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Patagonian redfish (Sebastes oculatus) — Sebastidae

Patagonian redfish

Sebastes oculatus
Family: Sebastidae
LC · Least Concern

The Patagonian redfish (Sebastes oculatus) is a saltwater fish of the family Sebastidae that grows up to 41 cm.

Length
40.8 cm
Water
Saltwater
Diet
Carnivore
Behaviour
Solitary
Activity
Diurnal
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Can cause injury
Range
Southern South America
Edibility
Commonly eaten

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Description

The Patagonian redfish is a rockfish from the southeast Pacific and southwest Atlantic, along the coasts of Chile, Argentina and the Falkland Islands. The species grows to about 41 cm and is reddish with five dark blotches on the back and four to five spots on the flank; the head bears the head spines characteristic of rockfishes. It is a bottom-dweller of cold, temperate water. 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 Patagonian redfish?

The Patagonian redfish has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly red-orange and shows a spots pattern. Redfish of cold southern water; venomous fin spines

Where does the Patagonian redfish live?

The Patagonian redfish lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Southern South America

How big does the Patagonian redfish get?

The Patagonian redfish grows to a maximum of about 41 cm.

Is the Patagonian redfish dangerous to humans?

The Patagonian redfish can cause injury; handle it with care. The fin spines of rockfishes (Sebastidae) are venomous. If stung: clean the wound and immerse the painful area in water as hot as tolerable (about 45 C) for 30-90 minutes to break down the venom. Remove any spine fragments and seek medical help if the reaction is severe.

Is the Patagonian redfish edible?

Yes, the Patagonian redfish is commonly eaten.

More photos

Patagonian redfish (Sebastes oculatus) — Sebastidae — 2
iNaturalist ((c) Tomás Carranza Perales, some rights reserved (CC BY))
Patagonian redfish (Sebastes oculatus) — Sebastidae — 3
iNaturalist ((c) Abel Romero, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Patagonian redfish (Sebastes oculatus) — Sebastidae — 4
iNaturalist ((c) Albert Pessarrodona, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Patagonian redfish (Sebastes oculatus) — Sebastidae — 5
pablo_zamora (CC BY-NC 4.0) via GBIF — iNaturalist
Fin

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All data

Identification

English name
Patagonian redfish verified
Scientific name
Sebastes oculatus
Family
Sebastidae
Other names
Patagonian redfish; Blackbelly rosefish verified

Appearance

Size class
Large verified
Max length (cm)
40.8 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Red / orange sourced
Pattern
Spots sourced
Tail shape
Straight inferred
Mouth position
Terminal sourced
Lips
Thin sourced
Barbels
Yes sourced
Dorsal fins
One continuous sourced
Dorsal spines
Yes sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom sourced
Natural range
Southern South America verified
Origin
Native verified

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore sourced
Diet (detail)
Small fishes and crustaceans inferred
Social behaviour
Solitary sourced
Territorial
No sourced
Activity
Diurnal sourced
Reproduction
Separate sexes sourced
Sexual dimorphism
No sourced
Seasonality
Cold-water bottom-dwelling resident; present year-round. sourced
Special features
Redfish of cold southern water; venomous fin spines sourced

For anglers

Edibility
Commonly eaten sourced
Fishing method
Bottom fishing with hook and line sourced
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Can cause injury sourced
First aid
The fin spines of rockfishes (Sebastidae) are venomous. If stung: clean the wound and immerse the painful area in water as hot as tolerable (about 45 C) for 30-90 minutes to break down the venom. Remove any spine fragments and seek medical help if the reaction is severe. 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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