Fin's Fish Guide
The Olive-backed rockfish (Sebastes saxicola) is a saltwater fish of the family Sebastidae that grows up to 38 cm.
Description
The stripetail rockfish is a rockfish (Sebastidae) from the northeastern Pacific. The species reaches about 38 cm and has a pinkish to olive body with dark streaks on the tail fin. It lives mostly in deeper water on soft bottoms, at depths of about 9 to 547 m. The diet consists of crustaceans and small fishes. It is livebearing. The fin spines have grooves with venom glands, so a sting is painful. The species is often caught with trawls, but owing to its small size is usually discarded.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Olive-backed rockfish?
The Olive-backed rockfish has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly red-orange and shows a plain pattern. Grooves with venom glands on the fin spines; ovoviviparous; often discarded in trawl catches.
Where does the Olive-backed rockfish live?
The Olive-backed rockfish lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Northeast Pacific, on soft bottoms offshore.
How big does the Olive-backed rockfish get?
The Olive-backed rockfish grows to a maximum of about 38 cm. On average the species is around 20 cm.
Is the Olive-backed rockfish dangerous to humans?
The Olive-backed rockfish is venomous — handle spines with care and seek medical help after a sting if needed. The fin spines are venomous and a sting causes acute, burning pain and swelling. Immerse the wound for 30-90 minutes in water as hot as bearable (about 45 C), remove spine fragments and seek medical help for severe reactions.
Is the Olive-backed rockfish edible?
The Olive-backed rockfish is rarely eaten.
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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 Olive-backed rockfish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Olive-backed rockfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.