China Rockfish have a black body color that is mottled with yellow, and a broad yellow stripe runs along the side.
Habitat
A shallow water rockfish that is found both inshore and along open coasts, usually between depths of 60-300 ft. Often hang out in crevices and tend to be found over complex structures like boulder fields or kelp beds.
Diet
China rockfish are considered dietary specialists. In Oregon they eat crustaceans, including decorator crabs and rock crabs.
Life History
China Rockfish females give birth between January and June in Central California, but not much else is known about them. They grow to 18 inches long and can live to at least 79 years.
IUCN Status
Not Evaluated
Ecosystem & Cultural Importance
China rockfish are prey for sharks, dolphins, seals, and lingcod.
China Rockfish adults are considered sedentary and stay close to home in rocky habitats. They often rest directly on the bottom or will hide in a rocky crevice. They are solitary and territorial, though they will share their crevice with an octopus.
Citations & Other Resources
Dick, E.J., Monk, M., Taylor, I., Haltuch, M., Tsou, T.-S., and Mirick, P. 2016. Status of China rockfish off the U.S. Pacific Coast in 2015. (April 2016): 1–515.
Love, Milton S. Certainly more than you want to know about the fishes of the Pacific Coast: a postmodern experience. Really Big Press: Santa Barbara. 2011. 649 pp. ISBN 978-0-9628725-6-3.
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