Sebastidae

Sebastidae is a family of marine ray-finned fish belonging to the order Scorpaeniformes. They are commonly known as rockfishes or rockcod. The family includes over 150 species, found in the North Pacific Ocean, with a few species extending into the North Atlantic. Sebastidae are typically characterized by their elongated, compressed bodies, and they inhabit rocky or sandy substrates in the intertidal and subtidal zones, often at depths ranging from the surface to 1,000 meters.

The family is further divided into several subfamilies, including Sebastinae, Scorpaeninae, and Anoplopomatinae. Sebastinae is the largest subfamily, containing the majority of the species. The rockfishes in this family are known for their diverse diets, which can include crustaceans, mollusks, fish, and even other rockfishes. They are also known for their reproductive strategies, with some species exhibiting protogynous hermaphroditism, where individuals start their lives as females and can later change sex to males.

Sebastidae play an important role in marine ecosystems, serving as both predators and prey. They contribute to the regulation of populations of other species and help maintain the balance of marine food webs. However, some species are of commercial importance, particularly in the North Pacific, where they are targeted for their flesh and roe. Conservation efforts are in place to protect these species and their habitats from overfishing and habitat degradation.