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Blackblotched rockfish (Sebastes crameri) — Sebastidae

Blackblotched rockfish

Sebastes crameri
Family: Sebastidae

The Blackblotched rockfish (Sebastes crameri) is a saltwater fish of the family Sebastidae that grows up to 58 cm.

Length
58 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
25.0–600.0 m
Diet
Carnivore
Behaviour
Small groups
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Venomous / poisonous
Range
Northeast Pacific; soft deep-water bottoms.
Edibility
Commonly eaten

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Description

The darkblotched rockfish is a rockfish (Sebastidae) from the northeastern Pacific. The species has a robust, reddish-pink body with several dark blotches on the back. It is a deep-water fish of soft bottoms and, unlike many fishes, is livebearing: after internal fertilisation the female releases large numbers of larvae. Glandular grooves lie at the base of the fin spines. As a bottom hunter it feeds on fishes and invertebrates. The fin spines are venomous; a sting is painful.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Blackblotched rockfish?

The Blackblotched rockfish has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly red-orange and shows a spots pattern. Ovoviviparous deepwater redfish with dark blotches on the back and venomous fin spines.

Where does the Blackblotched rockfish live?

The Blackblotched rockfish lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Northeast Pacific; soft deep-water bottoms.

How big does the Blackblotched rockfish get?

The Blackblotched rockfish grows to a maximum of about 58 cm.

Is the Blackblotched rockfish dangerous to humans?

The Blackblotched rockfish is venomous — handle spines with care and seek medical help after a sting if needed. If stung by a fin spine: immerse the affected part in water as hot as can be tolerated (about 45 degrees C) to break down the venom, and seek medical care for severe or persistent symptoms.

Is the Blackblotched rockfish edible?

Yes, the Blackblotched rockfish is commonly eaten.

More photos

Blackblotched rockfish (Sebastes crameri) — Sebastidae — 2
iNaturalist ((c) Douglas J. Long, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
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All data

Identification

English name
Blackblotched rockfish verified
Scientific name
Sebastes crameri
Family
Sebastidae
Other names
Blackblotched rockfish; Darkblotched rockfish; Rock cod; Rockfish verified

Appearance

Size class
Large verified
Max length (cm)
58.0 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)
25.0 verified
Max depth (m)
600.0 verified
Natural range
Northeast Pacific; soft deep-water bottoms. inferred
Origin
Native sourced

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore sourced
Diet (detail)
Fishes and invertebrates sourced
Social behaviour
Small groups inferred
Territorial
No inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes sourced
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred
levensduur_max_jaar
105.0 verified
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known. inferred
Special features
Ovoviviparous deepwater redfish with dark blotches on the back and venomous fin spines. sourced

For anglers

Edibility
Commonly eaten sourced
Fishing method
Bottom fishing with natural bait (worm, shrimp or fish) on or just above the seabed. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Venomous / poisonous sourced
First aid
If stung by a fin spine: immerse the affected part in water as hot as can be tolerated (about 45 degrees C) to break down the venom, and seek medical care for severe or persistent symptoms. 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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