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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.
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NORTHEAST PACIFIC
Sebastes atrovirens
Italian Gardens, Catalina Island, California, 40 feet |
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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
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Ogden Point, Victoria, Canada, 50 feet |
Ogden Point, Victoria, Canada, 50 feet
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QUILLBACK ROCKFISH
Common among crevices at scuba depths from Alaska to Central
California. Attains 24 inches. |
Sebastes caurinus
Spring Bay, Victoria, Canada, 20 feet
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COPPER ROCKFISH
Inhabits rocky reefs from Alaska to outer Baja California.
Attains 23 inches. |
Sebastes melanops
Ogden Point, Victoria, Canada, 20 feet
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Ogden Point, Victoria, Canada, 20 feet |
Ogden Point, Victoria, Canada, 20 feet
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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
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Ogden Point, Victoria, Canada, 50 feet |
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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 |
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Common on rocky reefs of Japan. |
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