Brown Spotted Rockcod

Distinguished by the following characteristics: head, body and fins brown; body, caudal and dorsal fins with numerous small close-set irregular dark brown spots; 2 dark brown stripes running posteriorly from the eye across operculum, and another continuing from the maxillary groove to the lower edge of the preopercle; body elongate, depth 3.2-3.7 times in SL; greatest body width 1.4-1.8 times in body depth; head length 2.4-2.7 times in SL; angular preopercle, with several enlarged serrae at the angle; upper edge of operculum slightly convex; posterior and anterior nostrils equal; scaly maxilla, reaching to or past vertical at rear edge of eye; 2-3 rows of teeth on midside of lower jaw; rounded caudal fin; ctenoid midlateral-body scales (mostly embedded), with auxiliary scales (Ref. 089707).

Diandric protogynous hermaphrodite (Ref. 74502, 103751).

Dorsal spines (total): 11; Dorsal soft rays (total): 13 - 15; Analspines: 3; Analsoft rays: 8

Inhabits reefs and rocky bottom to a depth of at least 50 m; juveniles are found in tidepools. Feeds on fishes, spiny lobsters, and crabs.

Adults inhabit reefs and rocky bottom to a depth of at least 101 m (Ref. 089707); juveniles are found in tide pools. Feed on fishes and crustaceans. Sexual maturity is attained at 50 to 60 cm. Are diandric protogynous hermaphrodites unlike that of other congeners (Ref. 74502).

fisheries: subsistence fisheries; gamefish: yes