How to Identify Rougheye Rockfish

To identify Rougheye Rockfish (Sebastes aleutianus), look at these key features.

Physical Characteristics

Body shape

compressed

Coloration

Typically reddish-orange to pinkish-red, often with irregular dark blotches or saddles on the back and sides. The fins are usually reddish. Juveniles may have more pronounced dark markings.

Scale type

ctenoid

Mouth position

terminal

Distinctive features

Prominent, bony ridges and spines on the head, particularly around the eyes (supraocular, postocular, tympanic, and parietal spines are well-developed and often covered with small, rough tubercles, giving the 'rougheye' appearance)., A deep notch in the dorsal fin membrane between the spinous and soft-rayed portions., A long lifespan, often exceeding 100 years., Large eyes, adapted for low light conditions.

Dorsal fin

Single dorsal fin with 13-14 strong, venomous spines and 12-15 soft rays. A deep notch separates the spinous and soft-rayed portions.

Tail fin

Caudal fin is truncate to slightly emarginate.

Pectoral fin

Pectoral fins are large and fan-like, with 18-20 rays.

Distinctive fins

Anal fin has 3 spines and 6-8 soft rays. Pelvic fins have 1 spine and 5 soft rays.

Identification Tips

1. 1

   Head Spines

   Look for the characteristic rough, bony ridges and spines around the eyes and on the top of the head. These are more pronounced than in most other rockfish species.

2. 2

   Coloration

   The reddish-orange to pinkish-red body color, often with dark blotches, is a good indicator, though color can vary with depth and individual.

3. 3

   Dorsal Fin Notch

   The deep notch in the dorsal fin membrane between the spiny and soft-rayed portions is a key distinguishing feature.

4. 4

   Lateral Line

   The lateral line is typically clear and follows the contour of the body.

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