Family Scorpaenidae

Rockfishes

Scorpaenids are well-known for their venomous spines that are capable of inflicting serious or even fatal wounds.   Rockfishes are temperate members of the family that possess only mild venom.  Stings should be treated by soaking the affected area in hot water.  Rockfishes feed upon small fishes, mobile invertebrates, and large zooplankton.  They are important commercially, grow slowly, living to at least 100 years in some species, and many are threatened by overfishing.

 

NORTHEAST PACIFIC

Sebastes atrovirens

Italian Gardens, Catalina Island, California, 40 feet

KELP ROCKFISH

The most common species among giant kelp from Central to Baja California.  Attains 10 inches.

Sebastes maliger

Ogden Point, Victoria, Canada, 50 feet

 

Ogden Point, Victoria, Canada, 50 feet

Ogden Point, Victoria, Canada, 50 feet

QUILLBACK ROCKFISH

Common among crevices at scuba depths from Alaska to Central California.  Attains 24 inches.

Sebastes caurinus

Spring Bay, Victoria, Canada, 20 feet

COPPER ROCKFISH

Inhabits rocky reefs from Alaska to outer Baja California.  Attains 23 inches.

Sebastes melanops

Ogden Point, Victoria, Canada, 20 feet

 

Ogden Point, Victoria, Canada, 20 feet

Ogden Point, Victoria, Canada, 20 feet

BLACK ROCKFISH

Found in large groups at any depth and habitat from Alaska to Southern California.  Attains 24 inches.  Maxillary (upper jaw) extends behind eye.

Sebastes emphaeus

Ogden Point, Victoria, Canada, 50 feet

Ogden Point, Victoria, Canada, 50 feet

PUGET SOUND ROCKFISH

Found among reefs in deeper water.  Attains 7 inches.  Alaska to outer Baja California.


JAPAN

Sebastiscus marmoratus

Yawatano, Izu, Japan, 40 feet

Common on rocky reefs of Japan.