China Rockfish

Sebastes nebulosus

China Rockfish

Sebastes nebulosus

Other Common Names
Yellowstripe Rockfish

Rocky Coast, Orford Reef, Halibut Flats

Other Common Names

Yellowstripe Rockfish

At the Aquarium

Rocky Coast, Orford Reef, Halibut Flats

Appearance

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.

Alaska to southern California

These fish may be caught by recreational anglers all along the coast.

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.
Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife website
Pacific Coast Groundfish Fishery Management Plan

China Rockfish

China Rockfish

Other Common Names

At the Aquarium

Appearance

Habitat

Diet

Life History

IUCN Status

Ecosystem & Cultural Importance

Citations & Other Resources

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