Chilipepper rockfish
📖 Overview
Adults frequent deep rocky reefs as well as sand and mud bottoms; young are pelagic and occur in shallower waters . Feed on euphausiids , krill, small squids and fishes . Viviparous, with planktonic larvae . Marketed fresh and frozen; eaten fried, boiled, microwaved and baked .
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Dorsal spines (total): 13; Dorsal soft rays (total): 13 - 16; Anal spines: 3; Anal soft rays: 7 - 9; Vertebrae: 26. Head spines very weak - preoculars present, nasal, supraocular and parietal spines usually absent, postocular, tympanic, coronal and nuchal spines absent; chin projects outward; preopercular spines fairly strong; anal fin small and rear edge slanted posteriorly, 2nd anal spine short; body slender . Caudal fin moderately indented . Pinkish red to copper pink, white ventrally; lateral line in bright red zone; caudal fin dusky .: fusiform / normal.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Chilipepper rockfish is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
🥚 Reproduction
Viviparous .
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Marine; brackish; demersal; depth range 0 - 425 m . Temperate; 52°N - 24°N, 131°W - 110°W
🌿 Ecology
euphausiids (Ref
📐 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
"Chilipepper 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) | 1,340 mg |
🔬 Mercury Safety
Mercury data for Chilipepper 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sebastodes goodei | Eigenmann & Eigenmann | 1890 | Synonym |
🔍 Similar Species
🗺️ Global Occurrence Map
Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) - 11 records indexed .
👥 Community & Contribute
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