Territorial Rockfish

Tom Nic · Post by **Tom Nic** » Sun Oct 14, 2007 10:24 pm

I've heard that Rockfish are territorial and that some species will live for years in the same area.

I could swear that I've seen or photographed this mature Copper Rockfish before on the South Wall at Sund Rock. The distinctive "cut" in his dorsal fin is obviously an old injury and one that doesn't show up in lots of Coppers. Anyone else remember seeing or photographing this old guy?
<a href="" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2332/156 ... 8f0fa9.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="CIMG9763"></a>

<a href="" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2368/156 ... 941519.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="CIMG9762"></a>

nwscubamom · Post by **nwscubamom** » Mon Oct 15, 2007 7:13 pm

Tom, I've read and heard the same thing about Coppers. While not all species of Rockfish are this way, the Copper sure seems to be! Great observation!

- Janna

gcbryan · Post by **gcbryan** » Tue Oct 16, 2007 12:49 am

The Vermilion's at Cove 2 seem to be the same way. I've also seen Tiger's at the same spot on the wall at Snake Island in Nanaimo.

I'm guessing most of the non-schooling Rockfish are that way. Black, Blue, and Canary don't seem to stay in the same area however.