Aurora rockfish
📖 Overview
Common offshore . Viviparous, with planktonic larvae and pelagic juveniles . Trawled on soft bottom and when caught scales usually rub off, leaving white pockets bordered by red; also caught in sablefish traps .
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Dorsal spines (total): 13; Dorsal soft rays (total): 12 - 14; Anal spines: 3; Anal soft rays: 5 - 6. Head spines strong - nasal, preocular, supraocular, postocular, tympanic, parietal and nuchal spines present, coronals usually absent . Small lobes projecting from anterior part of upper jaw . Second anal fin spine long . Rose-red to pink dorsally, silvery on sides and ventrally .
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Aurora rockfish is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
🥚 Reproduction
Viviparous .
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Marine; bathydemersal; depth range 124 - 769 m , usually 366 - 550 m . Deep-water; 56°N - 27°N, 135°W - 113°W Northeast Pacific: Amphitrite Point in Vancouver Island, Canada to Cedros Island, Baja California, Mexico.
🌿 Ecology
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🍽️ Edibility & Flavour
"Aurora rockfish is an edible species."
- Clear, bright eyes — cloudy eyes indicate age
- Firm flesh that springs back when pressed
- Fresh ocean smell, never strong or ammonia-like
- Bright red or pink gills, not grey or brown
- Shiny, moist skin with scales tightly attached
- Cloudy or sunken eyes
- Strong fishy or ammonia odour
- Soft, mushy flesh that doesn't spring back
- Discoloured or dry flesh
⚡ Nutrition
Detailed nutritional data for Aurora rockfish is currently being compiled from USDA FoodData Central.
🔬 Mercury Safety
Mercury data for Aurora rockfish has not yet been assigned. Please consult FDA/EPA guidance for general seafood safety advice.
🌿 Sustainability
🔬 Full Nutritional Profile
Per 100g - Raw, per 100g - Source: USDA FoodData Central templates (generic fish average)
🌐 Names & Taxonomy
Scientific Synonyms
| Scientific Name | Author | Year | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sebastichthys aurora | Gilbert | 1890 | Synonym |
| Sebastodes aurora | Gilbert | 1890 | Synonym |
🔍 Similar Species
🗺️ Global Occurrence Map
Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) - 5 records indexed .
👥 Community & Contribute
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