Yellowtail Rockfish

Sebastes flavidus

Yellowtail Rockfish

Sebastes flavidus

Other Common Names
Greenie, yellow seaperch, green snapper

Orford Reef

Other Common Names

Greenie, yellow seaperch, green snapper

At the Aquarium

Orford Reef

Appearance

Yellowtail rockfish are greyish brown on top and fade to white on the belly. They have an elongated and laterally compressed body with reduced head spines. They have a dark saddle patch along the back that is interspaced with lighter blotches.

As their name suggests, their fins are yellow. They also have yellow bars that radiate back from the eyes across the gill cover.

Yellowtail rockfish grow more than 2 feet in length.

Habitat

Deep reefs and rocky habitats at depths ranging from 0 to 1800 feet.

Diet

Shellfish and small fish including hake, anchovies, and lanternfishes.

Life History

Spawning occurs from January through May. Depending on the size of the female, yellowtail rockfish can produce between 50,000 and 600,000 eggs. Fertilization of eggs and embryo development occurs internally. The female then gives birth to live young.

Larvae and juveniles live near the surface, while older juveniles and adults live in deeper water over rocky reefs. Yellowtail rockfish mature between 3 and 5 years old.

Yellowtail rockfish can live more than 50 years!

IUCN Status

Not Evaluated

Ecosystem & Cultural Importance

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

Yellowtail rockfish are a major component of both the recreational and commercial groundfish fishery in California. According to NOAA Fisheries, in 2023, commercial landings of yellowtail rockfish were valued at $1.7 million. The United States West Coast yellowtail rockfish fishery is managed under the Pacific Coast Groundfish Fishery Management Plan. In Alaska this species is managed under the Fishery Management Plan for Groundfish of the Gulf of Alaska.

Found along the Pacific coast from Kodiak Island, Alaska to Baja California, Mexico.

Yellowtail rockfish are common on the Oregon coast and are usually found in offshore waters and over deep reefs and rocky habitat.

Yellowtail rockfish are unique in that they can rapidly release gas from their swim bladders.

Citations & Other Resources

NOAA Fisheries. N.d. Yellowtail Rockfish. Species Directory. https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/species/yellowtail-rockfish
Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife. N.d. Yellowtail Rockfish (Sebastes flavidus). https://wdfw.wa.gov/species-habitats/species/sebastes-flavidus#desc-range
California Department of Fish and Wildlife. 2021. Yellowtail Rockfish. Marine Species Portal. https://marinespecies.wildlife.ca.gov/yellowtail-rockfish/false/
Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife. N.d. Yellowtail Rockfish. https://myodfw.com/fishing/species/yellowtail-rockfish

Yellowtail Rockfish

Yellowtail Rockfish

Other Common Names

At the Aquarium

Appearance

Habitat

Diet

Life History

IUCN Status

Ecosystem & Cultural Importance

Citations & Other Resources

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