(Red/Black rockfishes with strong head spines) |
Pygmy rockfish |
click image to enlarge
Body color: Light brown, flushed w/ red; about 4 dark blotches along base of dorsal fin; a brownish-red stripe below lateral line. |
|
| Maximum length: 9 in (23 cm) | Peritoneum color: dark |
| Maximum depth: 150 fm (274 m) | Shape between eyes: flat |
| Common depth: 17-150 fm (30-274 m) | Counts:
D:XIII,13-15, Ar:5-7, P1:16-18, GR:37-43, LLp:37-46, LLs:45-50, V:27-28 |
Similar species:
Puget Sound RF - body color
differs, brownish-red stripe absent below lateral line; anal rays typically 7 (typically 6
in Pygmy RF).
Shortbelly RF - anus about midway
between anal-fin origin and pelvic-fin base (immediately in front of anal fin in Pygmy
RF); anal spine 2 shorter than 3; head spines weaker.
Sharpchin RF - dorsal blotches
extend below lateral line; symphyseal knob sharp and prominent; strong dark stripes extend
posterior to eye.
Pacific Ocean Perch - symphyseal
knob sharp, elongate; head spines weak and count differs; anal spine 2 shorter than 3.
Distribution: Gulf of Alaska - Southern California