Rockfish 101 - Copper Rockfish

Copper Rockfish (Sebastes caurinis) is one of the most abundant and commonly seen rockfish in the Pacific Northwest. Its Latin name caurus, meaning “northwest wind” is related to the habitat and commonness of these rockfish. Coppers are known by several other names depending on what part of the Pacific you may be in; Whitebelly, White Gopher, Rock cod, and Sailfin Rockfish. These fish have pronounced spines and deep (back-to-belly) bodies. The rear two-thirds of their lateral line contains a constant light-coloured strip which is very noticeable underwater. This light-colouring helps to distinguish the Coppers from the similarly colour and Quillback Rockfish. The coppers are commonly olive, or dark brown and copper pink in colour.

The range for coppers extends from the northern Gulf of Alaska to central Baja California. Coppers live in depths ranging from barely subtidal to 180 meters (600 ft.) They are both solitary and found in groups, often with several other species of rockfishes, depending on habitat and geographic area. Coppers are occasionally seen living in the dens of the Giant Pacific Octopus.

These rockfish can live up to 50 years. Whether you come across juveniles or fully matured adults these fish can be a fantastic photo op.

They tend not to be as shy as other members of the rockfish family and will swim right up to you if given the chance, almost looking to have their photograph taken. Be patient and let them come to you.

Take the time to appreciate these fish as models and practice different angles and shooting techniques when they swim into your field of view, it will help you get better images of other fish.

Thank for reading.

Scott

For more stories and images - Copper Rockfish (Sebastes caurinis) is one of the most abundant and commonly seen rockfish in the Pacific Northwest. Its Latin name caurus, meaning “northwest wind” is related to the habitat and commonness of these rockfish. Coppers are known by several other names depending on what part of the Pacific you may be in; whitebelly, white gopher, rock cod, and sailfin rockfish. These fish have pronounced spines and deep (back-to-belly) bodies. The rear two-thirds of their lateral line contains a constant light-colored strip which is very noticeable underwater. This light-coloring helps to distinguish the Coppers from the similarly colour and Quillback Rockfish. The coppers are commonly olive, or dark brown and copper pink in color.

The range for coppers extends from the northern Gulf of Alaska to central Baja California. Coppers live in depths ranging from barely subtidal to 180 meters (600 ft.) They are both solitary and found in groups, often with several other species of rockfishes, depending on habitat and geographic area. Coppers are occasionally seen living in the dens of the Giant Pacific Octopus.

These rockfish can live up to 50 years. Whether you come across juveniles or fully matured adults these fish can be a fantastic photo op.

They tend not to be as shy as other members of the rockfish family and will swim right up to you if given the chance, almost looking to have their photograph taken. Be patient and let them come to you.

Take the time to appreciate these fish as models and practice different angles and shooting techniques when they swim into your field of view, it will help you get better images of other fish.

Thank for reading.

Scott

For more stories and images - http://www.scottstevensonphotography.ca/