Sebastes auriculatus Girard, 1854

Species Nomenclature and Body Depth

Sebastes auriculatus Girard, 1854, commonly called the brown rockfish, has a deep body, with body depth measuring 33% to 37% of its standard length. Most individuals have spines on the head, which bears a small terminal mouth.

General Body Coloration

The fish's overall body color is reddish-brown with numerous dark markings, including a distinct dark spot at the rear upper angle of the operculum. The eyes often have a red or orange tint.

Facial Markings

Two orange or orange-brown lines run backward from the upper jaw and from the eye, respectively. The entire body is covered in scales.

Head Spine Composition

The head spines are robust and include nasal, preocular, postocular, tympanic, coronal, parietal, and nuchal spines. In some specimens, the coronal and nuchal spines may be absent, and this species never has supraorbital spines.

Interorbital Region

The space between the eyes can be either flat or slightly bulging.

Caudal Fin Structure

The caudal fin is rounded or truncated.

Fin Ray and Spine Counts

The dorsal fin has 13 spines and 12 to 15 soft rays, while the anal fin has 3 spines and 5 to 8 soft rays.

Maximum Size and Weight

This species reaches a maximum total length of 56 cm (22 in), and the maximum recorded weight for the species is 3.0 kg (6.6 lb).

Native Distribution Range

The brown rockfish is native to the northeastern Pacific Ocean. Its range stretches from southern Baja California north to Prince William Sound in the northern Gulf of Alaska.

Abundance Hotspots

It is most abundant in the central and southern portions of Puget Sound, and along the coast from southern Baja California to Bodega Bay in northern California.

Depth Range

This species can be found at depths ranging from the intertidal zone down to 287 m (942 ft).

Natural Habitat Preferences

It prefers areas with rocky patches or hard substrates, and inhabits areas with relief ranging from low to high.

Artificial Habitat Use

It also frequently occurs around artificial structures and man-made objects, such as piers and marine debris like tires.

Depth Segregation by Life Stage

Adult brown rockfish are primarily found in deeper waters, while juveniles live in shallower areas.