China Rockfish
Sebastes nebulosus
Also known as: China Cod; Yellowstripe Rockfish
Size & Weight
Average Length
10.2"
Max Length
17.0"
Average Weight
0.8 lbs
Max Weight
5.0 lbs
Lifespan
79 years
Habitat
Depth Range
10 - 420 ft
Water Temp
48-55°F
Rocky reefs; crevices; boulder piles; solitary
Behavior
Spawning Season
Winter-spring; live birth
Migration: Highly residential; rarely move
Diet: Crustaceans; brittle stars; small fish
Fishing Tips
PNW Season
Year-round with closures
Techniques: Bottom fishing; jigging near structure
Best Bait: Jigs; cut bait; shrimp
Eating Quality
Edibility
Good
Mild; firm white flesh
State Records
Washington
4.19
lbs
California
4.06
lbs
Fun Facts
Distinctive yellow stripe on black body; very residential; long-lived
How to Identify
Blue-black body with yellow-orange spots; found shallow rocky reefs; tide pool resident; small species
Commonly Confused With
Compare Side-by-SideOfficial Resources
Sources: WDFW; ODFW; CDFW; NOAA
Change History (Last updated Feb 02, 2026 at 10:33 AM)
| Date | Change | Old Value | New Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| Feb 02, 2026 10:33 AM | Updated Avg Length | — | 10.2 |