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Fox rockfish (Sebastes vulpes) — Sebastidae

Fox rockfish

Sebastes vulpes
Family: Sebastidae

The Fox rockfish (Sebastes vulpes) is a saltwater fish of the family Sebastidae that grows up to 43 cm.

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

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Description

The Fox rockfish is a rockfish (Sebastidae) from cool coastal water of the northwest Pacific, off Japan. The species grows to about 40 cm and has a stocky body with a large, spiny head and large eyes. As a bottom-oriented fish it keeps to rocky reefs, kelp and wrecks and hunts small fish and crustaceans. The spines in the dorsal, pelvic and anal fins are venomous and can give a painful puncture wound.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Fox rockfish?

The Fox 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 Fox rockfish live?

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

How big does the Fox rockfish get?

The Fox rockfish grows to a maximum of about 43 cm.

Is the Fox rockfish dangerous to humans?

The Fox rockfish is venomous — handle spines with care and seek medical help after a sting if needed. For a sting from a fin spine: rinse the wound, remove any visible spine fragments and immerse the part for 30-90 minutes in water as hot as can be tolerated (about 45 C) to break down the venom. The pain can be severe. For marked swelling, a retained spine or signs of infection seek medical care and check tetanus status.

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All data

Identification

English name
Fox rockfish sourced
Scientific name
Sebastes vulpes
Family
Sebastidae
Other names
Fox jacopever sourced

Appearance

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

Habitat & distribution

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

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
For a sting from a fin spine: rinse the wound, remove any visible spine fragments and immerse the part for 30-90 minutes in water as hot as can be tolerated (about 45 C) to break down the venom. The pain can be severe. For marked swelling, a retained spine or signs of infection seek medical care 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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