Fin's Fish Guide
The Brown bomber (Sebastes maliger) is a saltwater fish of the family Sebastidae that grows up to 61 cm.
Description
The quillback rockfish is a rockfish (Sebastidae) from the northeastern Pacific. The species has a stocky, brown-yellow mottled body with high, spiny front dorsal spines sticking up like quills, to which the name refers. It inhabits rocky bottoms and reefs, usually solitary on or just above the bottom but never far from cover. It grows slowly and can live to a great age, and is viviparous. As an ambush hunter it feeds on crustaceans and small fishes. The dorsal, pelvic and anal fin spines are venomous and give a painful puncture wound.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Brown bomber?
The Brown bomber has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly brown and shows a spots pattern. Tall, quill-like first dorsal fin spines; long-lived ovoviviparous rockfish with venomous spines.
Where does the Brown bomber live?
The Brown bomber lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Northeast Pacific; rocky bottoms and reefs.
How big does the Brown bomber get?
The Brown bomber grows to a maximum of about 61 cm.
Is the Brown bomber dangerous to humans?
No, the Brown bomber is harmless to humans. The fin spines are venomous and give a painful, burning puncture wound. Immerse the wound for 30-90 minutes in water as hot as can be tolerated (about 45 C) and seek medical care if pain or infection persists.
Is the Brown bomber edible?
Yes, the Brown bomber is commonly eaten.
More photos
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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 Brown bomber?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Brown bomber is one of 12,519 species in the app.