FOR AGES 3 YEARS TO 18 YEARS
At Kidadl we pride ourselves on offering families original ideas to make the most of time spent together at home or out and about, wherever you are in the world. We strive to recommend the very best things that are suggested by our community and are things we would do ourselves - our aim is to be the trusted friend to parents.
We try our very best, but cannot guarantee perfection. We will always aim to give you accurate information at the date of publication - however, information does change, so it’s important you do your own research, double-check and make the decision that is right for your family.
Kidadl provides inspiration to entertain and educate your children. We recognise that not all activities and ideas are appropriate and suitable for all children and families or in all circumstances. Our recommended activities are based on age but these are a guide. We recommend that these ideas are used as inspiration, that ideas are undertaken with appropriate adult supervision, and that each adult uses their own discretion and knowledge of their children to consider the safety and suitability.
Kidadl cannot accept liability for the execution of these ideas, and parental supervision is advised at all times, as safety is paramount. Anyone using the information provided by Kidadl does so at their own risk and we can not accept liability if things go wrong.
The dusky rockfish (Sebastes ciliatus) gets its name from its appearance as this type of fish are quite interesting. Being a part of the biological class of ray-finned fish, also known as the Actinopterygii, the dusky rockfish (Sebastes ciliatus), or the S. ciliatus is a fairly deep-water sea and ocean fish that prefers the salted waters of these water bodies. In fact, it was only recently that the S. ciliatus (Sebastes ciliatus) was distinguished from the Sebastes variabilis. Even though both of these species are very close in relation to one another, the S. ciliatus (Sebastes ciliatus) is known to be darker and to swim in shallower waters than the S. variabilis. The dusky rockfish of the Scorpaenid genus is also caught for food as well as in the capacity of a gamefish.
Typically observed in the North Pacific Ocean, the Gulf of Alaska and in the Bering Sea, this species of fish is also paid close attention to with the help of fisheries which are overseen by the Alaska State Agencies along with the US Federal Agencies.
Here are some of the most interesting facts about the North Pacific rockfish. For more relatable content, check out these codfish facts and bonito fish facts for kids.
The dusky rockfish (Sebastes ciliatus), like black rockfish, are fish that belong to the specific biological phylum of Chordata. This means that the S. ciliatus (Sebastes ciliatus) fish are a member of the classification of vertebrate organisms that are born as eggs, convert into larvae, and then grow into adult organisms. The weight of a dusky rockfish doesn't exceed 4 lb (1.8 kg).
The dusky rockfish (Sebastes ciliatus) belongs to the biological class of the Actinopterygii owing to the fact that it has ray-fins, which are characteristic of this biological class.
There are no specific details about the total population of dusky rockfish (Sebastes ciliatus).
The dusky rockfish from the genus Sebastes lives in the oceans and seas of the world.
A dusky rockfish’s habitat comprise different types throughout its lifestyle like the S. ciliatu, with each one corresponding to the needs of that phase in the life of the S. ciliatus. Typically, the dusky rockfish distribution is found at depths of 328-656 ft (100-200 m) in ocean or sea waters. The S. ciliatus (Sebastes ciliatus) as compared to the S. variabilis are found in comparatively shallow waters. The older dusky rockfish generally occupy the deeper parts of the water while the younger ones occupy the shallow parts. Their habitat also comprises their prey which includes crustaceans and smaller fish along with shrimp.
Dusky rockfish live in species groups that can grow to have about 40 members in their habitats.
As per description by experts, a dusky rockfish has a general life expectancy of up to 65 to 70 years of age.
The dusky rockfish only achieves sexual maturity at the age of five to seven years. Belonging to the genus of Sebastes, the dusky rockfish reproduces by internal fertilization after which it gives birth to its young ones. Fish that engage in this form of reproduction are known to be viviparous. Months after being fertilized by the male dusky rockfish’s sperm, the female releases in excess of millions of larvae, of which only some survive.
The dusky rockfish only has one potential threat as of now and that is overfishing. Having said that, the conservation status of the dusky rockfish is Not Evaluated by the IUCN.
Dusky black rockfish derive their name from their dusky appearance which is the result of a dark blue and black color, with different stripes and contents taxonomy. Being a member of the Actinopterygii, the S. ciliatus black rockfish have ray fins that run across their head spines and extend into rounded anal dorsal fins from their jaw. With females of the black rockfish species measuring almost the same as their male counterparts, the S. ciliatus is a species that displays similar growth parameters in both fish of the sexes.
* Please note that this is an image of a bocaccio rockfish, not a dusky rockfish. If you have an image of a dusky rockfish, please let us know at [email protected]
In terms of description, dusky black rockfish are not particularly cute but can be extremely beautiful to look at due to their dark color hues and ray fins that make them look spectacular.
When put together in a shelf rockfish fisheries, they mainly communicate by wagging their fins and show some communication through their body.
As per the present growth model, a dusky black rockfish can grow as big as 1.7 ft (0.5 m) in general, however, there have been reports of dusky rockfish as big as 3 ft (0.9 m). With a thick body, the dusky rockfish can be as big as a human child or a small dog!
There are no specific details about the swimming speed of dusky black rockfish. These species of rockfish have a swim bladder that allows them to control their speed.
A dusky black rockfish generally weighs about 3-4 lb (1.4-1.8 kg). The species of rockfish are small in size and their weight doesn't exceed 4 lb (1.8 kg).
No specific names have been allocated to the male and females of the S. ciliatus species of rockfish.
A baby dusky black rockfish is usually in the form of a larva and as they get older, they are given names like a juvenile S. ciliatus.
Dusky species of rockfish, being omnivorous, eat both underwater marine vegetation as well as other marine creatures such as greenlings, shrimp, and crustaceans, specifically crabs. They feed in the water column on zooplankton and Dungeness crab larvae.
There have been little to no reports or studies that tell us that the dusky rockfish is, in any way, dangerous toward humans. Therefore, it is safe to assume that they are not dangerous.
The dusky rockfish would not make for a good pet owing to its size and the fact that it requires a certain amount of water pressure to be able to survive. Being a fairly deep-water ocean fish, it is hard for them to survive in an artificial setup that does not match their physical and biological requirements.
They are fish popular for their meat and are often confused with red snappers.
As per Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Pacific Biological Station, Canada, Bertalanffy growth function is used to explain fish growth as a function of the age of the fish in the North Pacific.
These fish have venom on their spines which is used as a defense mechanism against predators.
No, the species of S. ciliatus is not considered to be endangered. These fish have high populations, especially due to the existence of fisheries that breed them and preserve their population while also providing fish for food consumption. That said, the one, most important threat that this species faces is overfishing. The species is particularly vulnerable to overfishing practices and will become endangered if poor fishing practices are followed. As it stands today, the conservation has not been classified as an endangered or threatened species by either IUCN or any organization.
Here at Kidadl, we have carefully created lots of interesting family-friendly animal facts for everyone to discover! Learn more about some other fishes from our monkfish facts and walleye fish facts pages.
You can even occupy yourself at home by coloring in one of our free printable dusky rockfish coloring pages.
* Please note that the main image is of a vermillion rockfish, not a dusky rockfish. If you have an image of a dusky rockfish, please let us know at [email protected]
Read The Disclaimer
At Kidadl we pride ourselves on offering families original ideas to make the most of time spent together at home or out and about, wherever you are in the world. We strive to recommend the very best things that are suggested by our community and are things we would do ourselves - our aim is to be the trusted friend to parents.
We try our very best, but cannot guarantee perfection. We will always aim to give you accurate information at the date of publication - however, information does change, so it’s important you do your own research, double-check and make the decision that is right for your family.
Kidadl provides inspiration to entertain and educate your children. We recognise that not all activities and ideas are appropriate and suitable for all children and families or in all circumstances. Our recommended activities are based on age but these are a guide. We recommend that these ideas are used as inspiration, that ideas are undertaken with appropriate adult supervision, and that each adult uses their own discretion and knowledge of their children to consider the safety and suitability.
Kidadl cannot accept liability for the execution of these ideas, and parental supervision is advised at all times, as safety is paramount. Anyone using the information provided by Kidadl does so at their own risk and we can not accept liability if things go wrong.
Kidadl is independent and to make our service free to you the reader we are supported by advertising.
We hope you love our recommendations for products and services! What we suggest is selected independently by the Kidadl team. If you purchase using the buy now button we may earn a small commission. This does not influence our choices. Please note: prices are correct and items are available at the time the article was published.
Kidadl has a number of affiliate partners that we work with including Amazon. Please note that Kidadl is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.
We also link to other websites, but are not responsible for their content.
Was this article helpful?
We’ll send you tons of inspiration to help you find a hidden gem in your local area or plan a big day out.
Check your inbox for your latest news from us. You have subscribed to:
Remember that you can always manage your preferences or unsubscribe through the link at the foot of each newsletter.