Redstripe Rockfish
Description and Range
Physical description
The body of the Redstripe Rockfish is elongate with reduced dorsal spines. Under water, they are dorsally red, pink or tan with pink or yellowish sides and light-colored fin rays. Once captured, their body appears more red in color. They have a black, forward-directed symphyseal knob on their lower jaw, darkened lips, and several green stripes radiating from the eye. This species has a lateral line that forms a clear, distinct stripe that usually appears pink or red surrounded by green mottling. The anterior part of the lower jaw is olive or black and a series of dark horizontal streaks may be found along the caudal fin. They have a very shallow notch in the dorsal fin.
Similar species to the Redstripe Rockfish include the Sharpchin Rockfish and the Pacific Ocean Perch. When compared to Redstripes, Sharpchins have distinct dorsal blotches that extend below the lateral line, and a thick second anal spine in comparison to the third anal spine. Pacific Ocean Perch have a distinct, rectangular dorsal blotch under the soft dorsal fin rays, and lack a lateral line that is bordered by mottling.
Redstripe Rockfish can grow up to 61 cm (24 in) in length, and can weigh up to 1.7 kg (3.7 lb). The maximum age is at least 70 years old.
Geographic range
Redstripe Rockfish range from the southeastern Bering Sea and Amchitka Island, Alaska, to southern Baja California. They are found at water depths from 12 to 511 m (40 to 1,676 ft) and are most commonly found between water depths of 55 and 300 m (180 and 984 ft).