Fin's Fish Guide
The Chilean rockfish (Helicolenus lengerichi) is a saltwater fish of the family Sebastidae that grows up to 31 cm.
Description
The Chilean rockfish is a deep-sea rockfish from the southeastern Pacific, off Peru and Chile, and the southwestern Atlantic off Argentina. It grows to about 34 cm and has a robust, reddish body with irregular dark marks on the back and dorsal fin. As a bottom-dweller the fish lives at great depth in cold water and hunts fish and crustaceans. The species is viviparous. Like all rockfishes it carries venom glands in its fin spines, which give a painful wound when stung. The IUCN has not evaluated the species (NE).
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Chilean rockfish?
The Chilean rockfish has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly red-orange and shows a spots pattern. Venom glands in the fin spines; ovoviviparous deep-sea rockfish
Where does the Chilean rockfish live?
The Chilean rockfish lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Southeast Pacific and southwest Atlantic
How big does the Chilean rockfish get?
The Chilean rockfish grows to a maximum of about 31 cm.
Is the Chilean rockfish dangerous to humans?
No, the Chilean rockfish is harmless to humans. After a fin-spine sting, immerse the affected part in hot water (about 45 degrees) for 30-90 minutes to break down the venom; clean the wound and seek medical help for severe pain or swelling.
Is the Chilean rockfish edible?
The Chilean rockfish is rarely eaten.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Helicolenus
More from the family Sebastidae
Want the complete picture on the Chilean rockfish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Chilean rockfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.