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)
