Rockfish, Copper (Sebastes caurinus)

Latin name

Sebastes caurinus

Other names

Never die, whitebelly, chucklehead, rock cod, bass.

Identification

Body is moderately deep and compressed. The head is large, with slightly curved upper profile. Mouth large, lower jaw slightly protruding. Coloration is copper-brown to orange with pink tint. The posterior two-thirds of the flanks along the lateral line are light, the belly is white, and there are usually two dark stripes running backward from each eye.

Distribution

Occurs from the San Benitos Islands, Baja California, to the Kenai Peninsula, Alaska.

Habitat

This fish is usually found in shallow rocky and sandy areas and is caught in depths of less than 180 feet, but some specimens have been caught in depths of up to 600 feet.

Size

This species can reach a length of 22 to 23 inches and weigh up to 10 pounds.

Life history and Behavior

Rockfish, Copper, are oviparous, as are all species of the genus Sebastes.

Food and feeding habits

The fish's diet includes snails, worms, squid, octopus, crabs, shrimp, and fish.

Reproduction

No information