-
Size
25 inches (63.5 cm) -
Diet
Smaller fish, benthic crustaceans and mollusks -
Range
Eastern Pacific -
Habitat
Near rocky reefs in shallow water
Physical Characteristics
- Black rockfish can reach a length of about 25 inches (63.5 cm) and weigh about 11 lbs. (5 kg). It is reported to live up to 50 years.
- This species is dark grey to black with light grey mottling and lighter coloring ventrally.
Animal Fun Fact
The dorsal and anal spines of the black rockfish are mildly venomous.
Diet / Feeding
- Feeds mainly on smaller fish, benthic crustaceans and mollusks. It will also eat planktonic crustaceans.
Range / Habitat
- Occurs in the Eastern Pacific from Amchitka Island, the Aleutians and Alaska to Baja California and Mexico.
- Found from the surface up to about 1,200 feet (366 m) deep; near rocky reefs in shallow water and over deep banks in open water.
- Adults live both on and above the bottom, while the juvenile is pelagic.
- This species is reported to form schools.
Reproduction & Growth
- Black rockfish, like most members of the genus Sebastes, is viviparous, with the female giving birth to very large numbers of planktonic larvae.
Conservation Status
- “Not Evaluated” on the IUCN Red List.
Additional Information
- The dorsal and anal spines of this fish are mildly venomous.
- Young of this species are important prey for other fishes, marine mammals and birds.
- Black rockfish are excellent food fish and a popular sport fish in Alaska, where it is known as “black bass.”
