Latin name

Sebastes ruberrimus

Other names

Red snapper, rasphead rockfish, turkey-red rockfish.

Identification

It has an orange-red or orange-yellow body coloration. It has bright yellow irises, black pupils, and a crimson ridge above the eyes. The fins may be black around the edges. Adults usually have a light (possibly white) stripe on their lateral line. Juveniles have two light stripes: one on the lateral line and one shorter one below the lateral line. Large fish are heavy-boned, spiny fish.

Distribution

This species occurs from the Gulf of Alaska to Baja California, Mexico.

Habitat

Rocky reefs and boulder fields at depths of 10 to 300 fathoms are common habitat for this fish. In summer, they are abundant in shallow water along kelp-covered shores, and at other times they are found in deeper water.

Size

Can reach a length of 36 inches and weigh up to 33 pounds. The world record for all tackle is an Alaskan fish weighing 39 pounds 4 ounces.

Life history and Behavior

They are oviparous, like all species of the genus Sebastes.

Food and feeding habits

The fish diet includes various types of fish, crustaceans, squid, and shrimp.

Reproduction

No information