Bocaccio – Sebastes paucispinis. A member of the rockfish family, Scorpaenidae. Other Names: Rock cod, grouper, salmon grouper, and Tom cod for juveniles.
Identifying Characteristics and Biology
- The bocaccio fish have large mouths with a projecting lower jaw.
- The anal fin has nine soft rays.
- Their backs are olive to brown to reddish-brown in color, with silvery red to shades of pink on the sides and pale pink to white on their bellies. Bocaccio may also be found with black blotches on the skin, which is a normal occurrence as they age and has no effect on the meat.
- They grow to 3 feet in length and around 15 lbs. in weight, and they are long living – up to 35 years.
Range and Locations
- They are widespread. Bocaccio are found from British Columbia, and Northern to Southern California all the way to Baja.
- Most bocaccio live in the 200 to 1,000 depth range. Juveniles are found closer to the surface, and as they age they go deeper.
Market Forms
- Bocaccio is caught by both commercial and sport fishermen, and are valued for their meat.