Sharpchin rockfish
📖 Overview
Sharpchin rockfish (Sebastes zacentrus), first described by Gilbert, 1890 is a medium-sized fish in the family Sebastidae (order Perciformes). Adults typically reach 39.00 cm in maximum length. Reported lifespan reaches approximately 58 years. It inhabits marine coastal and open-ocean environments. Recorded depth range: 26 to 476 metres. It occurs in Deep-water waters. It feeds on a mix of small fish and invertebrates as a mid-level predator. The species is important as a food fish, valued as a game and sport species, and venomous and potentially dangerous to handle. As a member of the Sebastidae, it shares life-history and morphological traits with its relatives in the group.
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Dorsal spines (total): 13; Dorsal soft rays (total): 14 - 15; Anal spines: 3; Anal soft rays: 7 - 8. Head spines strong - nasal, preocular, postocular, tympanic and parietal spines present, supraocular, coronal and nuchal spines absent . Ridge on suborbital bone just below nostril; no spines on edge of gill cover; 2nd anal fin spine longer than 3rd . Caudal slightly indented . Pink to yellow pink, yellowish pink on sides, light below; 5 to 6 vague dark markings on back, v-shaped dusky marking from eye to gill cover .: fusiform / normal.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Sharpchin rockfish is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
🥚 Reproduction
Ovoviviparous .
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Marine; bathydemersal; depth range 26 - 476 m . Deep-water; 60°N - 32°N, 179°E - 117°W
🌿 Ecology
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
⚠️ Venom Profile
- immediate intense pain
- swelling
- erythema
- occasional nausea and weakness
Analgesia; wound care; tetanus prophylaxis; severe cases may require monitoring for systemic effects.
References: Compiled from Bhide (2018), Halstead et al. (1988) and family-specific envenomation literature
🎣 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
"Sharpchin 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 Sharpchin rockfish is currently being compiled from USDA FoodData Central.
🔬 Mercury Safety
Mercury data for Sharpchin 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 | sharpchin rockfish |
| 🌍CES | okouník ostrobradý |
| 🇫🇷French | sébaste à menton pointu |
| 🇵🇹Portuguese | Cantarilho-de-Santa-Barbara |
| 🇷🇺Russian | Остроклювый морской окунь |
| 🇨🇳Chinese | 尖頦平鮋 |
Scientific Synonyms
| Scientific Name | Author | Year | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sebastichthys zacentrus | Gilbert | 1890 | Synonym |
| Sebastodes zacentrus | Gilbert | 1890 | Synonym |
🔍 Similar Species
🗺️ Global Occurrence Map
Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) - 8 records indexed .
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