Many different types of edible fish are known as rockfish.
The term “rockfish” when used in reference to fish can be confusing. Depending on the regional dialect, the word can refer to any species of rock-dwelling fish, such as sculptors, or it can be used in a discussion of the specific genus Sebastes, which is native to Pacific waters. Bass is also known as rockfish, especially along the East Coast of the United States. This taxonomic confusion leads most people to refer to fish by a more precise name, to eliminate mistaken identities.
Members of the order Scorpaeniformes are sometimes classified as rockfish. All of these fish are ray finned and often striped and very bold considering the small size of many individual species. Their coloration allows them to blend in well with rocks and corals. There are more than 20 families in this order of fish, which leaves a lot of room for biodiversity.
Sebastes is a very large genus of very old and primitive-looking fish. There are more than 100 species of this rockfish, most of which live in the northern Pacific regions. They are fished for sport and commercial purposes, and some species are believed to be in danger of extinction as a result of the bountiful harvest. Most fish live in the benthic environment at the bottom of the sea, and tend to prefer rocks and other protrusions to hide in. These bass can become extremely old and many are also slow to mature.
The sea bass, or Morone saxatilis, is an anadromous fish that can be found in Pacific and Atlantic waters. Along the East Coast, the fish is widely known as rockfish and is prized as a game fish. Since 1965, rockfish have been the official state fish of Maryland, an area in which rockfish have historically been abundant. The fish is known and respected for being cunning and strong.
Given the large number of fish that can be classified as “rock fish”, it may be helpful to ask for clarification as to which fish are being discussed. Along the East Coast of the United States, it’s safe to assume a “rockfish” is a sea bass, but this isn’t necessarily the case in other regions. Especially if rockfish is on the menu, clarification is vital as rockfish tend to be quite bony, although their meat can be quite tasty.