Swordspine rockfish
📖 Overview
Swordspine rockfish (Sebastes ensifer), first described by Chen, 1971 is a medium-sized fish in the family Sebastidae (order Perciformes). Adults typically reach 30.00 cm in maximum length. It inhabits marine coastal and open-ocean environments. Recorded depth range: 70 to 433 metres. It occurs in Subtropical waters. It feeds on a mix of small fish and invertebrates as a mid-level predator. The species is important as a food fish. As a member of the Sebastidae, it shares life-history and morphological traits with its relatives in the group.
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Physical description for Swordspine rockfish is currently being compiled.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Swordspine rockfish is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
🥚 Reproduction
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Marine; demersal; depth range 70 - 433 m . Subtropical; 38°N - 26°N, 123°W - 112°W Central Pacific: San Francisco in California, USA to central Baja California, Mexico.
🌿 Ecology
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🍽️ Edibility & Flavour
"Swordspine 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 Swordspine rockfish is currently being compiled from USDA FoodData Central.
🔬 Mercury Safety
Mercury data for Swordspine 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
| Language | Common Names |
|---|---|
| 🇬🇧English | swordspine rockfish |
| 🇪🇸Spanish | rocote espada |
🔍 Similar Species
🗺️ Global Occurrence Map
Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) - 4 records indexed .
👥 Community & Contribute
No observations yet - be the first to log one!
View all observations for Swordspine rockfish ↗Spotted incorrect or outdated data? Submit a correction and our editorial team will review it. Approved edits go live within 48 hours.
Found a factual error, broken data, or inappropriate content? Let us know and we will investigate promptly.