Skip to main content
surfperch

surfperch

9.1
A small to medium fish that lives in shallow water along the Pacific coast of North America
  • noun
  • /ˈsɜrfˌpɜrʧ/
  • Specialized
translation icon : pez de surf
  • The biologist conducted a survey of surfperch populations near coastal reefs.

Examples

  • We grilled the fresh surfperch we caught earlier that morning.

  • The surfperch is a popular catch among local fishermen.

  • Many anglers enjoy fishing for surfperch from California beaches in the summer.

  • Can you identify a surfperch by its coloration?

  • The fisherman caught a large surfperch while fishing near the rocky shore.

  • During our trip to California, we enjoyed grilled surfperch at a beachfront restaurant.

  • The kids were excited to see various species, including the surfperch, at the marine aquarium.

Synonyms

surffish
vssurfperch
  • US
9.1

A small to medium fish that lives in shallow waters along the Pacific coast of North America

is a specific family member rather than a general surf-dwelling fish
surf fish
vssurfperch
  • US
6.7

A small to medium fish that lives in shallow water near Pacific coast beaches in North America

is a specific family member not just any shallow-water fish

Surface Forms

surfperch singular
surfperches plural

Morphology

surfperch = surf + perch (transparent) = surf + perch

A direct compound of 'surf' + 'perch' denoting a perch-like fish found in the surf zone; meaning is readily deducible from the components.

Etymology

The word surfperch is a simple compound of surf, meaning the sea's 'waves', and perch, the common 'fish' you may know. It names a perch that lives in the surf near the shore, which is why people often catch them from beaches.