Fin's Fish Guide
The Lesser redfish (Sebastes viviparus) is a saltwater fish of the family Sebastidae that grows up to 67 cm.
Northeast Atlantic and the northern North Sea, above and along rocky slopes in cool, deep water.
Description
The lesser redfish is a reddish deep-water perch of the family Sebastidae reaching about 35 cm, clearly smaller than the related golden redfish. 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 rocky slopes of the north-eastern Atlantic and the northern North Sea, in cool water between about fifty and three hundred metres. It feeds on zooplankton, small crustaceans and small fish. Like other redfish it is long-lived, slow-growing and a livebearer: after internal fertilisation the female releases large numbers of larvae in spring. The fin spines can give painful wounds, so caution is needed.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Lesser redfish?
The Lesser redfish has a flattened, disc-shaped body, is mainly red-orange and shows a spots pattern. Reddish deep-water redfish with large eyes and venomous fin spines; smaller than the golden redfish and ovoviviparous.
Where does the Lesser redfish live?
The Lesser redfish lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Northeast Atlantic and the northern North Sea, above and along rocky slopes in cool, deep water.
How big does the Lesser redfish get?
The Lesser redfish grows to a maximum of about 67 cm. On average the species is around 25 cm.
Is the Lesser redfish dangerous to humans?
The Lesser 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 Lesser redfish edible?
Yes, the Lesser redfish is commonly eaten.
More photos
Easily confused with
These species look like the Lesser redfish and live in the same waters.
Want the complete picture on the Lesser redfish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Lesser redfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.
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 Lesser redfish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Lesser redfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.