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Deepwater rockfish (Hozukius emblemarius) — Sebastidae

Deepwater rockfish

Hozukius emblemarius
Family: Sebastidae

The Deepwater rockfish (Hozukius emblemarius) is a saltwater fish of the family Sebastidae that grows up to 45 cm.

Length
45 cm
Water
Saltwater
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Venomous / poisonous
Range
Asia: Japan

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Description

The deepwater rockfish is a rockfish (Sebastidae) from deeper coastal waters of the northwest Pacific, off East Asia. The species grows to about 45 cm and has a stocky, reddish body with large eyes and stout head and fin spines. As a bottom-oriented fish it lives around rocky reefs of the deeper coastal slope and snaps at small fish and crustaceans. The fin spines are mildly venomous and can give a painful sting; handle with care.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Deepwater rockfish?

The Deepwater rockfish has a torpedo-shaped body and is mainly red-orange. Bears venomous spines or tissue; handle with great care.

Where does the Deepwater rockfish live?

The Deepwater rockfish lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Asia: Japan

How big does the Deepwater rockfish get?

The Deepwater rockfish grows to a maximum of about 45 cm.

Is the Deepwater rockfish dangerous to humans?

The Deepwater rockfish is venomous — handle spines with care and seek medical help after a sting if needed. Rinse the wound with clean water and remove any visible spine fragments. Immerse the affected part for 30-90 minutes in water as hot as can be tolerated (about 45C, not scalding) to break down the venom. For severe pain, swelling or signs of infection seek medical help and check tetanus status.

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All data

Identification

English name
Deepwater rockfish sourced
Scientific name
Hozukius emblemarius
Family
Sebastidae

Appearance

Size class
Large verified
Max length (cm)
45.0 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Red / orange sourced
Tail shape
Rounded inferred

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom sourced
Natural range
Asia: Japan 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

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
Rinse the wound with clean water and remove any visible spine fragments. Immerse the affected part for 30-90 minutes in water as hot as can be tolerated (about 45C, not scalding) to break down the venom. For severe pain, swelling or signs of infection seek medical help and check tetanus status. sourced

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

More from the family Sebastidae

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