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Brassblotched rockfish (Sebastes pachycephalus) — Sebastidae

Brassblotched rockfish

Sebastes pachycephalus
Family: Sebastidae

The Brassblotched rockfish (Sebastes pachycephalus) is a saltwater fish of the family Sebastidae that grows up to 42 cm.

Length
42 cm
Water
Saltwater
Body shape
Flat / disc-shaped
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Venomous / poisonous
Range
Asia: China, Japan, Korea (South)
Edibility
Commonly eaten

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Description

The brassblotched rockfish is a rockfish (Sebastidae) from coastal waters of the northwest Pacific, off East Asia. The species grows to about 42 cm and has a stocky, dark-mottled body with a large, spiny head. The dorsal, pelvic and anal spines are linked to venom and a sting is painful. As a bottom-bound predator it lives among rocks and on reef bottoms and snaps fish, crustaceans and invertebrates. Handle with care.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Brassblotched rockfish?

The Brassblotched rockfish has a flattened, disc-shaped body, is mainly brown and shows a marbled pattern. Bears venomous spines or tissue; handle with great care.

Where does the Brassblotched rockfish live?

The Brassblotched rockfish lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Asia: China, Japan, Korea (South)

How big does the Brassblotched rockfish get?

The Brassblotched rockfish grows to a maximum of about 42 cm.

Is the Brassblotched rockfish dangerous to humans?

The Brassblotched rockfish is venomous — handle spines with care and seek medical help after a sting if needed. Do not touch or pick up; the fin spines carry venom. For a sting: immerse the wound in water as hot as can be tolerated (about 45 C, not scalding) for 30-90 minutes to break down the venom. For severe pain, swelling or breathing difficulty seek medical help and check tetanus status.

Is the Brassblotched rockfish edible?

Yes, the Brassblotched rockfish is commonly eaten.

More photos

Brassblotched rockfish (Sebastes pachycephalus) — Sebastidae — 2
iNaturalist ((c) nishimotogoro, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Brassblotched rockfish (Sebastes pachycephalus) — Sebastidae — 3
iNaturalist ((c) akira_jp, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Brassblotched rockfish (Sebastes pachycephalus) — Sebastidae — 4
Wikimedia Commons — Totti (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Brassblotched rockfish (Sebastes pachycephalus) — Sebastidae — 5
iNaturalist ((c) 堀内伸一, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Fin

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All data

Identification

English name
Brassblotched rockfish sourced
Scientific name
Sebastes pachycephalus
Family
Sebastidae

Appearance

Size class
Large verified
Max length (cm)
42.0 verified
Body shape
Flat / disc-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Brown sourced
Pattern
Marbled sourced
Tail shape
Rounded inferred
Dorsal spines
Yes sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom sourced
Natural range
Asia: China, Japan, Korea (South) sourced
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

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

For anglers

Edibility
Commonly eaten inferred
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 verified
First aid
Do not touch or pick up; the fin spines carry venom. For a sting: immerse the wound in water as hot as can be tolerated (about 45 C, not scalding) for 30-90 minutes to break down the venom. For severe pain, swelling or breathing difficulty seek medical help 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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