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Flag Rockfish

Sebastes rubrivinctus
A flag rockfish swimming beneath giant kelp

Flag Rockfish

Sebastes rubrivinctus
At the Aquarium
Connected Coasts

At the Aquarium

Connected Coasts

Appearance

Flag rockfish are white to pinkish white with four reddish orange or brown bars on their body that extend onto their fins. Juvenile’s bars are blackish in color. The first bar covers most of their gill area. Flag rockfish can grow up to 44 cm.

Habitat

Rocky reefs at depths of 30 to 431 m.

Diet

Crustaceans, cephalopods, and small fish.

Life History

Flag rockfish are viviparous, meaning fertilization of eggs and embryo development occur inside the female. Some nutrients are provided to the developing young by the mother and she gives birth to live larval fish. Once the female gives birth, these larval fish enter a pelagic stage, swimming near the surface in the open sea. Eventually young flag rockfish will settle near rocky reefs.

Flag rockfish usually live in solitary but may form small to large groups. They tend to live in caves and crevices.

Flag rockfish may live as long as 18 years.

IUCN Status

Not Evaluated

Ecosystem & Cultural Importance

Flag rockfish help maintain ecosystem balance since they are prey for many species, including other finfish, seabirds, and marine mammals.

Flag rockfish are caught by local recreational fishermen.
Range
From central Oregon to Baja California, Mexico. Most common between central California and Bahía San Quintin, Baja California, Mexico.
On the Oregon Coast
Flag rockfish can occasionally be found near south of Stonewall Bank which is off the coast of Seal Rock. However, they do not commonly occur north of California.
Fun Facts
Like other rockfish, the flag rockfish has mildly venomous dorsal and anal fin spines. This helps flag rockfish defend themselves against predators.

Flag rockfish are often confused for Redbanded Rockfish since they have similar coloring.

Citations & Other Resources

  • CA Marine Species Portal. (n.d.). . https://marinespecies.wildlife.ca.gov/flag-rockfish/false/.
  • Kells, V. A. 2016. A field guide to coastal fishes. From Alaska to California. Johns Hopkins University Press, Baltimore.
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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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