There are over 1300 species belonging to the scorpionfish family, including warm water species such as stonefish, scorpionfish, and lionfish. In colder waters, the family is represented by the rockfish. The rockfish are the largest of the scorpionfish family, ranging in size from the seven-inch Puget Sound rockfish to the three-foot Yelloweye rockfish.
In terms of general shape, rockfish have bodies similar to those of bass. Their mouths and lips are large and the lower jaw often protrudes. The dorsal fin is divided into two sections; the foredorsal, supported by spines, and the rear dorsal, held up by flexible rays.
All members of the scorpionfish family carry toxic sacs of venom in their dorsal, anal, and pelvic spines. Envenomation from many of the tropical species can be extremely painful—and even fatal in some cases. Fortunately, while still present, the venom of our local rockfish is not as potent.
In terms of general shape, rockfish have bodies similar to those of bass. Their mouths and lips are large and the lower jaw often protrudes. The dorsal fin is divided into two sections; the foredorsal, supported by spines, and the rear dorsal, held up by flexible rays.
All members of the scorpionfish family carry toxic sacs of venom in their dorsal, anal, and pelvic spines. Envenomation from many of the tropical species can be extremely painful—and even fatal in some cases. Fortunately, while still present, the venom of our local rockfish is not as potent.
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Black rockfish (Sebastes melanops) |
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Brown rockfish (Sebastes auriculatus) |
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Canary rockfish (Sebastes pinniger) |
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China rockfish (Sebastes nebulosus) |
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Copper rockfish (Sebastes caurinus) |
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Quillback rockfish (Sebastes maliger) |
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Vermillion rockfish (Sebastes miniatus) |
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Yellowtail rockfish (Sebastes flavidus) |
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Yelloweye rockfish - juvenile (Sebastes flavidus) |