Widow rockfish
📖 Overview
A generally active and free-swimming rockfish found in midwater above a rocky reef or steep shoreline; occasionally huddling motionless among caves and crevices . Young are found in shallow water . Form schools . Feed mostly on small pelagic crustaceans and fishes . Viviparous . Marketed fresh and frozen; eaten pan-fried, boiled, microwaved and baked .
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Dorsal spines (total): 13; Dorsal soft rays (total): 14 - 16; Anal spines: 3; Anal soft rays: 8 - 10. Head spines weak - nasal, preocular spines present, parietals usually present, supraocular, postocular and tympanic spines usually absent, coronal and nuchal spines absent . Interorbital space convex, sloped; no symphyseal knob; caudal peduncle narrow; anal fin with a strong posterior slant . Caudal fin indented . Gold brown to dusky, light ventrally; membranes of fins dark, lighter on spinous dorsal .: fusiform / normal.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Widow rockfish is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
🥚 Reproduction
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Marine; pelagic-neritic; depth range 0 - 549 m . Temperate; 60°N - 32°N Northeast Pacific: middle Albatross Bank in the Gulf of Alaska to Todos Santos Bay, Baja California, Mexico.
🌿 Ecology
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🎣 Angling Guide
- medium-heavy 7ft spinning rod
- 30-50 lb braid
- fluorocarbon leader
- grass flats
- oyster bars
- marsh drains
- deeper channel edges
Use barbless hooks, minimise air exposure, and revive fish head-first in current before release.
⚠️ Slot limits protect breeding-size fish. Verify daily bag limits.
🍽️ Edibility & Flavour
"Widow 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
Per 100g cooked - Source: USDA FoodData Central
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Protein | 18.2 g |
| Omega-3 (total) | 1,330 mg |
🔬 Mercury Safety
Mercury data for Widow 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 | widow rockfish |
| 🇫🇷French | veuve |
| 🇷🇺Russian | Вдовий морской окунь |
| 🇪🇸Spanish | rocote viuda |
Scientific Synonyms
| Scientific Name | Author | Year | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sebastichthys entomelas | Jordan & Gilbert | 1880 | Synonym |
| Sebastodes entomelas | Jordan & Gilbert | 1880 | Synonym |
🔍 Similar Species
🗺️ Global Occurrence Map
Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) - 8 records indexed .
👥 Community & Contribute
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