Fin's Fish Guide
The Blue rockfish (Sebastes mystinus) is a saltwater fish of the family Sebastidae that grows up to 61 cm.
Description
The blue rockfish is a rockfish (Sebastidae) from the eastern Pacific, from British Columbia to Baja California. The species reaches about 61 cm and has a stocky, blue-black body. It forms schools, sometimes with other rockfishes, and occurs near the surface or over shallow and deep reefs and kelp; juveniles are pelagic. The diet consists mainly of krill, supplemented with tunicates, jellyfishes and fishes. The species is viviparous with planktonic larvae. The fin spines are venomous and can deliver a painful sting when handled. It is a valued recreational and food fish.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Blue rockfish?
The Blue rockfish has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly blue and shows a plain pattern. Blue-black schooling rockfish; ovoviviparous with venomous fin spines.
Where does the Blue rockfish live?
The Blue rockfish lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Eastern Pacific, from British Columbia to Baja California.
How big does the Blue rockfish get?
The Blue rockfish grows to a maximum of about 61 cm. On average the species is around 30 cm.
Is the Blue rockfish dangerous to humans?
The Blue rockfish is venomous — handle spines with care and seek medical help after a sting if needed. The fin spines are venomous and a sting causes acute, burning pain, swelling and redness. Immerse the wound for 30-90 minutes in water as hot as bearable (about 45 C), remove any spine fragments and seek medical help for severe reactions.
Is the Blue rockfish edible?
Yes, the Blue rockfish is commonly eaten.
More photos
Want the complete picture on the Blue rockfish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Blue rockfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.
All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Sebastes
More from the family Sebastidae
Want the complete picture on the Blue rockfish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Blue rockfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.