Sebastes caurinus Richardson, 1844

Species Nomenclature

Copper rockfish (Sebastes caurinus Richardson, 1844) have highly variable coloration.

Baseline Color Variation

Their color ranges from dark reddish brown with pale copper blotches along the sides, to lighter pinkish brown with yellowish white mottling on the flanks.

Population Color Differences

Northern and southern populations show distinct color differences: northern individuals are brown or olive, while southern individuals are closer to dull yellow or olive-pink.

Historical Taxonomic Classification

At one point, these color variations led researchers to classify the forms as two separate species, Sebastes caurinus and Sebastes vexillaris, but it is now confirmed to be a single species.

Sound Production Mechanism

Copper rockfish produce and communicate using sound generated with their swimbladder and associated muscles.

Sound Usage

These sounds are used in agonistic behaviors, including territory defense.

Geographic Distribution Range

The copper rockfish is a relatively common rockfish of the Pacific coast, with a very wide distribution.

Distribution Extent

It occurs from the northernmost reaches of the Gulf of Alaska, to the Pacific side of the Baja California peninsula, north of Guerrero Negro.

Depth Range

It also has a very broad depth distribution, found from subtidal shallows of about 10 meters down to 183 metres (33 to 600 ft).

Habitat

It is a demersal fish that lives in high-relief rocky areas.