Widow rockfish (Sebastes entomelas) are one of the more rarer species of rockfish found off the west coast of North America. After doing some research I’ve discovered that this fish has been known by many names over the years but I haven’t figured out why it’s called a Widow. Known as a Buda in the 1880’s, and than as a Beccafico (Italian bird) prior to the 1930s. Brownie, belinda bass, brown bomber, and soft brown are among the modern names that are also used for this rockfish. In all of my fish books it’s called a Widow.
Identifying this fish underwater can be a bit of a challenge if you do run into one. Widow’s appear brownish, brass, or sometimes orange. Newly spawned widows are light brown or orange, reddish spots can be seen on juveniles.
Living up to 60 years, these rockfish have a fairly short, robust body with a large head and a mouth with a protruding lower jaw.
Typically living between 50 to 400 meters, these fish aren’t often spotted by recreational divers due to how deep they live, however there are certain areas where I have had luck seeing them. Northeastern Vancouver Island as well as further north up the coast towards Haida Gwaii. These fish do range from Alaska to California but rarely if ever spotted in shallow enough waters for divers.
Photographing these fish can be challenging due to where they live but I’ve found that they tend to swim towards you rather than away which can make for some fun moments underwater.
Good luck and happy diving.
Scott
For more stories and images - http://www.scottstevensonphotography.ca/
Beautiful photos. That one shows a lot of personality; not easy to do with a fish, I would think.
I agree, it is sometimes tough to get the best shot of fish underwater as their movements can be quite unpredictable.
You captured the fish very well here, looks like it was cooperating with your camera lense! Some nice shots.
Animals and nature are my favorite subjects of photography. Always will stop and view these types of images.
Thanks for sharing with us.
Your images really make me want to go diving again. Last time I went was like 1998 in Cozumel. It was beautiful but much too long ago.
Nice post.realy nice fish.i like this.good job.
In the last picture yoru fishy friend looks sceptical! What a great post and good information together with your (usual) good photography. Always interesting to read and although I am unlikely (unles sin my dreams) to encounter a Widow Rockfish or Beccafic, it's nice to know I could perhaps recognise one. Thanks for the post.
Thanks first post i have read on fish for a while
After long time i seen a post about fishes.Very nice post,Informative.Keep it up friend
he looks not happy on the last pic :(
@scottdphoto
This is why I love @steemit, I find myself interested in things/subjects I ordinarily would not have searched out for myself.
stay blessed...
Nice I like fish on grill :) Luck my channel
I adore the sea kife m, Great post and nice info to know @scottdphoto
But really we should know why its called widow!
I've been following for a while now. I love all the underwater photography...all the colours are so vibrant. Lovely to see.
history of fine fish, I have never read or heard of this history, thank you for the historical information
@scottdphoto
That fish is really beautiful and wonderful. Nice write up and picture.
I have a lot to know about Rockfish. I would like to know all about Rockfish through this post. Thank you for this.Along with the northern part of Vancouver Island and on the other side, along the coast of Haiga Gaoyi, this fish range from Alaska to California.???
Hey Scott,
Wow ! Just another brilliant photo series. I love to see your photos and wait every day to see something new :)
Go AHEAD !
nice i agree with your opinion.
its grill is just awesome for eat@scottdphoto
this fish is very unique, usually live in the deep sea to be able to nest in coral reefs, but unique this fish can also live in a narrow aquarium, very beautiful, thanks @scottdphoto.
Lovely! I'd love to know rough sizes with more of these, sometimes it's tricky to gauge a scale and I always find myself wondering!
Very beautiful fish.
wander full just love sea animals
what beautiful fish in the photos, I see you enjoy diving, take pictures of fish, and after showing us your favorite photos, thank you that you decided to share with us with your big family in steemite
I like to ficture