Rubberlip Surfperch

Like other surfperch of the family Embiotocidae, it has a laterally compressed profile, and is deep bodied. As the name suggests, rubberlip surfperch are notable for having distinct, large fleshy lips that are either white or pink in color. They can also be identified by a unique black or darkened band on each side of the body that can extend from the dorsal fin to the anal fin (although not all rubberlips possess this). The general coloration of the fish is a brown-brassy color, but can also be closer to white or chrome, and even a green-grey. Juveniles may be more a more pinkish-tan. They have a prominent lateral line and the body is covered with large scales. The pectoral fins are usually the same color as the body, but can also be yellow or grey, and the lower operculum and jaw is white. To distinguish them from the closely related pile surfperch (Rhacochilus vacca), which also possesses the black band, the first rays of the soft dorsal fin of the pile surfperch are much higher and the lips are less profound. …

Rubberlip surfperch are found from Cabo Thurloe at the tip of the Baja California Sur to Medocino County in Northern California, and can also been seen around Guadalupe Island off Baja California. They are less common north of Monterey Bay. It is commonly seen near rocky reefs, kelp forests and beds, exposed and protected rocky shores, as well as in bays, tidepools, and near man-made structures like piers. They range from depths of the surf zone to 50 m (160 ft), but have also been seen as deep as 80 m (260 ft), preferring to inhabit rocky areas with abundant aquatic vegetation and prey. They occasionally are observed schooling with other surfperch like the pile surfperch and striped surfperch (Embiotoca lateralis). Rubberlip are known to feed primarily at night on thin-shelled invertebrates and crustaceans, using their large lips to help sense food while digging through sediment.

Rubberlip surfperch primarily eat small invertebrates, such as gammarid amphipods, small crabs, and mollusks (bivalves such as mussels, and tiny marine snails). Juveniles also eat marine worms, including polychaetes, while adults can eat larger prey like octopus, shrimp, and larger crabs.

The species was first described in 1854 by Louis Agassiz, a Swiss-American naturalist. The genus name Rhacochilus was derived from the Latin word "Rhakos", meaning "big tear", and the Greek word "Cheilos" meaning "lip." Toxotes was coined due to its resemblance to the archerfish family. They are one of two species in the genus Rhacochilus.