Honeycomb rockfish
(Sebastes umbrosus)
Classification
General data
The Honeycomb Rockfish, Sebastes umbrosus, is a member of the Rockfish and Scorpionfish or Scorpaenidae Family, and is known in Mexico as rocote panal. Globally, there are one hundred eight species in the genus Sebastes, of which fifty-three are found in Mexican waters, all in the Pacific Ocean.
The Honeycomb Rockfish has a compact squat body with a width that is 35% to 39% of standard length. They are covered with spines. They have a tan, brown, or reddish brown coloration with 4 to 6 white blotches randomly spaced above their lateral line. Their scales are edged with dark brown or green below the lateral line giving them a honeycomb appearance after which they are named. Their back has brownish or greenish-brown patches or smudges. Their head is mid-length with a short snout, disproportionately large eyes, and a small terminal mouth. Their anal fin has 3 spines and 5 to 7 rays; their caudal fin is straight; their dorsal fin has 12 to 14 spines and 11 to 13 rays; and their pectoral fins have 15 to 18 rays. They have 31 to 38 gill rakers and their body is covered with scales.
The Honeycomb Rockfish is a demersal species found as solitary individuals within boulders and cobblestone bottoms at depths between 18 m (60 feet) and 271 m (890 feet). They are normally mixed in with Freckled Rockfish, Greenspotted Rockfish, Rosy Rockfish, and Squarespot Rockfish.
They reach a maximum length of 28 cm (11 inches).