Sebastidae

Sebastidae is a family of marine ray-finned fishes that are commonly known as rockfishes, sea basses, and scorpionfishes. They are found in the North Pacific Ocean and the North Atlantic Ocean, as well as in the waters surrounding South America, Australia, and New Zealand. Sebastidae is a large and diverse family, containing over 100 species that range in size from small, bottom-dwelling fish to large, predatory fish.

Blue rockfish – Sebastes mystinus

Brown rockfish – Sebastes auriculatus

Sebastes trivittatus

Copper rockfish – Sebastes caurinus

Patagonian redfish – Sebastes oculatus

Canary rockfish – Sebastes pinniger

Black-and-yellow rockfish – Sebastes chrysomelas

Grass rockfish – Sebastes rastrelliger

Norway redfish – Sebastes viviparus

Cape redfish – Sebastes capensis

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Common Names

Members of the Sebastidae family are commonly called rockfishes, sea basses, and scorpionfishes. Some species are also known as redfish, red snapper, and rosefish.

Characteristics

Sebastidae species are typically characterized by their spiny fins, their elongated bodies, and their large mouths. They have a distinctive, often colorful, coloration, which can vary depending on the species and their environment. They are known for their ability to change color to match their surroundings.

Other characteristics of Sebastidae include:

  • A single dorsal fin with both spiny and soft rays
  • Two separate anal fins
  • A swim bladder
  • A lateral line system
  • Sharp, venomous spines on their dorsal fins and opercula (gill covers)

Environments

Sebastidae species are generally found in rocky reefs, kelp forests, and other coastal habitats. They can be found in depths ranging from the intertidal zone to the abyssal zone.

Some species are benthic, meaning they live on the seafloor, while others are pelagic, meaning they live in the open ocean. They can be found in a variety of water temperatures, from cold, deep water to warm, shallow water.

References

FishBase

World Register of Marine Species

National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI)