Species profile
Blackgill Rockfish
Sebastes melanostomus
Identify Blackgill Rockfish (Sebastes melanostomus) from a photo: try it free in your browser, or get unlimited IDs, no sign-up, with the CatchRules app. Plus current fishing rules across 1 jurisdiction.
At a glance
Blackgill Rockfish (Sebastes melanostomus) is a bony-fish species regulated in 2 of 66 jurisdictions tracked by CatchRules across the U.S. and Canada.
Confirmed by 6 research-grade iNaturalist observations, concentrated in California.
Notable details
- Named for conspicuous black pigmentation on its gill membranes, visible whenever its mouth opens.
- One of the deepest-dwelling rockfish, recorded at depths down to 900 meters.
- Can live up to 90 years, growing slowly in its cold, dark habitat.
- Found from Alaska to Baja California on steep, rocky submarine slopes.
- Rarely encountered by recreational anglers due to its extreme depth preference.
Where Blackgill Rockfish are seen
Jurisdictions with rules for Blackgill Rockfish
Background
Blackgill Rockfish. To 61 cm (24 in) TL (Phillips 1957). Northern British Columbia off west coast of Haida Gwaii (Workman et al. 1998) to Isla de Cedros, central Baja California (Miller and Lea 1972). Pelagic juveniles have been taken as far south as Punta Abreojos (26 ° 06 ’ N, 114 ° 05 ’ W), southern Baja California (Moser and Ahlstrom 1978), strongly implying that adults live in southern Baja…
Background excerpt adapted from Wikipedia's Blackgill Rockfish article (CC BY-SA). Visit Wikipedia for the full entry.
Other bony fish on CatchRules
Frequently asked questions
What is Blackgill Rockfish?
Blackgill Rockfish (Sebastes melanostomus) is a bony-fish species regulated in 2 of 66 jurisdictions tracked by CatchRules across the U.S. and Canada.
What is the scientific name for Blackgill Rockfish?
Blackgill Rockfish is Sebastes melanostomus.
Is Blackgill Rockfish regulated for fishing?
Yes — Blackgill Rockfish has fishing regulations in 1 U.S. state and/or Canadian province tracked by CatchRules. See the "Jurisdictions with rules" section above for the binding-source links.
How can I identify Blackgill Rockfish?
Take a photo with the free CatchRules app for iPhone or Android — on-device identification recognizes Blackgill Rockfish along with ~1,500 other species. No sign-up, unlimited use.
Photo credit: iNaturalist / Wikipedia. Identification reference only — verify regulations with the issuing wildlife agency before retaining a catch.