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Aurora rockfish (Sebastes aurora) — Sebastidae

Aurora rockfish

Sebastes aurora
Family: Sebastidae
NE · Not Evaluated

The Aurora rockfish (Sebastes aurora) is a saltwater fish of the family Sebastidae that grows up to 41 cm.

Length
41 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
124.0–769.0 m
Diet
Carnivore
Behaviour
Solitary
Activity
Nocturnal
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Venomous / poisonous
Range
Eastern Pacific
Edibility
Commonly eaten

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Description

The aurora rockfish is a rockfish from the eastern Pacific, off the west coast of North America. The species grows to about 41 cm and has an oblong, rosy-red body with large eyes. 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 on the continental slope, between about 125 and 770 metres, and hunts crustaceans and small fish. It bears live young. The IUCN has not evaluated the species.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Aurora rockfish?

The Aurora rockfish has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly red-orange and shows a plain pattern. Weakly venomous fin spines and large eyes; ovoviviparous slope dweller

Where does the Aurora rockfish live?

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

How big does the Aurora rockfish get?

The Aurora rockfish grows to a maximum of about 41 cm.

Is the Aurora rockfish dangerous to humans?

The Aurora rockfish 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 Aurora rockfish edible?

Yes, the Aurora rockfish is commonly eaten.

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All data

Identification

English name
Aurora rockfish verified
Scientific name
Sebastes aurora
Family
Sebastidae
Other names
Aurora rockfish; Rock cod; Rockfish verified

Appearance

Size class
Large verified
Max length (cm)
41.0 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Red / orange sourced
Pattern
Plain sourced
Tail shape
Forked 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
Sand / mud bottom sourced
Min depth (m)
124.0 verified
Max depth (m)
769.0 verified
Natural range
Eastern Pacific verified
Origin
Native verified

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore sourced
Diet (detail)
Crustaceans and small fishes inferred
Social behaviour
Solitary sourced
Territorial
No sourced
Activity
Nocturnal sourced
Reproduction
Separate sexes sourced
Sexual dimorphism
No sourced
levensduur_max_jaar
75.0 verified
Seasonality
Near-bottom redfish; present year-round. sourced
Special features
Weakly venomous fin spines and large eyes; ovoviviparous slope dweller sourced

For anglers

Edibility
Commonly eaten sourced
Fishing method
Handlines sourced
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

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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