The Vermilion Rockfish – Sebastes miniatus is a species of marine fish belonging to the rockfish family, Sebastidae. This species is known for its vibrant red coloration, hence its common name. The Vermilion Rockfish plays a significant role in the marine ecosystem, contributing to the intricate balance of life within its habitat.
Description & Characteristics
The Vermilion Rockfish – Sebastes miniatus is a large, robust fish that can reach a maximum size of 91.0 cm in length. This species is characterized by its bright red coloration, which can vary in intensity depending on the individual fish’s age and habitat. Its body is elongated and compressed, with a large head and a prominent snout. The Vermilion Rockfish – Sebastes miniatus also possesses a distinctive dorsal fin, which is continuous and has a sharp spine at its anterior end.
Habitat and Occurrence
The Vermilion Rockfish – Sebastes miniatus is a demersal fish, meaning it lives near the bottom of the ocean. This species can be found at depths ranging from 15.0 to 467.0 meters, inhabiting a variety of marine zones. This includes the bathyal zone, which is characterized by depths ranging from 200 to 1,000 meters. The Vermilion Rockfish – Sebastes miniatus can also be found in the epipelagic zone, which is the uppermost layer of the ocean, extending from the surface down to 200 meters.
Taxonomy
The species Sebastes miniatus belongs to the Class: Teleostei, Order: Perciformes, and Family: Sebastidae. This classification places the Vermilion Rockfish – Sebastes miniatus within the group of bony fishes that are characterized by their fins and scales. This species is part of the family Sebastidae, which encompasses a diverse array of rockfish species. These fishes are typically found in cold, deep waters, and they play a vital role in the marine ecosystem.
Feeding
The Vermilion Rockfish – Sebastes miniatus is a predatory fish that primarily feeds on a variety of small organisms found in its marine environment. Its diet consists of: copepods, Daphnia salina, fish (little fishes), fish eggs, fish larvae, krill, lobster eggs, mysis, nekton, and zooplankton. This diverse diet allows the Vermilion Rockfish – Sebastes miniatus to thrive in its deep-water habitat, where food resources can be limited.
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