Species Profiles: Life Histories and Environmental Requirements of Coastal Fishes and Invertebrates (Pacific Southwest). Brown Rockfish, Copper Rockfish, and Black Rockfish
Abstract
Species profiles are literature summaries of the taxonomy, morphology, range, life history, and environmental requirements of coastal aquatic species. They are designed to assist in environmental impact assessment. Rockfishes are the basis of very important sport and commercial fisheries in the northeastern Pacific. Brown rockfish (Sebastes auriculatus), copper rockfish (S. caurinus), and black rockfish (S. melanops) are three important members of this family. Two of the species occur throughout the Pacific Southwest region; the black rockfish occurs only from about Santa Barbara northward. The habitats and foods differ significantly among species, although at certain times and places they may overlap. Black rockfish tend to be pelagic; the other two species are benthic. Their foods generally reflect these differences in habitats. These species may compete with one another and with other rockfish and benthic species for habitat. The environmental factors determining distribution, growth, and survival are generally unknown. All rockfish have internal fertilization and bear live young. THe reproductive behavior, spawning times, and spawning areas of these species are poorly known, although larvae of all have been described. Growth patterns are not well understood. All three species are apparently rather long-lived. Keywords: Fisheries; Life cycles; Estuaries.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 01, 1989
- Accession Number
- ADA216437
Entities
People
- David Stein
- Thomas J. Hassler
Organizations
- Oregon State University