Native to Asia — introduced to San Francisco Bay and the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta in the 1960s, likely through ballast water. Now extremely abundant throughout the Bay-Delta system — one of the most abundant small fish in San Francisco Bay. Found in muddy and sandy bottom areas in bays, estuaries, and tidal channels. An important prey species for larger fish including Striped Bass and California Halibut.
Water Conditions
3 of 5
58°F–75°F. Tolerates a wide range of conditions in the estuary — from nearly fresh water to full marine salinity. Very adaptable.
Tackle & Bait
4 of 5
Best Lures:
Not a sport target.
Best Baits:
Not a sport target. Caught incidentally on tiny hooks when fishing for other species. Valuable as very small live bait for Leopard Sharks and other bay species.
Size & Sport
5 of 5
Typically 3–5 inches. Maximum approximately 6 inches. Mottled brown with distinctive yellow-tinged fins. Not a sport fishing target — too small. An important ecological indicator of estuary health and forage species.