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Spinyeye rockfish (Sebastes spinorbis) — Sebastidae

Spinyeye rockfish

Sebastes spinorbis
Family: Sebastidae

The Spinyeye rockfish (Sebastes spinorbis) is a saltwater fish of the family Sebastidae that grows up to 30 cm.

Length
30 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
130–160 m
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Stone or rock
Danger
Venomous
Range
North America: Mexico

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Description

The Spinyeye rockfish is a rockfish (Sebastidae) from cool to cold rocky and deep water of the northwest Pacific. The species grows to about 30 cm and has a stocky, often reddish body with a large, spiny head and stout fin spines. As a bottom-oriented fish it shelters by rocks, ledges and wrecks and snaps at small fish, crustaceans and squid. Rockfishes live to a great age and give birth to live young. The dorsal and gill-cover spines are venomous and can give a painful puncture wound.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Spinyeye rockfish?

The Spinyeye rockfish has a torpedo-shaped body and is mainly red-orange. Bears venomous spines or tissue; handle with great care.

Where does the Spinyeye rockfish live?

The Spinyeye rockfish lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. North America: Mexico

How big does the Spinyeye rockfish get?

The Spinyeye rockfish grows to a maximum of about 30 cm.

Is the Spinyeye rockfish dangerous to humans?

The Spinyeye rockfish is venomous — handle spines with care and seek medical help after a sting if needed. For a sting from a fin spine: rinse the wound, remove any visible spine fragments and immerse the part for 30-90 minutes in water as hot as can be tolerated (about 45 C) to break down the venom. The pain can be severe. For marked swelling, a retained spine or signs of infection seek medical care and check tetanus status.

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All data

Identification

English name
Spinyeye rockfish sourced
Scientific name
Sebastes spinorbis
Family
Sebastidae

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
30
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Red / orange sourced
Tail shape
Straight
Dorsal spines
Yes sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Stone or rock sourced
Min depth (m)
130 verified
Max depth (m)
160 verified
Natural range
North America: Mexico sourced
Origin
Native

Behaviour & biology

Territorial
No
Reproduction
Separate sexes
Sexual dimorphism
No
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known.
Special features
Bears venomous spines or tissue; handle with great care.

For anglers

Fishing method
Small in size and barely an angling target; mostly caught incidentally or as baitfish.
Regulations source

Safety

Danger to humans
Venomous verified
First aid
For a sting from a fin spine: rinse the wound, remove any visible spine fragments and immerse the part for 30-90 minutes in water as hot as can be tolerated (about 45 C) to break down the venom. The pain can be severe. For marked swelling, a retained spine or signs of infection seek medical care and check tetanus status. 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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