Starry rockfish

The starry rockfish (Sebastes constellatus) is a type of rockfish (Sebastidae) that lives mainly off the coasts of California and Baja California. This fish are also commonly called spotted corsair, spotted rockfish, chinafish, and red rock cod.

Starry rockfish
Scientific classification
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S. constellatus
Binomial name
Sebastes constellatus

Description

The body of the starry rockfish is elongate, robust, heavy forward tapering to the tail. The head is rather pointed in profile and the mouth is large with the lower jaw projecting only slightly beyond the upper jaw when the mouth is closed. The body is red orange and profusely covered with small white spots. There are four or five large whitish blotches along the back. It is a very distinctive fish that is not easily confused with any other rockfish.

Range

The starry rockfish occurs from Thetis Bank, Baja California, to San Francisco, California, and is found around rocky offshore reefs at depths of 80 to 900 feet.

Natural history

As with other kinds of rockfish, fertilization is internal and live young are born. The young are usually born during March through May.

Fishing information

Starry rockfish contribute to the recreational anglers offshore reef catch. The typical rockfish rig and baits are appropriate gear (see bocaccio).

References

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