Shortraker Rockfish

The shortraker rockfish is notable for its extreme longevity, holding the record as one of the longest-lived fishes on the planet. They can easily live for over a century, with some specimens confirmed to be more than 200 years old. This incredible lifespan is an evolutionary adaptation to the cold, deep waters of the North Pacific.

This massive deep-sea scorpaenid is primarily found in the North Pacific Ocean. Their habitat spans the continental slopes from the Aleutian Islands in Alaska down through the Bering Sea to the waters of Japan. They typically reside at extreme depths ranging from 150 to 450 meters beneath the surface.

As one of the largest species of rockfish, the shortraker can grow to massive sizes. They are known to reach lengths of up to 3.5 feet and can weigh well over 50 pounds. Their massive, heavily boned bodies set them apart from smaller rockfish species in the North Pacific region.

The scientific name for the shortraker rockfish is Sebastes borealis. The genus Sebastes encompasses many different types of rockfish, but S. borealis is specifically recognized for its immense size and extreme age. The species name borealis refers directly to its northern, boreal habitat in the Pacific.