Tule Perch

Tule perch (Hysterocarpus traskii) are native to low-elevation waters of Central California, though they are extirpated from much of their native range. There are three recognized subspecies of the tule perch that are defined by the region they inhabit. This species prefers areas of rivers and lakes that have substrates ranging from mud to gravel and plants or overhanging banks that provide cover. The maximum recorded total length of this species is 15 cm. Tule perch are deep bodied, ranging in color from blue to purple on their backs and white to yellow along their bellies. This species is primarily a bottom feeder but also forages in the water column. They have a diverse diet, including shrimp, crabs, clams, chironomid midges, and aquatic insects. They are viviparous, meaning females will give birth to 10 to 60 live young.

Fun Fact: During mating, males and females will engage in courting behavior, with the male injecting sperm that may not be used for fertilization until months later.