Facebook-f Instagram Youtube Tripadvisor Tiktok
Search
Close this search box.

Widow Rockfish

Sebastes entomelas

Widow Rockfish

Sebastes entomelas
Other Common Names
Brownie, brown bomber, soft brown
At the Aquarium
Rocky Coast
Other Common Names
Brownie, brown bomber, soft brown

At the Aquarium

Rocky Coast

Appearance

These slim fish are brassy brown on their back and sides, and a lighter, dusky brown ventrally.

Habitat

Usually found above hard bottoms on the continental shelf, including rocky banks, sea mounts, canyons, and muddy bottoms near rocks, to depths of 2,625 feet.

Diet

Sergestid shrimp are their primary prey in winter, salps are their most important prey item in spring, and fish are most important in fall.

Life History

Mating mostly occurs in December in Oregon. Females then release their larvae from February to March. A 12 inch female will release 55,000 young while a 20 inch female will release 915,000 young. The pelagic larvae are just 2 inches at birth and remain pelagic as juveniles, settling to subtidal structures, including rocks, kelp, and oil platforms when they are between 2-3 inches long, usually from May to September.

Grow to 24 inches and live to at least 60 years.

IUCN Status

Not Evaluated

Ecosystem & Cultural Importance

Their predators include Chinook salmon, rhinoceros auklets, California sea lions and Steller sea lions.
Range
Alaska to Baja California, Mexico
On the Oregon Coast
Widow rockfish are important in the midwater trawl fisheries from California to Alaska and can also be caught recreationally.
Fun Facts
Widow rockfish show distinct night behavior. At night, adults will form dense schools deeper than 300 feet while juveniles will hang out in rocky areas with seaweed.

Citations & Other Resources

Back to All Animals

Contact Us

Facebook-f Instagram Twitter Youtube Tiktok Tripadvisor

Subscribe to E-Newsletter

Subscribe Now

About Oregon Coast Aquarium

Since opening in 1992, the Oregon Coast Aquarium has been a premier attraction on Oregon’s central coast and an enduring advocate for the health of our ocean. For over three decades this 501(c)3 non-profit organization has supported marine wildlife and fostered environmental stewardship through its education programs, community partnerships, and rehabilitation efforts. Accredited by the Association of Zoos & Aquariums, the Oregon Coast Aquarium is consistently ranked as one of the top 10 aquariums in the U.S., providing visitors with opportunities to connect with 15,000 animals spanning 300 different species. The Oregon Coast Aquarium is located at 2820 S.E. Ferry Slip Rd., Newport, OR. Learn more about the Oregon Coast Aquarium and its vital work at aquarium.org, 541-867-3474. Follow us on Facebook or Twitter for the latest updates.

Terms of Use

Privacy Policy

Media Policy

Copyright © 2022 Oregon Coast Aquarium. All rights reserved.

Need to update your cookie permissions?

×
Cookies
We use cookies to improve your experience and see how our guests are navigating the website. If this is alright by you, hit 'Accept All', or 'Settings' to customize and learn more. Read our cookie policy
Settings Accept All
Cookies
Choose what kind of cookies to accept. Your choice will be saved for one year. Read our cookie policy
Save Accept All