Fish Identification Photos: Treefish, Sebastes serriceps: The Treefish has a compact body with large head spines, and it comes in two distinctive color patterns. Juvenile Treefish have a yellow body with at least six black stripes and fins tipped in white and iridescent blue. As the Treefish matures, the stripes and colors become less prominent, gradually fading to a dark olive.

The Treefish has two identifying and characteristic dark bands running obliquely running from the eyes to the pectoral fins. Adult Treefish also have large fleshy pink lips which are viewed as a protective device. The Treefish has rounded anal, caudal, and pectoral fins. Due to its yellow coloration, unique stripes, and red lips, the Treefish is not easily confused with other rockfishes.

The Treefish is one of the more abundant members of the Scorpaenidae or Rockcod, Rockfish and Rosefish Family.

The Treefish reaches a maximum length of 16 inches, but is most common between 10 and 14 inches. It weighs 1 to 2 pounds. The Treefish is a solitary highly territorial species found between 20 and 140 feet deep in the water column, around and in large rocky reefs with many large holes and crevices.

The Treefish has a limited distribution in Mexican waters, being found only along the Pacific side of the Baja California peninsula north of Cedros Island.

The Treefish is a nocturnal opportunistic carnivore feeding on small fishes, crabs, octopuses and squid. It is seldomly caught and of limited interest to the recreational angler.

Treefish, Sebastes serriceps: Dave Ross with a nice little treefish. Description and photo courtesy of Trout Traubman.