Other names: Opaleye , Rudderfish
The Opaleye is a marine fish known for its olive-green to bluish coloration and distinctive white spot near its dorsal fin. Found along the Pacific coast of North America, this species inhabits rocky reefs and kelp beds. It is a herbivore, feeding primarily on seaweed, and is popular among anglers for its strong fight.
Other names
Opaleye , Rudderfish
Length
~48" (max 66)
Weight
~3" (max 6)
Water
Salt
Water Temp
15-24° F
Depth
1-32 ft
Crabs
Mussels
Worms-
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Opaleye prefer rocky reefs and kelp beds in shallow coastal waters
They are often found near the surf zone, where wave action stirs up food
Their diet consists mainly of seaweed, but they also eat small invertebrates
Juveniles tend to stay closer to the shore, often in tide pools
Opaleye spawn in late spring and early summer, typically in shallow waters near rocky structures
Eggs are adhesive and attach to substrates like rocks or seaweed
Larvae remain in the planktonic stage before settling into juvenile habitats along the shore
As they grow, they gradually move to deeper waters but often return to shallow areas to feed and spawn
