98 



DIVISION OF FISH AND GAME 



Photo by .1. B. PhUUps 



BLACK ROCKFISH 

 Sebastodes melanops 



Relationship: A member of the rockfish family, Scorpaenidae. Closely resembles 

 the priestfish (opposite page). 



Distinguishing Characters: See page 94. The broad convex space between 

 the eyes ; the absence of spines on top of the head ; the anal fin which normally has 

 eight soft rays, rarely seven or nine ; the maxillary which extends to the hind border of 

 eye ; the white peritoneum. Length to about 20 inches. Color: Very dark, almost black 

 above becoming paler on sides and dirty white below ; fins dark ; membrane of spinous 

 dorsal spotted with black on lower portion. (This membrane is not spotted in the 

 yellowtail rockfish or the priestfish) . 



Distribution: Pt. Conception to Alaska. 



Fishing Season: Throughout the year. 



Importance: One of the leading species in the State. Though it is of very minor 

 importance in Central California, landings at Eureka are second only to the orange 

 rockfish. 



Fishing Gear: Trawls, lines. 



Unauthorized Names: Black rock cod, black bass, bluefish, cherna, nero. 



