Black and Yellow Rockfish

Sebastes chrysomelas

Black and Yellow Rockfish

Sebastes chrysomelas

Orford Reef

At the Aquarium

Orford Reef

Appearance

As their name suggests, this rockfish has a black body with yellow blotches and spotting on its back, lateral line, and lower sides. The underbelly is pale.

The body is typically compact and oval shaped with spines on the dorsal and other fins.

Like other rockfish, this species has large eyes and thick, broad mouths that dip downward at the corners.

Black-and-yellow rockfish can grow to lengths of 15 inches.

Habitat

Rocky nearshore areas and kelp forests with holes and crevices from the surface to depths of 121 feet.

Diet

Small crabs, shrimp, fish, and cephalopods.

Life History

Spawning occurs from February to July with peak spawning in February to March. Rockfish are primitively viviparous meaning that fertilization of eggs and embryo development occur internally. The female then gives birth to live larval fish.

The young rockfish are pelagic, living in the open ocean. They eventually settle in rocky nearshore areas and kelp forests.

Black-and-yellow rockfish become mature between 3 and 4 years old.

Black-and-yellow rockfish can live up to 22 years.

IUCN Status

Not Evaluated

Ecosystem & Cultural Importance

Black-and-yellow rockfish are prey for many species, including other finfish, seabirds, and marine mammals.

Like many nearshore rockfish, black-and-yellow rockfish are caught by recreational anglers. There is also a commercial fishery for black and yellow rockfish. They are sold both in the United States and as exports.

From Cape Blanco, Oregon to Isla San Natividad, central Baja California, Mexico.

Black-and-yellow rockfish are occasionally found in waters off Southern Oregon.

Rockfish have venomous fin spines that help protect them from predators.

Citations & Other Resources

California Department of Fish and Wildlife. 2020. Black-and-Yellow Rockfish. Marine Species Portal. https://marinespecies.wildlife.ca.gov/black-and-yellow-rockfish/false/
Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife. 2020. Rockfish in Oregon. ODFW Finfish Species. https://www.dfw.state.or.us/mrp/finfish/sp/rockfish.asp
Monterey Bay Aquarium. N.d. Rockfish. https://www.montereybayaquarium.org/animals/animals-a-to-z/rockfish#:~:text=Cool%20facts,must%20handle%20them%20with%20care.

Black and Yellow Rockfish

Black and Yellow Rockfish

At the Aquarium

Appearance

Habitat

Diet

Life History

IUCN Status

Ecosystem & Cultural Importance

Citations & Other Resources

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