How to Identify Widow Rockfish

To identify Widow Rockfish (Sebastes entomelas), look at these key features.

Physical Characteristics

Body shape

torpedo

Coloration

Dorsal side dark brown to black, often with a purplish or reddish cast, fading to lighter brown or gray on the ventral side. Fins are typically dark, sometimes with reddish tinges. Juveniles may have more pronounced mottling.

Scale type

ctenoid

Mouth position

terminal

Distinctive features

Sleek, fusiform body, Large mouth extending to below the posterior margin of the eye, Absence of strong head spines (preorbital, suborbital, and parietal spines are typically absent or weak), Relatively large eyes, Long pectoral fins

Dorsal fin

Single dorsal fin with 13 spines and 13-16 soft rays, deeply incised between spinous and soft-rayed portions.

Tail fin

Moderately forked caudal fin.

Pectoral fin

Long and pointed, reaching beyond the anus, with 17-19 rays.

Distinctive fins

Anal fin with 3 spines and 8-10 soft rays. Pelvic fins with 1 spine and 5 soft rays.

Identification Tips

1. 1

   Body Shape

   Look for a sleek, torpedo-shaped body, which is more streamlined than many other rockfish species.

2. 2

   Coloration

   Observe the dark brown to black dorsal coloration with a reddish or purplish sheen, fading to a lighter underside. Fins are generally dark.

3. 3

   Head Spines

   Note the relative lack of prominent head spines. Preorbital, suborbital, and parietal spines are typically absent or very weak, distinguishing it from many other rockfish.

4. 4

   Mouth Size

   The mouth is relatively large, extending to or beyond the posterior margin of the eye.

5. 5

   Pectoral Fins

   The pectoral fins are long and pointed, often reaching past the anus.

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