Fin's Fish Guide
The Golden redfish (Sebastes norvegicus) is a saltwater fish of the family Sebastidae that grows up to 100 cm.
North Atlantic on both sides, above and along the continental slope in cold, deep water.
Description
The golden redfish is a bright-red deep-water perch reaching about 1 metre. The stout, orange-red body has large eyes, a projecting lower jaw and venomous spines in the fins. The species lives in schools above and along the continental slope of the northern Atlantic, in cold water between about one hundred and one thousand metres. It feeds on zooplankton, small fish and crustaceans. Notably, the golden redfish is very long-lived (up to sixty years) and slow-growing, and is also a livebearer: after internal fertilisation the female releases large numbers of larvae in spring. Because of this slow life history it is vulnerable to overfishing, though it is still assessed as Least Concern globally.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Golden redfish?
The Golden redfish has a flattened, disc-shaped body, is mainly red-orange and shows a plain pattern. Bright red deep-water rockfish with large eyes and venomous fin spines; very long-lived (up to sixty years) and ovoviviparous, with internal fertilisation.
Where does the Golden redfish live?
The Golden redfish lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around open water. North Atlantic on both sides, above and along the continental slope in cold, deep water.
How big does the Golden redfish get?
The Golden redfish grows to a maximum of about 100 cm. On average the species is around 45 cm.
Is the Golden redfish dangerous to humans?
The Golden redfish is venomous — handle spines with care and seek medical help after a sting if needed. The fin spines can give painful puncture wounds with a mild venom; handle the fish carefully and clean and rinse any wound, optionally with warm water.
Is the Golden redfish edible?
Yes, the Golden redfish is commonly eaten.
More photos
Easily confused with
These species look like the Golden redfish and live in the same waters.
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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 Golden redfish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Golden redfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.