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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 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.”
