Facebook-f Instagram Youtube Tripadvisor Tiktok
Search
Close this search box.

Rosy Rockfish

Sebastes rosaceus

Rosy Rockfish

Sebastes rosaceus
Other Common Names
Corsair
At the Aquarium
Rocky Coast
Other Common Names
Corsair

At the Aquarium

Rocky Coast

Appearance

These spiny and brightly colored rockfish have an orange or red body color with purple markings. They can also have white patches on their back and fins when viewed underwater.

Habitat

Found over rocky areas and sand, or around oil platforms at depths of 131’ to 292’.

Diet

Plankton and small, bottom-dwelling animals, including crabs and shrimp, and small fish

Life History

A large rosy rockfish female can release multiple broods in a year. A female can store sperm for several months before using it to fertilize her eggs. Gestation lasts 1-2 months. A 5.9 inch female will give birth to 13,000 young at once while a 9 inch female will give birth to 95,000 young. Young will settle over rocky areas or shell mounds around platforms.

Can reach lengths up to 12 inches and live to 35 years.

IUCN Status

Not Evaluated

Ecosystem & Cultural Importance

These fish feed their predators, including lingcod, harbor seals, and California sea lions.
Range
Washington to Baja California, Mexico
On the Oregon Coast
Rosy rockfish can sometimes be caught through recreational fishing.
Fun Facts
During the day, these fish hide under dark ledges. They live in deeper waters, where all of the red light has been filtered out, so they appear gray, not brightly colored.

Rosy rockfish are one of the few rockfish species to release multiple broods in a year. The subsequent broods are about the same size as the first. In a laboratory study, females could release up to 5 broods in a year. Before this study, 3 broods was the highest known for any rockfish species.

Citations & Other Resources

Back to All Animals

Contact Us

Facebook-f Instagram Twitter Youtube Tiktok Tripadvisor

Subscribe to E-Newsletter

Subscribe Now

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.

Terms of Use

Privacy Policy

Media Policy

Copyright © 2022 Oregon Coast Aquarium. All rights reserved.

Need to update your cookie permissions?

×
Cookies
We use cookies to improve your experience and see how our guests are navigating the website. If this is alright by you, hit 'Accept All', or 'Settings' to customize and learn more. Read our cookie policy
Settings Accept All
Cookies
Choose what kind of cookies to accept. Your choice will be saved for one year. Read our cookie policy
Save Accept All