Quillback Rockfish

The quillback rockfish (Sebastes maliger), also known as the quillback seaperch, is a species of marine ray-finned fish belonging to the subfamily Sebastinae, the rockfishes, part of the family Scorpaenidae. This species primarily dwells in salt water reefs. The average adult weighs 2–7 pounds (0.9 – 3 kg) and may reach 1 m (3 feet) in length. Quillback rockfish are named for the sharp, venomous quills or spines on the dorsal fin. Their mottled orange-brown coloring allows them to blend in with rocky bottom reefs. The quillback rockfish eats mainly crustaceans, but will also eat herring.

From Wikipedia, under CC BY-SA 4.0.

Is it venomous or poisonous?

Considered venomous. Public sources list it as such; we have not verified this individually. The note covers its whole family. Never eat, touch or handle a wild plant, mushroom or animal on the strength of an identification; ask someone qualified.

Easily confused with

• Sebastes caurinus — considered venomous
• Sebastes oculatus — considered venomous
• Sebastes auriculatus — considered venomous
• Sebastes carnatus — considered venomous
• Sebastes atrovirens — considered venomous
• Sebastes chrysomelas — considered venomous

Classification

Kingdom

Animalia

Phylum

Chordata

Class

Actinopterygii

Order

Perciformes

Family

Scorpaenidae

Genus

Sebastes

Species

Sebastes maliger

More species