How to Identify Shortraker Rockfish

To identify Shortraker Rockfish (Sebastes borealis), look at these key features.

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

1. 1

   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.

2. 2

   Head Spines

   Examine the head for prominent and numerous spines, especially supraocular, postocular, and nuchal spines. The head is notably spiny and ridged.

3. 3

   Mouth Size

   Note the large mouth that extends to or beyond the posterior margin of the eye.

4. 4

   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.

5. 5

   Pectoral Fin Length

   The long pectoral fins that extend past the anus are a good indicator.

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