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Big-eyed rock-fish (Sebastes zacentrus) — Sebastidae

Big-eyed rock-fish

Sebastes zacentrus
Family: Sebastidae

The Big-eyed rock-fish (Sebastes zacentrus) is a saltwater fish of the family Sebastidae that grows up to 39 cm.

Length
39 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
26.0–476.0 m
Diet
Carnivore
Behaviour
Small groups
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Venomous / poisonous
Edibility
Commonly eaten

Description

The sharpchin rockfish is a rockfish (Sebastidae) from the northeastern Pacific, from Alaska to California. The species reaches about 39 cm and has a red body with large eyes and a pointed chin. It lives on soft bottoms in deeper water, at depths of about 26 to 476 m. The diet consists of crustaceans and small fishes. Like other rockfishes it is livebearing and can grow very old. The fin spines are mildly venomous and can deliver a painful sting when handled. The species is regularly landed in fisheries.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Big-eyed rock-fish?

The Big-eyed rock-fish has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly red-orange and shows a spots pattern.

Where does the Big-eyed rock-fish live?

The Big-eyed rock-fish lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom.

How big does the Big-eyed rock-fish get?

The Big-eyed rock-fish grows to a maximum of about 39 cm. On average the species is around 20 cm.

Is the Big-eyed rock-fish dangerous to humans?

The Big-eyed rock-fish is venomous — handle spines with care and seek medical help after a sting if needed.

Is the Big-eyed rock-fish edible?

Yes, the Big-eyed rock-fish is commonly eaten.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Grootoog-roodbaars sourced
English name
Big-eyed rock-fish verified
Scientific name
Sebastes zacentrus
Family
Sebastidae
Other names
Rock cod; Rockfish; Sharpchin rockfish verified

Appearance

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

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom sourced
Min depth (m)
26.0 verified
Max depth (m)
476.0 verified
Origin
Native sourced

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore sourced
Social behaviour
Small groups inferred
Territorial
No inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes sourced
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred
levensduur_max_jaar
58.0 verified

For anglers

Edibility
Commonly eaten sourced
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 sourced

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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