Family: Scorpaenidae, Scorpionfishes view all from this family

Description To 17" (43 cm). Deep, fusiform, compressed; black with yellow mottling and yellow stripe extending from spiny dorsal fin down to and along lateral line, bluish-white spots below. Snout moderately sharp; head deeply concave between eyes; 5 pairs of head spines prominent. Dorsal fin continuous, deeply notched, with incised membranes; some spines longer than rays. Usually 7 anal fin soft rays; caudal fin slightly rounded.

Warning The dorsal and anal fins contain mildly venomous spines.

Similar Species Black-and-yellow Rockfish (S. chrysomelas) lacks yellow stripe and bluish-white spots; head convex between eyes. Quillback Rockfish (S. maliger) lacks yellow stripe and blue spots.

Habitat Rocky areas with caves and crevices at depths of 2-70 fathoms.

Range From Prince William Sound, Alaska, to San Miguel Island, California.

Discussion This solitary rockfish spends most of its time in or near crevices or caves, where its large pectoral fins enable it to support itself on the cave floor and maneuver in crevices. Its food consists of brittle stars, crabs, and shrimps. China Rockfishes make up a minor portion of sport and commercial hook-and-line catches.