One of the largest and most diverse groups of fish that reside in the waters of the Pacific Northwest and around the world are rockfish. Part of the Scorpaenidae family, there are 102 different species of rockfish worldwide and 36 of them residing along the coast of British Columbia. In contrast there are only 8 species of salmon worldwide.
Though once more plentiful, it is hard to do a dive anywhere in British Columbia and not see some representation of this family of fish. Many rockfish are very long lived, some over one hundred years and can attain a fairly hefty size, up to one meter long. They are generally a bottom dweller, often hiding among rocks and reefs, but some are mid water fish that form large schools. One of the characteristic features of rockfish are the dorsal, pelvic and anal fins equipped with very sharp spines that contain a trace of mildly toxic venom. Though not as toxic as their tropical counterparts (Stonefish and Lionfish), a jab from these spines can still be very uncomfortable
Probably the most plenty full and most commonly seen member of the rockfish family around along the southern coast of BC is the Black Rockfish (Sebastes melanopsare). These fish are all-black, but turn a mottled gray colour on their sides with age, often nearing white.
Juveniles are orange with a large black spot on their dorsal fin. These rockfish can grow up to 65 cm. (25 inches) in length and weigh up to 5 kg. (11 lbs.). Black rockfish are slow-growing and extremely long-lived, specimens collected off of Alaska have been aged to 50 years old. These rockfish start to become sexually mature at 6 to 8 years of age.
Schools of adult Black rockfish often aggregate over rocky bottoms or in kelp forests near the waters surface. These habits that make them quite susceptible to targeted fishing, however these fish can be found all the way down to a depth of 1200 ft. (370 m). Juvenile Black rockfish are mostly pelagic but may be spotted lurking in the kelp and eel grass close to shore during spring before heading out to sea.
Black rockfish are quite shy compared to some of the other members of the rockfish family. Photographing these reluctant fish can be a bit of challenge. These rockfish tend to school in large groups among the bull kelp forests however they have a large buffer zone when approached by underwater photographers.
Black rockfish will dart quickly away from any diver getting to close. One method to create a great shot is to have a second diver swim in to the school of fish and push the rockfish towards the photographer. As a photographer, remaining motionless and exhaling only a few bubbles or diving a rebreather will help create a striking image. Wide angle shots of black rockfish in large large schools under the kelp is a great way to portray the beauty of the Pacific Northwest and its inhabitants. Pacific Northwest kelp forests are numerous and schooling Black rockfish are plentiful along the coast line of British Columbia. Eastern Vancouver Island is one of the prime areas to capture great images of this fish, two of the best dive sites are either Albert Head just off of Victoria or 5 Fathom Rock near Port Hardy.
Black Rockfish in the kelp forest at Albert Head
A could of Black Rockfish at 5 Fathom near Port Hardy
Thanks for reading.
Scott
For more stories and images - http://www.scottstevensonphotography.ca/