- About 10 dark brown vertical bars on a pale tan body
- Deep oval compressed body with a small head and small thick-lipped mouth
- Blue spot on the upper edge of the gill cover and a black spot below the pectoral base
- Continuous dorsal fin that folds into a scaly groove
Habits
- Exclusively herbivorous — grazes algae on shallow reefs
- Schools over weed-covered reefs; juveniles in rock pools
- Pelagic spawner; juveniles sometimes clean other fishes
Distribution
Where to find them
- Rocky reef flats of Baja's Pacific coast
- Kelp edges around Baja headlands
- Northern and central Sea of Cortez shallow reefs
Where they live
How to catch them
Float fishing over reef flats Rock fishing
Rig: Small algae or mussel bait under a float
Bait/lure: Tiny hook presented in the wash
Key tip: Fish the wash over weed-covered rock with a float and very small hooks; chum lightly with algae.
Light bottom in kelp edges Shore
Rig: Small mussel pieces on a light rig
Bait/lure: Shrimp pieces
Key tip: Cast small baits to kelp edges and reef pockets from shore.
Best baits & lures
Baseline setup
- Rod: Light-medium 7–8 ft spinning rod
- Line: 10–15 lb line
- Terminal: Size 6–4 small strong hooks, small float or split-shot
Recommended gear for this species
Rod · Best value
7'6" medium-heavy jigging rod
≈ US$110-170
Works 2-6 oz jigs over rock and reef and still has the backbone to lift a halibut off the bottom.
Line · Budget
50 lb braid with 40 lb leader (200 yd)
≈ US$25-40
Thin braid cuts the current so jigs stay vertical; the leader shrugs off rock and teeth.
Terminal · Budget
Leadhead jigs, swimbaits and two-hook bottom rigs
≈ US$25-40
A leadhead with a swimbait tail is the universal bottom-fish catcher, from rockfish to cod to flounder.
Picks are never paid placements. Prices are guides; price links are coming soon and none is an affiliate link yet.
Typical size
To 45 cm TL; typical adults 25–35 cm and roughly 1–2 kg at maximum size.
On the table
Fair — herbivore flesh varies; eaten locally but not a top table fish.
Similar species
Regulations vary by area and can change in-season — always check the official rules for your area before you fish. Regulations guide →
Plan a trip for Zebra Perch
Build today's plan⚠ Heads-up: Zebra Perch doesn't occur around Vancouver, BC (or is very rare there), so it's not a sensible local target. Your plan stays in Vancouver, BC and is built around the fish that actually live there.