Grass Rockfish

Sebastes rastrelliger

The Grass Rockfish is a marine ray-finned fish found in the eastern Pacific Ocean, ranging from Cedros Island in Baja California to Yaquina Bay in Oregon. It is typically found in shallow waters, often less than 15 meters deep, and prefers habitats with hard structures like rocky bottoms, kelp beds, and tide pools. This species has a distinct appearance with a dark green body that fades to whitish on the ventral side. It has a broad head with a tapering snout, and its dorsal fin is characterized by 13 spines and 12 to 14 soft rays. Grass Rockfish are predatory, feeding on crustaceans and smaller fish such as juvenile surfperches and midshipmen. They are known to be sedentary, often staying within their home range throughout their lives. The species is viviparous, with females bearing between 80,000 and 760,000 eggs per season. Breeding occurs between January and March in southern California, with larvae being released simultaneously and settling in shallow waters and tidal pools. Divers may encounter the Grass Rockfish on rocky reefs or among kelp forests. It is an important species for both commercial and recreational fisheries. While the IUCN has not evaluated its conservation status, the species is harmless to humans and is considered good eating.