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Gopher Rockfish

Sebastes carnatus

Gopher Rockfish

Sebastes carnatus
Other Common Names
Gopher cod, butterball, spotted rock bass
At the Aquarium
Halibut Flats
Other Common Names
Gopher cod, butterball, spotted rock bass

At the Aquarium

Halibut Flats

Appearance

Gopher rockfish are olive brown to reddish brown, mottled with pale areas of white to pink. The lower lip is orange.

They have strong spines above the nostrils and eyes. The anal fin is rounded.

Gopher rockfish can grow to 17 inches in length.

Habitat

Rocky reefs and kelp canopy from the intertidal zone to 282 feet.

Diet

Crustaceans, fish and mollusks.

Life History

Like other rockfish species, the gopher rockfish is primitively viviparous. Fertilization of eggs and embryo development occur internally. The female then gives birth to live larval fish. Off central California, spawning takes place between January and July, with peak spawning between February and March.

Larval gopher rockfish drift with the currents until they are nearly an inch long. The larvae take refuge in upper kelp canopies. As they grow, they move deeper into rocky bottom habitats.

Gopher rockfish shelter in holes and crevices during the day time. They leave their shelter at dusk to forage.

Gopher rockfish can live as long as 35 years.

IUCN Status

Not Evaluated

Ecosystem & Cultural Importance

Gopher rockfish are prey for many species, including other finfish, seabirds, and marine mammals.

Gopher rockfish are caught in both recreational and commercial fisheries. Gopher rockfish comprise 50% of the estimated shallow nearshore recreational rockfish catch in California. Gopher rockfish are managed under the Groundfish Fishery Management Plan and the California Nearshore Fishery Management Plan.
Range
From Cape Blanco, Oregon to central Baja California, Mexico.
On the Oregon Coast
Found in rocky areas south of Cape Blanco, Oregon.
Fun Facts
Like other rockfish, gopher rockfish have venomous fin spines that deter predators.

Citations & Other Resources

  • California Department of Fish and Wildlife. N.d. Gopher Rockfish. Marine Species Portal. https://marinespecies.wildlife.ca.gov/gopher-rockfish/false/
  • Oregon Department of Fish and Wildfish. N.d. Gopher Rockfish (Sebastes carnatus). Marine Resources Program. https://nrimp.dfw.state.or.us/MRP/default.aspx?p=113
  • California Department of Fish and Wildlife. 2022. Creature Feature: Gopher Rockfish. Marine Management News. https://cdfwmarine.wordpress.com/2022/05/03/creature-feature-gopher-rockfish/
  • Meyers-Cherry, Natasha L. et al. 2016. Gopher Rockfish (Sebastes Carnatus) Life History In South-Central California. 57
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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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