Science Name: | Sebastes pinniger |
Other Names: | red snapper, fantail, canary, orange rockfish |
World Record: | 30 inches |
Environment: | Deep Rocky Environment |
Maximum length: 30 in (76 cm)
Peritoneum color: light
Maximum depth: 200 fm (102 m)
Shape between eyes: convex
Common depth: 27-137 fm (50-250 m
Canary rockfish occur from Cape Colnett, Baja California, to Cape San Bartolome, Alaska. Canary rockfish are usually caught at depths of 50 to 300 feet, although juveniles have been taken at the surface and adults have been taken from depths as great as 900 feet. They are found around reefs and over soft bottoms.
Adult canary rockfish feed on small crustaceans as well as anchovies, sanddabs, and other small fishes. The canary rockfish, like all members of the genus Sebastes, produces live young. Fertilization and embryo development take place within the body of the mother. The number of eggs increases from 260,000 in a19 inch female to about 1,900,000 in a female 26 inches long. About 50 percent of canary rockfish are mature at a length of 14 inches, or when they are 5 to 6 years old. They may live to be at least 22 years old.
The typical rockfish rig and bait may be used for canary rockfish (see bocaccio). This species contributes to the recreational marine anglers mixed rockfish bag.