The Rockcods, Rockfishes, and Rosefishes (Scorpaenidae): The Scorpaenidae Family includes the large genus Sebastes, composed of rockcods, rockfishes (at least a zillion), and rosefishes. These species are characterized by very highly varied coloration, generally bass-shaped bodies, large heads, strong head spines, and preference for deep water and cool water temperatures, when compared to most other fish found in Mexican waters.

The many Sebastes species caught in Mexican waters are most commonly found north of Punta Eugenia on the Pacific coast of the Baja California peninsula, and generally from about 50 to about 300 feet deep, although they are present from the surface down to over 2,000 feet deep. They prefer rocky or weedy habitat, and are generally excellent table fare and very easy to catch with lures or bait. In many areas, they are seriously overfished and depleted, due to their relatively slow replacement rate.