User:Tchang2/Sebastes chrysomelas

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Sebastes chrysomelas, commonly known as the black-and-yellow rockfish, is a marine fish species of the family Sebastidae. It is found in rocky areas in the Pacific off California and Baja California. Although it is similar in appearance to the China rockfish, it lacks the China's long yellow streak. Its distribution is also more to the south than the China.

Appearance

Sebastes chrysomelas body is mainly black or brown and consists of yellow to orange spots on its back with a pale underbelly. Around the eyes, there are faint dark stripes and its lower lip is a dark grey color. The spots on the back are the main distinguishing factor between Sebastes chrysomelas and other species of rockfish. Its head consists of 5 pairs of large spins. The anal fins have 6-7 soft rays and pectoral fins have a flesh appearance. The anal and dorsal fins are mildly venomous which will cause a painful wound. The average size of the fish is 39 cm.

Distribution

Sebastes chrysomelas is found in waters around the coast of northern California to central Baja California, Mexico. These waters typically range between 11.0 - 21.4 degrees Celsius. It inhabits shallow waters and intertidal zones up to 37m in-depth and can be found to inhabit holes and cracks in rocky zones. They can be commonly found around rocky reefs or near kelp beds.

Prey

Sebastes chrysomelas is a carnivorous animal that mainly consumes crustaceans, mollusks and fishes. It is a nocturnal predator, typically ambushing its prey between dusk and dawn.

Predation

The main predator of adult Sebastes chrysomelas are sharks, dolphins, and seals while juveniles are hunted by birds, porpoises, fishes, lingcod, Ophiodon elongatus, cabezon, Scorpaenichthys marmoratus, and salmon. They are also commonly targeted by commercial fishermen for the fish trade or for recreational uses.

Behavior

Sebastes chrysomelas are mostly solitary and sedentary fish, and become most active during twilight hours. They seldom move more than 2km away from their home.

Reproduction

Mating begins in the latter parts of January to February with spawning occurring in May and larval settling in kelp beds in June. Females carry fertilized eggs for 1-2 months and then release them as pelagic larvae.