The copper rockfish is a member of the Scorpaenidae family and is a widely distributed, hardy species. It often appears in aquarium displays.
Identification
The body of the copper rockfish is moderately deep and compressed. The head is large, with a slightly curved upper profile; the mouth is large, and the lower jaw projects slightly. Its coloring is copper brown to orange tinged with pink. The back two-thirds of the sides along the lateral line are light, the belly is
white, and there are usually two dark bands radiating backward from each eye.
Size
This species can attain a length of 22 to 23 inches and a weight of 10 pounds.
Life history
Copper rockfish are ovoviviparous, like all species in the genus Sebastes.
Food and feeding habits
The diet of copper rockfish includes snails, worms, squid, octopus, crabs, shrimp, and fish.
Other Names
never die, whitebelly, chucklehead, rock cod,
bass.
Distribution
The copper rockfish occurs from the San Benitos Islands, Baja
California, to the Kenai Peninsula, Alaska.
Habitat
This fish is commonly found in shallow rocky and sandy areas and is generally caught at depths of less than 180 feet; however, some have been taken as deep as 600 feet.
