Sebastes pinniger (Gill, 1864)

Body Base Coloration

As its common name suggests, this rockfish is known for an overall orange-yellow appearance, with a blotchy orange pattern over a whitish or light gray base color.

Head Striping Pattern

Three stripes angle downwards and backwards across its head: the middle stripe typically crosses the eye, while the other two sit on either side of the eye.

Lateral Line Marking

The lateral line lies within a narrow stripe that is free of blotches.

Fin Characteristics

All fins are orange; the pectoral, pelvic, and anal fins are somewhat pointed and larger than other fins, which is the origin of the species epithet pinniger, meaning "I bear a large fin".

Color Variation

Some individual fish have dark blotches on the body or dorsal fin.

Maximum Recorded Length

The maximum recorded total length of this species is 76 cm (29.6 in).

Depth Migration With Age

Young canary rockfish live in relatively shallow water, and move to deeper water as they mature.

Adult Depth Range

Most adults are found at depths between 80 and 200 meters, though two individuals have been recorded at 838 meters.

Adult Habitat Preferences

Adults tend to gather in groups around pinnacles and other similar high-relief rock formations, especially in areas with strong currents.

Alternative Substrate Habitats

Some populations off Oregon have been reported living over flat rock and mud-boulder bottoms.

Movement Capability

Individuals of this species can move over considerable distances: one tagged and released individual traveled 700 km over four years.

Diet By Life Stage

Juvenile Sebastes pinniger feed on small crustaceans, including krill larvae, krill eggs, copepods, and amphipods, while adults feed on krill and small fishes.