Sebastes ruberrimus (Cramer, 1895)

Adult Coloration

Description: The yelloweye rockfish, Sebastes ruberrimus, has a red back, orange to yellow sides, and black fin tips.

Juvenile Characteristics

Young yelloweye rockfish are typically under 28 cm (11 in) long. Unlike adults, juveniles have two reddish-white stripes along their belly, and are often solid red.

Taxonomic History

Due to this distinct difference in coloration between juvenile and adult yelloweye rockfish, the two life stages were long classified as separate species.

Head Spine Morphology

This species has exceptionally strong head spines.

Adult Size & Weight

Adults grow to a maximum length of 36 inches (0.9 m) and a maximum weight of 17.5 kg (39 lb).

Geographic Range

Distribution and habitat: Yelloweye rockfish are found throughout the eastern Pacific Ocean, ranging from Umnak Island and Prince William Sound, Alaska, south to Ensenada, Baja California.

Habitat Preference

They most commonly inhabit deep areas with rocky bottoms, and often spend their entire lives on a single rock pile.

Depth Range

They are typically found at depths between 28 and 215 fathoms (51 to 393 m), though individual specimens have been recorded at a maximum depth of 260 fathoms (475 m).