Vermilion rockfish, Sebastes miniatus

Vermilion (Sebastes miniatus), kelp (S. atrovirens), and copper
(S. caurinus) rockfish just kind of hanging out. Rockfish spend a lot of
time doing this, usually around some place that has shelter from predators. This
aggregation is right above a deep, but narrow recess in the shale substrate.
It's plenty big enough for any of these fish, but still far too small for the
likes of the resident harbor seals.

    "Shale Island", Monterey Bay, California
    August 27, 2006






In areas frequented by spearfishmen, vermilion rockfish (Sebastes
miniatus) are exceptionally wary of divers.  However, this animal, living in
a remote area and at depth just shallower than the limits of recreational
diving, enthusiastically greets human visitors.Red light is lost quickly at
depth. The coloring of this animal, while striking near the surface, is
effective camouflage in deeper waters.

    "Kawika's Kone", Big Sur, California
    December 15, 2004



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