Copper rockfish are found along the Pacific coast from Alaska to Mexico.
The life of a copper rockfish
Copper Rockfish can grow up to 26 inches long, weigh up to 10 pounds and live 30 to 50 years. Most fish lay eggs, but copper rockfish give birth to tiny live larval fish, which are about the size of an eyelash.
Young copper rockfish often stay in shallow water near kelp and seagrass beds. Mature copper rockfish are most frequently found in rocky habitats less than 230 feet deep, but they can reach depths of 1,330 feet.
They sometimes make homes inside giant Pacific octopus dens, living alongside the world’s largest octopus. Copper rockfish tend to feed close to the ocean floor. Young copper rockfish feed on plankton and very small crustaceans. Adults eat larger prey including shrimp, crabs, squid and octopus.
Predators include seabirds, sea lions and larger fish such as lingcod, salmon and cabezon.
Copper rockfish at the zoo
Located in the Steller Cove area.
