thornyhead

Thornyheads are a group of deep-sea fish belonging to the genus Sebastes in the family Sebastidae. These fish are characterized by their spiny bodies, which serve as a defense mechanism against predators. They are typically found in the cold waters of the North Pacific Ocean, inhabiting rocky or soft-bottomed areas at depths ranging from 200 to over 1,000 meters.

There are two recognized species of thornyhead: the shortspine thornyhead (Sebastes maliger) and the longspine thornyhead (Sebastes capensis). The shortspine thornyhead is generally smaller, with shorter spines, and can be found along the coast of North America from Alaska to California. The longspine thornyhead, while also found in the North Pacific, has longer spines and a wider distribution, including areas around Japan and Korea.

Thornyheads are ovoviviparous, meaning they give birth to live young after eggs hatch inside the mother. They are carnivorous, feeding on a diet of small fish, crustaceans, and other invertebrates. Due to their deep-sea habitat and relatively slow growth rates, thornyheads are susceptible to overfishing. In some regions, they are commercially fished and are valued for their firm, white flesh. Conservation efforts are in place to ensure the sustainability of thornyhead populations.