The rougheye rockfish (Sebastes aleutianus) is a rockfish of the genus Sebastes. It is also known as the blackthroat rockfish, rougheye seaperch, blacktip seaperch, longlife seaperch or the blacktip rockfish and grows to a maximum of about 97 cm (38 in) in length,[1] with the IGFA record weight being 14 lb 12 oz (6.7 kg).[2] Similar to many other members of its genus, it is extremely long-lived, and has been known to reach an age of 205 years.[3]
This particular taxon was previously thought to be synonymous with the blackspotted rockfish (S. melanostictus). However, the blackspotted rockfish is now recognized as a distinct and valid species. Both the blackspotted rockfish and the rougheye rockfish are currently classified within the subgenusZalopyr.[5] The specific name means of the Aleutian Islands, Kodiak Island used to be considered to be one of the Aleutians.[6]
Description
The rougheye rockfish is so-named because of the ten or so spines found on the lower eyelid. It is pink, tan or brownish with irregular patches of brown of darker color and often a darker patch at the back of the operculum. The posterior part of the lateral line is often pink. An average adult size is about 80 cm (31 in).[7]
Distribution and habitat
Rougheye rockfish are deepwater fish, and exist between 31° and 66°latitude, in the North Pacific, and specifically along the coast of Japan to the Navarin Canyon in the Bering Sea, to the Aleutian Islands, all the way south to San Diego, California.[1] It is found between 150 and 450 m, with larger fish living in deeper water than smaller ones. The temperature at these depths range from −0.3 to 5.0 °C.
These fish inhabit areas close to the seabed, often found amid boulders, rocks, and soft substrates, as well as within caves and crevices.[7]
Behavior
During certain periods, rougheye rockfish form schools, but for a considerable duration of the year, larger individuals prefer solitude or tend to move in small groups. It is considered one of the most long-lived fish species, with individuals thought to live for more than two hundred years.[7]
These fish prey on shrimps, crabs, fish, amphipods, and mysids for their diet. As an oviparous species, they reproduce between February and June, occasionally breeding between October and January.[7]
