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Gopher rockfish

Sebastes carnatus

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Fun Facts

Gopher rockfishes can live up to 35 years old!

Species Type:

Fishes

Common Name(s):

Gopher rockfish

Size:

These fish can reach 17 inches (43 centimeters) in length.

Diet:

Gopher rockfish eat crab, shrimp, smaller fishes and mollusks.

Range & Habitat:

Gopher rockfish usually inhabit rocky reefs and kelp forests along the Pacific Coast of North America, primarily from Alaska to Baja California.

Details:

Gopher rockfish are often orange-brown on top with lighter spotting and white bellies. Their color can change with their environment, age and stress levels. Spots continue onto their fanned dorsal, pectoral and tail fins. They have large eyes and broad mouths for catching prey like crabs, shrimp and fishes.