Greenspotted Rockfish (Sebastes chlorostictus)

Physical description

Greenspotted Rockfish are compact fish with a deeply incised spiny dorsal fin, meaning the fin membranes extend roughly halfway up the spines as opposed to extending to the tips of the spines like most rockfish species. Body coloration ranges from orange to pink to yellowish-gold with white dorsal fin membranes. This species has 3 to 5 distinct pinkish-white blotches on the back, surrounded by numerous small green spots on the head and back that extend down to the lateral line. Greenspotted Rockfish have strong headspines and alternating yellow and pink bars on the gill cover radiating from the eye. This species is unlikely to be confused with another in Washington State waters.

Greenspotted Rockfish can grow up to 53.4 cm (21 in) in length, and weigh up to 2.0 kg (4.4 lb). The maximum age is at least 51 years old.

Geographic range

Greenspotted Rockfish range from Vancouver Island, Canada to southern Baja California. They can be found at depths of 30-379 m (100-1,243 ft) but are most often found between 80-160 m (262-525 ft).