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Owston's rockfish (Sebastes owstoni) — Sebastidae

Owston's rockfish

Sebastes owstoni
Family: Sebastidae

The Owston's rockfish (Sebastes owstoni) is a saltwater fish of the family Sebastidae that grows up to 25 cm.

Length
25 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
100.0–300.0 m
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Stone or rock
Danger
Venomous / poisonous

Description

Owston's rockfish is a rockfish (Sebastidae) from deeper rocky and reef water of the northwestern Pacific. The species grows to about 35 cm and has a stocky, red-pink to mottled body with a large head and spiny fins. As a bottom-oriented fish it shelters among rocks and hunts small fish and crustaceans; it gives birth to live young. The dorsal and gill-cover spines carry a mild venom and can give a painful puncture wound.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Owston's rockfish?

The Owston's rockfish has a torpedo-shaped body and is mainly red-orange.

Where does the Owston's rockfish live?

The Owston's rockfish lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground.

How big does the Owston's rockfish get?

The Owston's rockfish grows to a maximum of about 25 cm.

Is the Owston's rockfish dangerous to humans?

The Owston's rockfish is venomous — handle spines with care and seek medical help after a sting if needed.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Owstons roodbaars sourced
English name
Owston's rockfish sourced
Scientific name
Sebastes owstoni
Family
Sebastidae

Appearance

Size class
Medium verified
Max length (cm)
25.0 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Red / orange sourced
Tail shape
Straight inferred
Dorsal spines
Yes sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Stone or rock sourced
Min depth (m)
100.0 verified
Max depth (m)
300.0 verified
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Territorial
No inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred

For anglers

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
Venomous / poisonous verified

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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