Fin's Fish Guide
The Rock cod (Sebastes helvomaculatus) is a saltwater fish of the family Sebastidae that grows up to 41 cm.
Northeast Pacific; soft and rocky bottoms of the continental shelf and slope.
Description
The rosethorn rockfish is a scorpionfish of the rockfish family (Sebastidae) from the north-eastern Pacific. The species grows to about 41 cm and has a reddish body with a few pale blotches on the back. It lives on soft bottoms and rocky depths of the continental shelf and slope and is often caught on commercial longlines below about 108 metres. Rockfishes are viviparous: fertilisation is internal and the female produces larvae. As a predator it feeds on small crustaceans and small fishes. The fin spines are venomous and give a painful puncture wound; handle a caught specimen with care.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Rock cod?
The Rock cod has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly red-orange and shows a spots pattern. Ovoviviparous redfish with venomous fin spines; caught on deep longlines.
Where does the Rock cod live?
The Rock cod lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Northeast Pacific; soft and rocky bottoms of the continental shelf and slope.
How big does the Rock cod get?
The Rock cod grows to a maximum of about 41 cm.
Is the Rock cod dangerous to humans?
No, the Rock cod is harmless to humans. The fin spine(s) are venomous and give a painful, burning puncture wound. Immerse the wound for 30-90 minutes in water as hot as can be tolerated (about 45 C) and seek medical care if pain or infection persists.
Is the Rock cod edible?
Yes, the Rock cod is commonly 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 Rock cod?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Rock cod is one of 12,519 species in the app.