Introduction
The Copper Rockfish (Sebastes caurinus) belongs to the family Scorpaenidae, popularly known as the Scorpionfish family. This species is well-known for its distinct copper-brown color and distinguished by white bands on the pectoral fins.
Conservation Status
The Copper Rockfish conservation status is ‘Vulnerable’ under the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List. The species’ population has been impacted by overfishing, habitat destruction, and pollution. Conservation efforts include implementing a stricter catch limit, restrictions on gear types, and the establishment of marine protected areas (MPAs) to safeguard their habitats.
Statistics
Below table summarises the statistics for the Copper Rockfish:
| Length (Average/Range) | Weight (Average/Range) | Average Lifespan |
|---|---|---|
| 35 cm / 15-61 cm | 2 kg / 0.5-3 kg | 50 years |
Distribution
The Copper Rockfish is widely distributed in the northeast Pacific, from Alaska to northern Baja California. They do not have significant migration patterns.
Habitats
The Copper Rockfish is a marine species, inhabiting rocky areas and kelp forests between 10-183m in depth. The water temperature range for these fishes is approximately 4-15°C.
When and Where to See
Copper Rockfish are generally spotted when diving, especially during the summer months. They are usually seen during the daytime near reefs, crevices, and rocks.
Best Fishing Locations
Copper Rockfish are commonly found in coastal regions with rocky substrates, especially in areas such as:
- Craig, Alaska
- Neah Bay, Washington
- Oregon Coast
- Monterey Bay, California
- Channel Islands National Park, California
How to Catch
Popular baits used to catch Copper Rockfish include herring, shrimp, and squid. It can also be caught using jigs and soft plastic lures. Bottom fishing is the best technique for catching Copper Rockfish. The best time to catch Copper Rockfish is during the summer and fall.
Identification Guide
The Copper Rockfish can be identified by its copper-brown color, white irregular stripes along the sides, and two white bands present on the upper part of the pectoral fin. They have a heavy body with spines. Their physical appearance can closely resemble Quillback Rockfish and the Gopher Rockfish.
Culinary
The Copper Rockfish is commonly used in cooking. Recipes often involve baking, grilling, or pan-frying the fish. The taste profile is mild, and the meat is white, firm, and flaky. Cooking Copper Rockfish in an acidic marinade can help soften the flavor.
Additional Information
The Copper Rockfish diet mainly consists of crustaceans, small fish, and octopus. They are known to have multiple spawnings throughout their lifetime. This species is highly susceptible to fishing pressures and habitat destruction. The Copper Rockfish’s predators include larger fish species, pacific giant octopuses, and sea lions.
References and Further Reading
For further reading and sources, kindly refer to the links provided below:
- FishBase: Copper Rockfish
- IUCN Red List: Copper Rockfish
- ODFW: Copper Rockfish
- NOAA Fisheries: Copper Rockfish