Species profile
Northern Rockfish
Sebastes polyspinis
Identify Northern Rockfish (Sebastes polyspinis) 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
Northern Rockfish (Sebastes polyspinis) is a bony-fish species regulated in 2 of 66 jurisdictions tracked by CatchRules across the U.S. and Canada.
Confirmed by 4 research-grade iNaturalist observations, concentrated in Alaska.
Notable details
- 'Polyspinis' means 'many spines' in Latin, describing its numerous dorsal spines.
- One of the most abundant rockfish species in the Bering Sea and Gulf of Alaska.
- Forms large midwater schools, making it important prey for whales, seals, and seabirds.
- Found at depths of roughly 100–400 meters over the continental shelf.
- An important target species in Alaska's commercial trawl fisheries alongside walleye pollock.
Where Northern Rockfish are seen
Jurisdictions with rules for Northern Rockfish
Background
Sebastes polyspinis, the northern rockfish, is a species of marine ray-finned fish belonging to the subfamily Sebastinae, the rockfishes, part of the family Scorpaenidae. It is native to the waters of the northern Pacific Ocean.
Background excerpt adapted from Wikipedia's Northern Rockfish article (CC BY-SA). Visit Wikipedia for the full entry.
Other bony fish on CatchRules
Frequently asked questions
What is Northern Rockfish?
Northern Rockfish (Sebastes polyspinis) 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 Northern Rockfish?
Northern Rockfish is Sebastes polyspinis.
Is Northern Rockfish regulated for fishing?
Yes — Northern 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 Northern Rockfish?
Take a photo with the free CatchRules app for iPhone or Android — on-device identification recognizes Northern 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.