Fin's Fish Guide
The Halfbanded rockfish (Sebastes semicinctus) is a saltwater fish of the family Sebastidae that grows up to 25 cm.
Description
The halfbanded rockfish is a small rockfish from the eastern Pacific, along California and Baja California. The species grows to about 25 cm and has a pink to reddish body with a few incomplete dark cross-bars on the upper half. It lives in large numbers over soft bottoms near rocks on the deeper shelf and hunts small zooplankton and small crustaceans. Like all rockfishes it has venomous fin spines. The IUCN assesses the species as Least Concern (LC).
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Halfbanded rockfish?
The Halfbanded rockfish has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly red-orange and shows a vertical stripes pattern. Incomplete dark vertical bars; venomous fin spines
Where does the Halfbanded rockfish live?
The Halfbanded rockfish lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Eastern Pacific
How big does the Halfbanded rockfish get?
The Halfbanded rockfish grows to a maximum of about 25 cm.
Is the Halfbanded rockfish dangerous to humans?
The Halfbanded rockfish 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 Halfbanded rockfish edible?
The Halfbanded rockfish is rarely 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
Want the complete picture on the Halfbanded rockfish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Halfbanded rockfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.