Fin's Fish Guide
The Puget Sound rockfish (Sebastes emphaeus) is a saltwater fish of the family Sebastidae that grows up to 18 cm.
Description
The Puget Sound rockfish is a small rockfish from the eastern Pacific, off the west coast of North America. The species grows to about 18 cm and has a slender, coppery-red to yellow-brown body with green tints. In the dorsal, pelvic and anal fins it bears strong, weakly venomous spines that give a painful prick. It often schools over rocky reefs to about 365 metres and feeds on zooplankton. It bears live young. The IUCN has not evaluated the species.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Puget Sound rockfish?
The Puget Sound rockfish has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly red-orange and shows a plain pattern. Weakly venomous fin spines; schooling small redfish; ovoviviparous
Where does the Puget Sound rockfish live?
The Puget Sound rockfish lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Eastern Pacific
How big does the Puget Sound rockfish get?
The Puget Sound rockfish grows to a maximum of about 18 cm.
Is the Puget Sound rockfish dangerous to humans?
The Puget Sound rockfish is venomous — handle spines with care and seek medical help after a sting if needed. If stung by the spines: immerse the affected part in water as hot as tolerable (about 45 C) for 30-90 minutes to break down the venom, remove visible spine fragments, and seek medical help for severe pain or swelling.
Is the Puget Sound rockfish edible?
The Puget Sound 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 Puget Sound rockfish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Puget Sound rockfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.