Sebastes goodei (Eigenmann & Eigenmann, 1890)

Body Shape

Sebastes goodei, also called chilipepper, has a slender, rather elongate body. Its head is elongate and pointed, with no spines, and its lower jaw projects forward.

Adult Coloration

Adult Sebastes goodei are generally pinkish-red, fading to whitish on the underside, with pink fins.

Juvenile Coloration

Juveniles have light olive coloring on their backs.

Lateral Line Features

The lateral line along the middle of the chilipepper's side is clearly visible as a lighter, bright red zone.

Head Morphology Comparison

Compared to the bocaccio, this species has a smaller mouth, and its upper jaw only extends to about the center of the eye, rather than past it.

Lifespan

Chilipeppers can live up to 35 years old.

Size and Weight

The maximum recorded length for the species is 22 inches (56 cm), and the maximum recorded weight is 5.25 pounds.

Geographic Distribution

Sebastes goodei occurs in the eastern Pacific Ocean along the western coast of North America, ranging from Queen Charlotte Sound in British Columbia south to Magdalena Bay, Baja California Sur.

Habitat Preference

Adult individuals are demersal fish that live on rocky reefs as well as sand and mud substrates in deep water, while young fish are pelagic and live in shallower water.

Depth Range

The species occupies a depth range from 0 to 425 m (0 to 1,394 ft).