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Starry rockfish (Sebastes constellatus) — Sebastidae

Starry rockfish

Sebastes constellatus
Family: Sebastidae
LC · Least Concern

The Starry rockfish (Sebastes constellatus) is a saltwater fish of the family Sebastidae that grows up to 46 cm.

Length
46 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
15.0–274.0 m
Diet
Carnivore
Behaviour
Solitary
Activity
Nocturnal
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Stone or rock
Danger
Venomous / poisonous
Edibility
Commonly eaten

Description

The starry rockfish is a rockfish from the eastern Pacific, from central California to Baja California. The species grows to about 46 cm and has an orange-red body densely covered with numerous small white spots, like stars, from which it takes its name; the head bears the spines characteristic of rockfishes. It lives on deep rocky bottoms and hunts small fish and crustaceans. Like all rockfishes it has venomous fin spines. The IUCN assesses the species as Least Concern (LC).

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Starry rockfish?

The Starry rockfish has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly red-orange and shows a spots pattern.

Where does the Starry rockfish live?

The Starry rockfish lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground.

How big does the Starry rockfish get?

The Starry rockfish grows to a maximum of about 46 cm.

Is the Starry rockfish dangerous to humans?

The Starry rockfish is venomous — handle spines with care and seek medical help after a sting if needed.

Is the Starry rockfish edible?

Yes, the Starry rockfish is commonly eaten.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Sterren-roodbaars verified
English name
Starry rockfish verified
Scientific name
Sebastes constellatus
Family
Sebastidae
Other names
Starry rockfish verified

Appearance

Size class
Large verified
Max length (cm)
46.0 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Red / orange sourced
Pattern
Spots sourced
Tail shape
Straight inferred
Mouth position
Terminal sourced
Lips
Thin sourced
Barbels
No sourced
Dorsal fins
One continuous sourced
Dorsal spines
Yes sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Stone or rock sourced
Min depth (m)
15.0 verified
Max depth (m)
274.0 verified
Origin
Native verified

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore sourced
Social behaviour
Solitary sourced
Territorial
No sourced
Activity
Nocturnal sourced
Reproduction
Separate sexes sourced
Sexual dimorphism
No sourced
levensduur_max_jaar
32.0 verified

For anglers

Edibility
Commonly eaten sourced
Fishing method
Diepzeevissen met bodemtuig sourced
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Venomous / poisonous 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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