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Silvergray rockfish (Sebastes brevispinis) — Sebastidae

Silvergray rockfish

Sebastes brevispinis
Family: Sebastidae
NE · Not Evaluated

The Silvergray rockfish (Sebastes brevispinis) is a saltwater fish of the family Sebastidae that grows up to 71 cm.

Length
71 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
0.0–375.0 m
Diet
Carnivore
Behaviour
Small groups
Activity
Diurnal
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
Northeast Pacific
Edibility
Commonly eaten

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Description

The silvergray rockfish is a rockfish from the northeast Pacific, ranging from the Bering Sea off Alaska to Baja California. The species grows to about 71 cm and is greenish to silver-grey with a whitish, orange- or pink-tinged underside and dusky lips. It lives from shallow water to about 375 metres over rocky bottoms, where younger fish form schools. Like all rockfishes it has venomous fin spines, so care is needed when handling. The fish is taken commercially and recreationally. The IUCN has not evaluated the species (NE).

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Silvergray rockfish?

The Silvergray rockfish has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern. Redfish with venomous fin spines; younger individuals form shoals

Where does the Silvergray rockfish live?

The Silvergray rockfish lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Northeast Pacific

How big does the Silvergray rockfish get?

The Silvergray rockfish grows to a maximum of about 71 cm.

Is the Silvergray rockfish dangerous to humans?

No, the Silvergray rockfish is harmless to humans. 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 Silvergray rockfish edible?

Yes, the Silvergray rockfish is commonly eaten.

More photos

Silvergray rockfish (Sebastes brevispinis) — Sebastidae — 2
iNaturalist ((c) LJBRION, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Silvergray rockfish (Sebastes brevispinis) — Sebastidae — 3
Wikimedia Commons — Barton Warren Evermann / Edmund Lee Goldsborough (Public domain)
Silvergray rockfish (Sebastes brevispinis) — Sebastidae — 4
iNaturalist ((c) LJBRION, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Silvergray rockfish (Sebastes brevispinis) — Sebastidae — 5
iNaturalist ((c) badbee73, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Fin

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All data

Identification

English name
Silvergray rockfish verified
Scientific name
Sebastes brevispinis
Family
Sebastidae
Other names
Rock cod; Rockfish; Shortspine rockfish; Silvergray rockfish; Rock salmon verified

Appearance

Size class
Large verified
Max length (cm)
71.0 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Silver / grey sourced
Pattern
Plain 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
Min depth (m)
0.0 verified
Max depth (m)
375.0 verified
Natural range
Northeast Pacific verified
Origin
Native verified

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore sourced
Diet (detail)
Small fishes, crustaceans and zooplankton inferred
Social behaviour
Small groups inferred
Territorial
No sourced
Activity
Diurnal sourced
Reproduction
Separate sexes sourced
Sexual dimorphism
No sourced
levensduur_max_jaar
82.0 verified
Seasonality
Resident fish on rocky bottoms; present year-round. sourced
Special features
Redfish with venomous fin spines; younger individuals form shoals sourced

For anglers

Edibility
Commonly eaten sourced
Fishing method
Bottom fishing on rocky seabeds; also on lures sourced
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless 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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