94 DIVISION OF FISH AND GAME 



ROCKFISH 

 Species of Sebasfodes 



Relationship: These fish belong to the rockfish family, Scorpaenidae, which 

 includes as well the sculpin and the channel rockfish. There are about 60 species of 

 rockfish on the Pacific coast of North America and at least 50 of these are found in 

 California. They are very similar in general appearance and are consequently unusually 

 difficult to distinguish as separate species. Those illustrated in the following pages 

 include the most common and distinctive forms. 



Distinguishing Characters: The bony support which extends back from the 

 lower part of the eye across the cheek just under the skin ; the body covered with 

 scales ; the deeply notched dorsal fin which has 13 strong, sharp spines ; the thirteenth 

 being longer than the twelfth and more closely attached to the soft than to the spiny 

 portion of the fin ; the three strong sharp spines at the front of the anal fin ; the absence 

 of a slit behind the fourth gill. The space between the eyes varies with the species 

 from convex to concave. Spines on top of the head are very strong in some species, 

 moderate in others and obsolete in still others. All rockfish bear live young which are, 

 however, far less developed at birth than are the salt-water perches. Color: Varies 

 greatly according to species from black and brown to red, yellow and orange, but usually 

 with at least some bright coloration. 



Distribution: From at least as far south as the Gulf of California north to 

 Alaska and south on the Asiatic side to southern Japan. Each species has its own 

 distribution within this general range. 



Fishing Season: Throughout the year, with variations from month to month 

 apparently a matter of economic demand rather than availability. 



Importance: The leading market fishery in the State, it ranked ninth in total 

 poundage and value among all California fisheries in 1946. Sold almost entirely in the 

 fresh fish markets ; there has been a very limited amount canned in California. Heaviest 

 landings have been made in the Eureka region since 1943, followed by Monterey. 

 San Francisco, and Santa Barbara. The leading Central California ocean sport fishery 

 in volume. Fourth in number caught and fifth in poundage among the State's ocean 

 sport fisheries in 1946. 



Fishing Gear: Taken commercially chiefly in balloon trawls since 1943, but 

 also by setlines and hand lines. The Southern California catch is made exclusively on 

 hook and line. Sportsmen use hook and line with cut bait, preferably sardine, or with 

 silvery metal lures. 



Unauthorized Name: Rock cod. 



