COMMON MARINE FISHES lOi) 



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Figure 80 Photo by Al Johns for 



Haden & Carpenter, San Pedro 



CHANNEL ROCKFISH 

 Sebastolobus alascanus 



Relationship: A member of the rockfish family, Scorpaenidae, which includes 

 as well the sculpin and the rockfish of genus Sebastodes. This species has a close relative 

 (S. altivelisj found in deep water which is rarely taken. 



Distinguishing Characters: The bony support extending from below the eye 

 back across the cheek just under the skin ; the absence of a slit behind the fourth gill ; 

 the fully-scaled body ; the three anal spines ; the deeply-notched dorsal fin with 15 to 17 

 spines ; the prolonged lower rays of the pectoral fin ; the large head with conspicuous 

 rows of spines ; the slender body. Reaches a length of about two feet. Color: Bright 

 red ; a dark blotch or blotches on the spiny portion of the dorsal fin ; other fins with 

 black markings. Some irregular deeper red to blackish spots on body. 



Distribution: Southern California to the Bering Sea, usually in from 100 to 300 

 fathoms. 



Fishing Season: No definite season ; caught incidentally with other species as a 



Importance: Of minor commercial significance. Included in the "rockfish" catch. 



Fishing Gear: Usually taken on set lines in deep Water incidentally with sable- 



rule. 



Unauthorized Names: Channel cod, fagiano, scorpion, deep sea red rock cod. 



