Pelagic Rockfish: Six open-water (pelagic) species often found mid-water in schools, close to rocky structures. Moderately long-lived (most fish are 7-30 years old). Non-Pelagic Rockfish: Bottom-dwelling species found on or near the ocean floor, usually in rocky or boulder-strewn habitat. Extremely long-lived (most fish are 15-75 years old). If the

Six pelagic species of rockfish are often found mid-water in schools, close to rocky structures. These Pelagic Rockfish: fish are moderately long-lived (most fish are 7-30 years old).

Management Category: Pelagic/pelagic shelf Photo courtesy: Alaska Fisheries Science Center, National Marine Fisheries, NOAA. Darkblotched Rockfish (Sebastes crameri) ID: Pink to orange coloration with 3-5 dark patches dorsally on body. Max Size: 58 cm / 23.2 in Max Age: 105 years Age at Maturity: 8 years Management Category: Nonpelagic/slope

Black Rockfish are a commonly-caught pelagic species in Alaska. Typically, species in the pelagic assemblage are the black or darker-colored fish. There’s a few exceptions — some are kind of a yellowish or olive color.

The Alaska Department of Fish and Game restricts how many of each type of rockfish you may harvest. Pelagic rockfish are generally faster-growing than the non-pelagics, some of which may live as long as 120 years.