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Black-throated rock-fish (Sebastes borealis) — Sebastidae

Black-throated rock-fish

Sebastes borealis
Family: Sebastidae
NE · Not Evaluated

The Black-throated rock-fish (Sebastes borealis) is a saltwater fish of the family Sebastidae that grows up to 108 cm.

Length
108 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
0–1,200 m
Diet
Carnivore
Behaviour
Solitary
Activity
Nocturnal
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Venomous / poisonous
Range
North Pacific
Edibility
Commonly eaten

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Description

The shortraker rockfish is a large, long-lived rockfish from the northern Pacific. The species grows to about 108 cm and has a stocky, pink to orange-red body; some specimens live more than a hundred years. In the dorsal, pelvic and anal fins it bears strong, weakly venomous spines that give a painful prick. As a near-bottom fish it lives over a wide depth range and hunts fish, crustaceans and squid. It bears live young. The IUCN has not evaluated the species.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Black-throated rock-fish?

The Black-throated rock-fish has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly red-orange and shows a plain pattern. Very long-lived (>100 years); weakly venomous fin spines; ovoviviparous

Where does the Black-throated rock-fish live?

The Black-throated rock-fish lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. North Pacific

How big does the Black-throated rock-fish get?

The Black-throated rock-fish grows to a maximum of about 108 cm.

Is the Black-throated rock-fish dangerous to humans?

The Black-throated rock-fish is venomous — handle spines with care and seek medical help after a sting if needed. If stung by the spines: immerse the affected part in water as hot as tolerable (about 45 C) for 30-90 minutes to break down the venom, remove visible spine fragments, and seek medical help for severe pain or swelling.

Is the Black-throated rock-fish edible?

Yes, the Black-throated rock-fish is commonly eaten.

More photos

Black-throated rock-fish (Sebastes borealis) — Sebastidae — 2
iNaturalist ((c) LJBRION, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Black-throated rock-fish (Sebastes borealis) — Sebastidae — 3
iNaturalist ((c) LJBRION, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Black-throated rock-fish (Sebastes borealis) — Sebastidae — 4
iNaturalist ((c) LJBRION, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Black-throated rock-fish (Sebastes borealis) — Sebastidae — 5
iNaturalist ((c) LJBRION, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))

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All data

Identification

English name
Black-throated rock-fish verified
Scientific name
Sebastes borealis
Family
Sebastidae
Other names
Buoy keg; Rock cod; Rockfish; Shortraker rockfish verified

Appearance

Size class
Extra large verified
Max length (cm)
108 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Red / orange sourced
Pattern
Plain sourced
Tail shape
Forked
Mouth position
Terminal sourced
Lips
Thick / fleshy sourced
Barbels
No sourced
Dorsal fins
One continuous sourced
Dorsal spines
Yes sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom sourced
Min depth (m)
0 verified
Max depth (m)
1,200 verified
Natural range
North Pacific verified
Origin
Native verified

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore sourced
Diet (detail)
Fishes, crustaceans and squid
Social behaviour
Solitary sourced
Territorial
No sourced
Activity
Nocturnal sourced
Reproduction
Separate sexes sourced
Sexual dimorphism
No sourced
Max. age (years)
157 verified
Seasonality
Long-lived near-bottom rockfish; present year-round. sourced
Special features
Very long-lived (>100 years); weakly venomous fin spines; ovoviviparous sourced

For anglers

Edibility
Commonly eaten sourced
Fishing method
Longline fishing sourced
Regulations source

Safety

Danger to humans
Venomous / poisonous verified
First aid
If stung by the spines: immerse the affected part in water as hot as tolerable (about 45 C) for 30-90 minutes to break down the venom, remove visible spine fragments, and seek medical help for severe pain or swelling. verified

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

Same genus Sebastes

More from the family Sebastidae

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