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Sebastes viviparus, commonly known as the Norway Haddock or Small Redfish, is a demersal marine fish belonging to the family Sebastidae (rockfishes). It is a relatively small, slow-growing, and long-lived species, characterized by its vibrant reddish coloration and spiny fins. This species is viviparous, meaning it gives birth to live young, a characteristic shared with other members of the genus Sebastes. It plays an ecological role as a predator of small crustaceans and fish, and as prey for larger marine organisms. Despite its common name, it is not closely related to the true haddock (Melanogrammus aeglefinus), which belongs to the cod family (Gadidae).
Physical Characteristics
- Body shape
- compressed
- Coloration
- Typically bright red to reddish-orange on the dorsal side, fading to pinkish or whitish on the ventral side. Often has indistinct darker blotches or bands on the back and sides, which can be more pronounced in younger individuals. Fins are usually reddish.
- Scale type
- ctenoid
- Mouth position
- terminal
- Distinctive features
- Large eyes, characteristic of deep-water fish., Strongly spined head, with prominent spines above the eyes, on the preoperculum, and operculum., A distinct, often dark, spot on the operculum (gill cover)., Lateral line is prominent and follows the contour of the body., Lower jaw often slightly protruding.
- Dorsal fin
- Single, long dorsal fin with 14-16 strong, sharp spines followed by 12-15 soft rays. The spiny and soft-rayed portions are continuous but deeply notched.
- Tail fin
- Caudal fin is truncate to slightly emarginate.
- Pectoral fin
- Large and fan-like, with 16-19 rays.
- Distinctive fins
- Anal fin has 3 spines and 7-9 soft rays. Pelvic fins are thoracic with 1 spine and 5 soft rays. All fins, especially the dorsal and anal fins, possess sharp, venomous spines.
Identification Tips
Size
Smaller than other redfish species, rarely exceeding 35 cm in length.
Coloration
Bright red to reddish-orange, often with faint darker blotches. The opercular spot is a key identifier.
Spines
Numerous and sharp spines on the head and fins. Count the dorsal fin spines (14-16) and soft rays (12-15) for confirmation.
Eyes
Relatively large eyes compared to its body size.
Lateral Line
Clearly visible and follows the body contour.
Habitat
- Water type
- saltwater
- Depth
- Typically found at depths ranging from 50 to 300 meters (164-984 feet), though occasionally shallower or deeper. Juveniles may inhabit shallower waters.
- Environment
- Demersal, inhabiting rocky bottoms, gravel, and shell beds. Often found in fjords, along continental shelves, and around offshore banks. Prefers cold, clear waters.
- Geographic range
- Northeastern Atlantic Ocean, from the Barents Sea and Svalbard south along the Norwegian coast, around the Faroe Islands, Iceland, and Greenland. Its southern limit extends to the North Sea and occasionally to the British Isles.
Aquarium Information
- Care level: expert
- Temperament: semi-aggressive
- Diet: carnivore
- Minimum tank size: 500 gallons
- Temperature: 4-10°C (39-50°F)
- pH level: 7.8-8.4
- Hardness: 10-12 dKH
- Compatibility: Not suitable for typical home aquaria due to its specific environmental needs, size, and temperament. Best kept in specialized public aquariums with appropriate cold-water setups and large tank volumes. Can be aggressive towards smaller fish.
- Special requirements: Requires very large, cold-water marine aquariums with excellent filtration and strong water movement. Dim lighting and plenty of rockwork for hiding are essential. Not a common aquarium species due to its specialized needs.
Wild Information
- Conservation status: least concern
- Seasonality: Can be fished year-round, but specific quotas and regulations apply depending on regional fisheries management.
- Market price: Variable, generally lower than larger redfish species
- Commercial importance: medium
- Taste: Mild, slightly sweet
- Texture: Flaky, firm, white flesh
- Cooking methods: Baking, Frying, Grilling, Steaming, Poaching
- Nutritional value: Good source of protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and vitamins D and B12.
Key Facts
Live Bearerbehavior
Unlike most fish that lay eggs, Sebastes viviparus is viviparous, meaning females retain the eggs internally and give birth to live, fully developed larvae. Fertilization is internal, and the embryos develop within the mother's ovaries, feeding on yolk reserves.
Longevityinteresting
Despite its relatively small size, the Norway Haddock is a long-lived species, with individuals known to reach ages of 30-40 years or more, reflecting its slow growth rate in cold northern waters.
Misleading Nameinteresting
The common name 'Norway Haddock' is a misnomer, as the fish is not a true haddock (family Gadidae) but rather a rockfish (family Sebastidae). The 'haddock' part likely refers to its culinary use or general appearance in some regions.
Deep-Water Adaptationsbehavior
Its large eyes are an adaptation to the low light conditions of its deep-water habitat, allowing it to detect prey and predators more effectively.
Safety Information
Venomous- Safety level: venomous
- Venomous: Yes
- Edibility: edible
- Handling notes: Exercise extreme caution when handling due to the sharp, venomous spines on the dorsal, anal, and pelvic fins, as well as on the head. Punctures can cause immediate, intense pain, swelling, and inflammation, which can last for several hours or even days. In rare cases, systemic effects like nausea, sweating, and muscle cramps may occur. It is advisable to wear thick gloves and use a fish gripper or towel to avoid direct contact with the spines. If stung, immerse the affected area in hot water (as hot as tolerable, around 45-50°C) for 30-90 minutes to denature the protein-based venom, and seek medical attention if symptoms persist or worsen.
Similar Species
Golden Redfish
Sebastes marinus (also known as Sebastes norvegicus)
Larger size (up to 100 cm), generally brighter red, and typically found in deeper waters. The Golden Redfish has a less pronounced opercular spot and fewer dorsal fin spines (12-15) and more soft rays (13-16) compared to S. viviparus.
Deep-sea Redfish
Sebastes mentella
Larger size (up to 70 cm), often a deeper red color, and found in much deeper waters (200-1000+ meters). S. mentella has a more pointed snout and a prominent bony symphyseal knob on the lower jaw, which is less developed or absent in S. viviparus.
Scientific Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Actinopterygii
- Order
- Scorpaeniformes
- Family
- Sebastidae
- Genus
- Sebastes
- Species
- viviparus
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