This juvenile rockfish was swimming off the beach just north of Smuggler's Cove at Santa Cruz. He was curious about me, but nervous. I am not completely sure of his species: he may grow up to be a vermillion rockfish. In their earlier stages, and sometimes as adults, vermillions have this peppered appearance. Vermillions seem to be doing well this year, with lots of juveniles on the reefs and above kelp beds.
Vermillion rockfish are the original "red snapper", and are said to be the best-tasting of all rockfish. However, rockfish expert Milton Love writes that even though the brightly-colored rockfish are worth more commercially, all species taste nearly the same.
Comments