Side by Side

Black Rockfish Sebastes melanops

Typical: 12–18 in, 1–3 lb

Quickest tell: Black blotches on the spiny dorsal-fin membrane plus a rounded/slanted anal-fin margin ID Black Rockfish, versus Widow's clear fin membranes and straighter anal-fin margin.

• Gray-black to bluish, with a lighter mottled belly
• Black spotting/blotches on the membrane of the spiny dorsal fin
• Rounded snout, jaws roughly even (slight or no underbite)
• Weak, smooth head spines
• Anal fin with a rounded/slanted rear margin; not bright red

Full Black Rockfish guide — season, gear and rules →

Widow / Shortbelly Rock Sebastes entomelas

Typical: 12–20 in, 1–4 lb (widow rockfish; shortbelly run much smaller)

Quickest tell: Clear, unspotted dorsal-fin membranes and a straight-edged anal fin separate Widow Rockfish from the very similar Black Rockfish, which has black blotches on the spiny dorsal.

• Brassy to dusky brown-gray, sometimes a light bluish sheen
• Clean/clear fin membranes (no black blotches on the spiny dorsal)
• Large eye; small mouth, jaws roughly even (no strong underbite)
• Weak head spines, smooth-feeling head
• Anal fin with a straight/vertical rear edge

Full Widow / Shortbelly Rock guide — season, gear and rules →

When Each Is Running July — current month highlighted

Where Black Rockfish and Widow / Shortbelly Rock Overlap

Both run in Pacific Northwest — that is where telling them apart actually matters.

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