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Oblong rockfish (Sebastes oblongus) — Sebastidae

Oblong rockfish

Sebastes oblongus
Family: Sebastidae

The Oblong rockfish (Sebastes oblongus) is a saltwater fish of the family Sebastidae that grows up to 35 cm.

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

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Description

The Oblong rockfish is a rockfish (Sebastidae) from cool coastal water of the northwest Pacific, off East Asia. The species grows to about 30 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 Oblong rockfish?

The Oblong rockfish has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly brown and shows a vertical stripes pattern. Bears venomous spines or tissue; handle with great care.

Where does the Oblong rockfish live?

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

How big does the Oblong rockfish get?

The Oblong rockfish grows to a maximum of about 35 cm.

Is the Oblong rockfish dangerous to humans?

The Oblong 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
Oblong rockfish sourced
Scientific name
Sebastes oblongus
Family
Sebastidae

Appearance

Size class
Medium verified
Max length (cm)
35.0 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Brown sourced
Pattern
Vertical bars 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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