Vermillion Rockfish

Sebastes miniatus

Vermillion Rockfish

Sebastes miniatus

Other Common Names
Vermilion seaperch, red snapper, red rock cod, rasher

Orford Reef

Other Common Names

Vermilion seaperch, red snapper, red rock cod, rasher

At the Aquarium

Orford Reef

Appearance

Vermilion rockfish are typically bright red in color. They usually have some gray or black mottling on the sides. They usually have some gray or black mottling on the sides and fins. They also have white markings along the lateral line, across the head behind the eyes and at the base of the third and fourth dorsal spine.

The head is somewhat curved with a slightly projected and scaly lower jaw. Three orange stripes radiate from the eyes.

Individuals shorter than 12 inches have more apparent mottling and fins edged with black.

Vermilion rockfish can grow up to 30 inches long and weigh up to 15 pounds.

Habitat

Rocky reefs and underwater caves at depths ranging from 39 to over 1,500 feet.

Diet

Young vermilion rockfish eat krill while adults feed on squid, octopus and smaller fish like sand lance and herring.

Life History

Young vermilion rockfish are often found in shallow water and move to deeper waters as they age.

Mating season for vermilion rockfish is from December to March. While most fish lay eggs, vermillion rockfish give birth to tiny live larval fish. Fertilization of eggs and embryo development occur internally. Following birth, the young larval fish live in the water column for several months. They eventually settle in areas with rocky bottoms. Vermilion rockfish reach maturity at 5 to 6 years old.

Vermilion rockfish can live as long as 60 years.

IUCN Status

Not Evaluated

Ecosystem & Cultural Importance

Vermilion rockfish are prey for seabirds, sharks and larger fish such as lingcod, salmon and cabezon.

Vermilion rockfish are an important component of California’s recreational and commercial fisheries. Like all rockfish they are included in the Groundfish Fishery Management Plan.

Along the Pacific coast from Zaikof Bay, Alaska to Baja California, Mexico.

Vermilion rockfish are found along the Oregon coast but are more common in southern Oregon waters. They live near the bottom of the ocean over rocky substrate.

Vermilion rockfish of larger size produce more eggs. A 21.5 inch fish is expected to have 1,600,000 eggs!

Citations & Other Resources

Oregon Zoo. N.d. Vermilion rockfish. https://www.oregonzoo.org/animals/vermilion-rockfish
Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife. N.d. Vermilion rockfish (Sebastes miniatus). https://wdfw.wa.gov/species-habitats/species/sebastes-miniatus#desc-range
Sea Grant California. N.d. Vermilion Rockfish. California Seafood Profiles. https://caseagrant.ucsd.edu/seafood-profiles/vermilion-rockfish
California Department of Fish and Wildlife. 2025. Vermilion rockfish. Marine Species Portal. https://marinespecies.wildlife.ca.gov/vermilion-rockfish/false/

Vermillion Rockfish

Vermillion Rockfish

Other Common Names

At the Aquarium

Appearance

Habitat

Diet

Life History

IUCN Status

Ecosystem & Cultural Importance

Citations & Other Resources

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