Black rockfish
📖 Overview
Found near rocky reefs in shallow water and in open water over deep banks . Adults live both off and on bottom . Juveniles are pelagic . Form schools . Feed on fishes . Viviparous, with planktonic larvae . Young are important prey species for other fishes, marine mammals and birds. Excellent food fish .
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Dorsal spines (total): 13 - 14; Dorsal soft rays (total): 13 - 16; Anal spines: 3; Anal soft rays: 7 - 9; Vertebrae: 26. Head spines weak to very weak - nasals present, preocular and postocular spines usually absent, supraocular, tympanic, coronal, parietal and nuchal spines absent . Symphyseal knob very weak or absent . Eyes moderately large . Anal fin profile rounded or with greater portion slanted posteriorly . Posterior margin of caudal fin indented . Dark grey to black with light grey mottling dorsally, lighter ventrally . Branchiostegal rays: 7 .: fusiform / normal.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Black rockfish is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
🥚 Reproduction
Viviparous .
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Marine; reef-associated; depth range 0 - 366 m , usually 183 - 274 m . Temperate; 7°C - 9°C ; 62°N - 22°N, 170°E - 110°W
🌿 Ecology
fishes (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.
🌐 Names & Taxonomy
| Language | Common Names |
|---|---|
| 🇬🇧English | black rockfish |
| 🇫🇷French | sébaste noir |
| 🇯🇵Japanese | Arasukakuromenuke · アラスカクロメヌケ |
Scientific Synonyms
| Scientific Name | Author | Year | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sebastodes melanops | Girard | 1856 | Synonym |
🔍 Similar Species
🗺️ Global Occurrence Map
Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) - 10 records indexed .
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