File:PacificOceanPerchdisplaypic.jpg

Summary

The Pacific ocean perch (Sebastes alutus), or POP, can grow up to 21.1 in. (53 cm) and reach 4.5 lb. (2.05 kg) in weight. Its Greek name alutus means "unwashed" or "speckled", possibly referring to their light saddles. As the POP sexually mature they become deeper red in color with olive green, brown, or black patches on the upper body. Those living in deeper water are usually darker red. The subadults found closer to the surface have a more elongated body with olive green shading on their upper body. Often the skin of adult the POP will have black patches. The juveniles look similar to adults, though they are white-silver below the lateral line with upper areas of pale red. Juveniles are also more elongated, lack much color on their fin membranes, and lack the typical adult saddles or mottling. Little is known of the very young since post-larval juveniles prior to age 1.5 years have not been observed. When out of water, the POP look much like the yellowmouth, sharpchin, and redstripe rockfishes.

Copyright status

NOAA Creative Commons Public Domain

Source

http://www.afsc.noaa.gov/Rockfish-Game/description/POP.htm