Fish Identification Photos: Rose Threadfin Bass, Hemanthias peruanus: The Rose Threadfin Bass is one of the few bright red fishes and is found only in very deep waters.

The Rose Threadfin Bass is characterized by a uniform red color. It has a faint yellow line under its eye, a deeply forked caudal fin within which the mid-rays are the longest and a very elongated filamentous third dorsal fin spine.

The sides are pink with yellow blotches and spots. The fins are pink to orange-red.

The Rose Threadfin Bass belongs to a group of sea basses and groupers of the family Serranidae.

It is easily confused with the Damsel Threadfin Bass, Hemanthias signifier (which lacks the yellow line under its eye, has elongated pelvic fins, and a caudal fin not as deeply forked with the outside rays being the longest).

The Rose Threadfin Bass reaches a length of approximately 18 inches and up to 3 pounds.

It is found between 100 and 400 feet deep in the water column over sandy bottoms. The Rose Threadfin Bass is found in all Mexican waters but appears to be absent from the oceanic islands.

Rose Threadfin Bass, Hemanthias peruanus: Caught with Capt. Pata in the panga Salome, La Playita, San Jose del Cabo, Baja California Sure, Mexico, in 72-degree water, in January 2005, in 300-foot deep water, in the first hour of morning light, utilizing a sabiki rig with 20-pound test, size #4 hooks, with an 8-ounce bank sinker, approximately 3 miles southeast of La Playita. A by-product while killing time waiting for the bait salesmen to arrive. Size approximately 6 inches. The Rose Threadfin Bass is a rare catch. Identification, description and photo courtesy John Snow.