The coloring of kelp rockfish varies in hue from tan to pinkish brown to red, with dark mottling.

Distribution, Stock Structure and Migration.

Kelp rockfish live in kelp beds and on rocky reefs, ranging from Timber Cove, northern California to Punta San Pablo, central Baja California. They are however most abundant between northern Baja and central California. This species is known to occur at depths up to 150 ft but are most common between 15 and 50 ft. Kelp rockfish are residential species, making no other migrations except possibly into deeper water during winter storms.

Age and Growth

Kelp rockfish have been aged to a maximum of 20 yr. Based on a calculated age-length relationship, and 8-in. TL kelp rockfish is approximately 3 yr old, an 11.6-in. fish is approximately 6 yr old, and a 13-in. fish is approximately 9 yr old. The largest recorded length for this species is 16.7 inches.

Reproduction, Fecundity and Seasonality

Male and female kelp rockfish reach maturity at 4 and 5 yr of age, respectively. Corresponding total lengths at maturation are 9.9 in. and 9.6 inches. Off central California, spawning takes place between December and June, with peak spawning in May, and fertilized eggs are present between December and January. Females are viviparous and the planktonic larvae are 0.16 to 0.17 in. SL at release, and will settle into the kelp canopy after 1 to 2 months. As juveniles, they will settle out of their pelagic phase and first appear in the kelp beds between April and August. Recruitment to the nearshore area in central California generally occurs during June and July.

Natural Mortality

Estimates of natural mortality are not available for this species.

Diseases

No information is available on diseases in kelp rockfish.

Predator/Prey Relationships

Juvenile and adult kelp rockfish are considered searchers with respect to their prey, although adults are also known to ambush their prey. Prominent prey items for adults and juveniles include crustaceans, such as shrimp and amphipods, and small fish, particularly juvenile blue rockfish. The juveniles are prey of birds, pinnipeds, porpoises, lingcod, cabezon, salmon, and other rockfish. Predators of adult kelp rockfish include sharks, dolphins, and seals.