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Flag Rockfish

Flag Rockfish line art illustration (click image to enlarge)

Flag Rockfish full color illustration (click image to enlarge)

Artist's notes:

The Flag Rockfish was completed on 12.11.2011. Since becoming familiar with these fish, I have been fascinated with them. I first saw them at the California Academy of Sciences in the Steinhart Aquarium. But since becoming SCUBA certified, I now encounter them in their natural environment. My friend and I make jokes about them being lazy, as often we see them lounging around on rocks or the seabed, and appear to have no inclination to move. The drawing is based on a photo by Ron DeCloux.

Information about the Flag Rockfish:

The Flag Rockfish is common fish of the Sebastidae family (rockfish, rockcod and thornyheads). It can be found from as far north as the Gulf of Alaska down the Pacific coast of North America and into the Baja Penninsula. Like other similar species, Flag Rockfish can vary widely in markings and coloration, but generally they are dark brown to olive, with a pink and often splashed with a flag or dull yellow. They are considered good to eat and an excellent sportsfish. While not dangerous or poisonous to humans, care must be taken when handling them as they have mildly venomous dorsal and anal fin spines.