Fin's Fish Guide
The Cowcod (Sebastes levis) is a saltwater fish of the family Sebastidae that grows up to 100 cm.
Description
The cowcod is a large rockfish from the eastern Pacific, from Oregon to Baja California. The species grows to about 1 metre and has a deep, pink to reddish body, in juveniles with dark cross-bars, and tall, deeply incised dorsal spines. It lives on deep rocky bottoms and hunts fish and squid. Like all rockfishes it has venomous fin spines. Through overfishing the species had declined sharply; the IUCN assesses it as Least Concern (LC).
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Cowcod?
The Cowcod has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly red-orange and shows a plain pattern. Large rockfish with high incised dorsal fin spines; venomous spines
Where does the Cowcod live?
The Cowcod lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Eastern Pacific
How big does the Cowcod get?
The Cowcod grows to a maximum of about 100 cm.
Is the Cowcod dangerous to humans?
The Cowcod is venomous — handle spines with care and seek medical help after a sting if needed. The fin spines are venomous and give a very painful sting. Immerse the injured area in water as hot as tolerable (about 45 C) for 30-90 minutes to break down the venom, remove spine fragments, clean the wound and seek medical help for a severe reaction.
Is the Cowcod edible?
Yes, the Cowcod 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
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Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Cowcod is one of 12,519 species in the app.