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Speckled rockfish (Sebastes ovalis) — Sebastidae

Speckled rockfish

Sebastes ovalis
Family: Sebastidae

The Speckled rockfish (Sebastes ovalis) is a saltwater fish of the family Sebastidae that grows up to 56 cm.

Length
56 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
0–365.0 m
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Venomous / poisonous
Edibility
Commonly eaten

Description

The Speckled rockfish is a rockfish (Sebastidae) from cool coastal water of the northeast Pacific, off California. The species grows to about 53 cm and has a stocky body with a large, spiny head and large eyes. As a bottom-oriented fish it keeps to rocky reefs, kelp and wrecks and hunts small fish and crustaceans. The spines in the dorsal, pelvic and anal fins are venomous and can give a painful puncture wound.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Speckled rockfish?

The Speckled rockfish has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly brown and shows a spots pattern.

Where does the Speckled rockfish live?

The Speckled rockfish lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom.

How big does the Speckled rockfish get?

The Speckled rockfish grows to a maximum of about 56 cm.

Is the Speckled rockfish dangerous to humans?

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

Is the Speckled rockfish edible?

Yes, the Speckled rockfish is commonly eaten.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Gespikkelde roodbaars sourced
English name
Speckled rockfish sourced
Scientific name
Sebastes ovalis
Family
Sebastidae
Other names
Speckled rockfish verified

Appearance

Size class
Large verified
Max length (cm)
56.0 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Brown sourced
Pattern
Spots sourced
Tail shape
Straight inferred
Dorsal spines
Yes sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom sourced
Max depth (m)
365.0 verified
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Territorial
No inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred
levensduur_max_jaar
37.0 verified

For anglers

Edibility
Commonly eaten inferred
Fishing method
Bodemvissen met natuurlijk aas (worm, garnaal of vis) op of vlak boven de bodem. inferred
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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