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Rock cod (Sebastes miniatus) — Sebastidae

Rock cod

Sebastes miniatus
Family: Sebastidae

The Rock cod (Sebastes miniatus) is a saltwater fish of the family Sebastidae that grows up to 91 cm.

Length
91 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
15.0–467.0 m
Diet
Carnivore
Behaviour
Solitary
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Stone or rock
Danger
Harmless
Edibility
Commonly eaten

Description

The vermilion rockfish is a rockfish (Sebastidae) from the northeastern Pacific. The species has a robust, bright vermilion-red body, sometimes with grey mottling, and a large, spiny head. Adults inhabit shallow to deep rocky reefs; young live in shallow water. It grows slowly, lives long and is viviparous. As an ambush hunter it feeds on small fishes, crustaceans and squid. It is a valued food fish. The dorsal, pelvic and anal fin spines are venomous and give a painful puncture wound.

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 plain pattern.

Where does the Rock cod live?

The Rock cod lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground.

How big does the Rock cod get?

The Rock cod grows to a maximum of about 91 cm.

Is the Rock cod dangerous to humans?

No, the Rock cod is harmless to humans.

Is the Rock cod edible?

Yes, the Rock cod is commonly eaten.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Vermiljoen-roodbaars sourced
English name
Rock cod verified
Scientific name
Sebastes miniatus
Family
Sebastidae
Other names
Rockfish; Vermilion rockfish verified

Appearance

Size class
Extra large verified
Max length (cm)
91.0 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Red / orange inferred
Pattern
Plain inferred
Tail shape
Straight inferred
Mouth position
Terminal inferred
Lips
Thick / fleshy inferred
Barbels
No sourced
Dorsal fins
One continuous inferred
Dorsal spines
Yes sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Stone or rock sourced
Min depth (m)
15.0 verified
Max depth (m)
467.0 verified
Origin
Native sourced

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore sourced
Social behaviour
Solitary inferred
Territorial
No inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes sourced
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred
levensduur_max_jaar
60.0 verified

For anglers

Edibility
Commonly eaten sourced
Fishing method
Vissen met natuurlijk aas (vis, garnaal, worm) of kunstaas dicht bij rif- en rotsstructuren. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless 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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