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The Shortraker Rockfish (Sebastes borealis) is a large, long-lived, and deep-dwelling species of rockfish belonging to the family Sebastidae. It is characterized by its robust body, distinctive coloration, and specific morphological features, particularly its gill rakers. This species is an important component of deep-sea ecosystems in the North Pacific and is commercially valuable.
Physical Characteristics
- Body shape
- compressed
- Coloration
- Typically reddish-orange to pinkish-red dorsally, fading to pink or white ventrally. Often has irregular blotches or mottling of darker red or brown on the sides. Fins are usually reddish.
- Scale type
- ctenoid
- Mouth position
- terminal
- Distinctive features
- Large mouth extending to or beyond the posterior margin of the eye., Strongly ridged and spiny head, with prominent spines above the eyes (supraocular), behind the eyes (postocular), and on the nape (nuchal)., Lower jaw often protrudes slightly., Pectoral fins are long, reaching beyond the anus., Anal fin has 3 spines and 7-9 soft rays., Dorsal fin has 13-14 spines and 13-15 soft rays., The most distinguishing feature, from which it gets its common name, is the presence of 26-32 short, stout, and widely spaced gill rakers on the first gill arch. These rakers are typically shorter than the gill filaments.
- Dorsal fin
- Single, long dorsal fin with a spiny anterior portion (13-14 spines) and a soft-rayed posterior portion (13-15 soft rays). A deep notch often separates the spiny and soft-rayed parts.
- Tail fin
- Caudal fin is moderately emarginate (slightly forked) to truncate.
- Pectoral fin
- Large and broad, typically reaching beyond the anus, with 18-20 rays.
- Distinctive fins
- Pelvic fins are thoracic, with 1 spine and 5 soft rays. Anal fin has 3 spines and 7-9 soft rays.
Identification Tips
Gill Rakers
Count the gill rakers on the first gill arch. Shortraker Rockfish have 26-32 short, stout, and widely spaced rakers, which are shorter than the gill filaments. This is the most definitive characteristic.
Head Spines
Examine the head for prominent and numerous spines, especially supraocular, postocular, and nuchal spines. The head is notably spiny and ridged.
Mouth Size
Note the large mouth that extends to or beyond the posterior margin of the eye.
Coloration
Observe the reddish-orange to pinkish-red body color, often with darker blotches. This can help distinguish it from some other rockfish species, though color can vary with depth.
Pectoral Fin Length
The long pectoral fins that extend past the anus are a good indicator.
Habitat
- Water type
- saltwater
- Depth
- Demersal, typically found at depths ranging from 17 to 1,200 meters (56 to 3,937 feet), most commonly between 200 and 700 meters (650 to 2,300 feet).
- Environment
- Associated with rocky bottoms, canyons, seamounts, and continental slopes. Prefers cold, deep waters.
- Geographic range
- North Pacific Ocean, from the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands, along the Gulf of Alaska, and south to northern California (approximately 40°N latitude). Its distribution extends westward to the Okhotsk Sea and off the Kuril Islands.
Aquarium Information
- Care level: expert
- Temperament: aggressive
- Diet: carnivore
- Minimum tank size: Not suitable for home aquaria due to size, depth requirements, and specialized care.
- Temperature: 4-8°C (39-46°F)
- pH level: 7.8-8.2
- Hardness: High (marine salinity)
- Compatibility: Not compatible with most aquarium species due to its predatory nature and specific environmental needs. Best kept in specialized public aquariums with appropriate deep-sea setups.
- Special requirements: Requires extremely large, deep, and cold-water systems with specialized filtration and lighting to mimic its natural deep-sea habitat. Not a species for typical home aquarists.
Wild Information
- Conservation status: vulnerable
- Seasonality: Harvested year-round, but specific fishing seasons and quotas are regulated by management bodies to ensure sustainability.
- Market price: Varies by region and market demand, generally high due to its size and quality.
- Commercial importance: high
- Taste: Mild, sweet, and delicate
- Texture: Flaky, firm, and moist
- Cooking methods: Baking, Grilling, Steaming, Frying, Sautéing
- Nutritional value: Excellent source of lean protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and essential vitamins and minerals.
Key Facts
Longevity Recordrecord
Shortraker Rockfish are among the longest-lived fish species, with individuals recorded to live over 150 years. The oldest documented specimen was estimated to be 157 years old.
Deep-Sea Dwellerbehavior
This species inhabits extreme depths, often found in waters over 1,000 meters deep, making it one of the deepest-dwelling commercially important rockfish.
Slow Growth, Late Maturitybehavior
Due to their deep-sea habitat and long lifespan, Shortraker Rockfish exhibit very slow growth rates and do not reach sexual maturity until they are relatively old, often between 10-20 years of age. This makes them particularly vulnerable to overfishing.
Viviparous Reproductionbehavior
Like all rockfish, Shortraker Rockfish are viviparous, meaning they give birth to live young (larvae) rather than laying eggs. Fertilization is internal, and the females retain the developing embryos until they are ready to be released.
Safety Information
Handle with care- Safety level: caution
- Venomous: Yes
- Edibility: edible
- Handling notes: Like all rockfish, Shortraker Rockfish possess venomous spines in their dorsal, anal, and pelvic fins. Punctures from these spines can cause significant pain, swelling, and in some cases, infection. Handle with extreme care, using thick gloves or a fish gripper. Avoid direct contact with the spines. If stung, clean the wound thoroughly and apply heat (e.g., hot water immersion) to denature the protein-based venom, and seek medical attention if symptoms are severe or persistent.
Similar Species
Rougheye Rockfish
Sebastes aleutianus
Rougheye Rockfish typically have more numerous (30-35) and longer gill rakers, which are slender and longer than the gill filaments. They also have more prominent and numerous spines on the head, particularly around the eyes, giving them a 'rougheye' appearance. Coloration can be similar, but Rougheye often have dark blotches on the dorsal fin and body.
Yelloweye Rockfish
Sebastes ruberrimus
Yelloweye Rockfish are typically brighter orange to red with distinctive bright yellow eyes. They have fewer (26-29) and shorter gill rakers than Rougheye, but generally longer than Shortraker. Their head spines are less pronounced than Shortraker or Rougheye, and they lack the prominent nuchal spines of Shortraker.
Redbanded Rockfish
Sebastes babcocki
Redbanded Rockfish are characterized by distinct vertical red bands on a lighter background. They have fewer (28-33) and longer gill rakers than Shortraker. Their head spines are also less developed than Shortraker.
Scientific Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Actinopterygii
- Order
- Scorpaeniformes
- Family
- Sebastidae
- Genus
- Sebastes
- Species
- borealis
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