Harlequin rockfish
📖 Overview
Harlequin rockfish (Sebastes variegatus), first described by Quast, 1971 is a medium-sized fish in the family Sebastidae (order Perciformes). Adults typically reach 38.00 cm in maximum length. Reported lifespan reaches approximately 47 years. It inhabits marine coastal and open-ocean environments. Recorded depth range: 70 to 558 metres. It occurs in Temperate waters. It feeds on a mix of small fish and invertebrates as a mid-level predator. The species is valued as a game and sport species.
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Dorsal spines (total): 13; Dorsal soft rays (total): 13 - 15; Anal spines: 3; Anal soft rays: 6 - 7; Vertebrae: 26. Head spines strong to moderate - nasal, preocular, postocular, tympanic and parietal spines present, nuchals usually absent, supraocular and coronal spines absent . Weak symphyseal knob; 2nd anal fin spine longer than 3rd . Caudal fin moderately indented . Pink to red with irregular dark markings interrupted by lighter band along two thirds of lateral line; caudal fin with dark membranes and pink or red band terminating fin; anal fin has black between 2nd and 3rd spines; tip of spinous dorsal black .: fusiform / normal.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Harlequin rockfish is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
🥚 Reproduction
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Marine; demersal; depth range 70 - 558 m . Temperate; 55°N - 45°N Northeast Pacific: Bowers Bank and Petrel Bank in the Aleutian chain to Newport, Oregon, USA.
🌿 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.
🌐 Names & Taxonomy
Scientific Synonyms
| Scientific Name | Author | Year | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sebastodes variegatus | Quast | 1971 | Synonym |
🔍 Similar Species
🗺️ Global Occurrence Map
Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) - 3 records indexed .
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