| Acadian redfish | |
|---|---|
 | |
Scientific classification | |
| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Actinopterygii |
| Order: | Perciformes |
| Family: | Scorpaenidae |
| Genus: | Sebastes |
| Species: | S. fasciatus |
| Binomial name | |
| Sebastes fasciatus D. H. Storer, 1854[2] | |
TheAcadian redfish (Sebastes fasciatus), also known as theAtlantic redfish,Acadian rockfish, orLabrador redfish, is aspecies of marineray-finned fish belonging to the subfamilySebastinae, the rockfishes, part of thefamilyScorpaenidae. It is native to the deep waters of the northwestern Atlantic.[3][4][5]
The Acadian redfish was first formallydescribed in 1854 by the Americanphysician andzoologistDavid Humphreys Storer with thetype locality given as the harbor atProvincetown, Massachusetts.[6] The Acadian redfish has been known to hybridise with thebeaked redfish (S. mentella).[7] This species is classified within thesubgenusSebastes by some authorities. Thespecific namefasciatus means "banded", an allusion to the four clear bands on the flanks.[8]
The Acadian redfish is colored reddish-orange and can live up to 50 years or more[4][9] and reach lengths up to 20 in (508 mm).[9] It is very similar in appearance to the deepwater redfish (S. mentella). The two species can be distinguished by the number of soft rays in the anal fin, internal examination of the gas bladder, or bygenetic testing.[10]
The Acadian redfish is native to the waters of the northwestern Atlantic Ocean and its range extends from Virginia, the Gulf of St. Lawrence, Nova Scotia, western Greenland and Iceland. It is found at depths varying between 70 and 500 m (230 and 1,640 ft).[2] It swims near the seabed in areas with clay-silt or rocky bottoms.[4]
The Acadian redfish feeds on a variety of crustaceans, mollusks, and smaller fish.[9] It spawns in the fall to late winter. The species isovoviviparous, and females release 15,000–20,000 fully formed larvae into the water per season.[10] The Acadian redfish ispreyed on by thehalibut, theAtlantic cod,swordfishes andharbor seals.[2]
Due to its slow growth rate, low fecundity, harmless nature, tendency to "hit almost any bait", and being considered a great food fish, the Acadian redfish was classified asEndangered by theIUCN in 1996.[1][4][9] However, due to conservation efforts, the redfish population has rebounded, and in 2012 the species was described as fully rebuilt, sustainably managed and responsibly harvested under U.S. regulations.[11]
