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Tiger Rockfish

Sebastes nigrocinctus

Tiger Rockfish

Sebastes nigrocinctus
Other Common Names
Black-banded Rockfish, Tiger seaperch
At the Aquarium
Orford Reef
Other Common Names
Black-banded Rockfish, Tiger seaperch

At the Aquarium

Orford Reef

Appearance

The body of the tiger rockfish range in color from pink to white. It typically has five vertical bars ranging from red to purple, brown and black. There are also two bars radiating outward from the eyes. The last two bars on the body looks like it is fused together.

Tiger rockfish can grow up to 24 inches in length and weigh 7.5 pounds.

Habitat

Rocky reefs of the shelf and continental slope/basin and within crevices. Found at depths from 30 to over 900 feet.

Diet

Fish and crustaceans including shrimp, crabs and amphipods.

Life History

Tiger rockfish are territorial and live in solitary.

Fertilization of eggs and embryo development occur internally. A female tiger rockfish gives birth to live larval fish.

Then for the next two months the larval fish live in the currents of the mid water before settling in rocky reef habitats.

Maturity is based on body size rather than age with males reaching maturity around 14 to 19 inches and females around 11 to 18 inches. This normally takes at least 8 years but it depends on ocean conditions.

Tiger rockfish can live for up to at least 116 years!

IUCN Status

Data Deficient

Ecosystem & Cultural Importance

Tiger rockfish are prey for a variety of species including marine mammals, sharks, seabirds and larger fish such as salmon, rockfish, lingcod, and cabezon.

Tiger rockfish are occasionally caught in both commercial and recreational fisheries. Rockfish are included in the federal Groundfish Fishery Management Plan.
Range
From the northern Gulf of Alaska to Tanner and Cortes Banks in southern California.
On the Oregon Coast
Tiger rockfish are found along the Oregon coast. Researchers have seen tiger rockfish in Oregon’s Cascade Head, Redfish Rocks, Cape Falcon and Cape Peretua Marine Reserves.
Fun Facts
Tiger rockfish hunt by ambushing their prey. They hide from their prey and strike them by surprise.

Citations & Other Resources

  • Cope, J.M. and M. Love. 2024. Sebastes nigrocinctus. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2024.
  • Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife. N.d. Tiger Rockfish. https://wdfw.wa.gov/species-habitats/species/sebastes-nigrocinctus#conservation
  • California Department of Fish and Wildlife. N.d. Tiger Rockfish. Marine Species Portal. https://marinespecies.wildlife.ca.gov/tiger-rockfish/
  • Oregon Zoo. N.d. Tiger Rockfish. https://www.oregonzoo.org/animals/tiger-rockfish#:~:text=Sebastes%20nigrocinctus,in%20the%20Steller%20Cove%20area.
  • Oregon Marine Reserves. 2017. The Roar of the Tiger. Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife. https://oregonmarinereserves.com/2017/07/26/tiger/
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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.

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