Rockfish ID form

A-SHOP Rockfish Species Identification Form
Observer:______________________________

Cruise:______________

Species common name: ______________________________________
Fork length:___________

Weight:_____________

Take photo!

Specimen collected? __________________

Permit:_____________
Haul #:____________

Describe color and patterns / markings: __________________________________________________
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Head spine strength:
weak
strong

Peritoneum color: ___________________________

circle head spines present

Number of orbital spines: ____
Compare the second and third anal spine lengths:
___ Equal in length
___ 2nd anal spine extends beyond 3rd
___ 2nd anal spine falls short of 3rd
Symphyseal knob?

____ No

____Yes

If yes, describe: _______________________________
Describe field characteristics used to identify this fish to species: ____________________________
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Similar species:

Characteristics that differ from this species:

________________

__________________________________________________________________

________________

__________________________________________________________________

________________

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________________

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Distinguishing markings on the body:
____ None

____ Bars above lateral line only

____ Dark spots or speckling

____ Bars extending below the lateral line

____ Highlighted lateral line

____ Black on branchiostegal membranes

Opercular markings:
____ None

____ Diffuse opercular blotch or smudge

____ Bars radiating from the eye

____ Distinct opercular blotch

Anal fin slant (natural swimming position):

___ Perpendicular

___Posterior slant

___ Rounded

___ Anterior slant

Draw the characteristics used to identify this species - use checklist:
Maxilla size, in relation to orbit
Symphyseal knob
Distinguishing markings and color patterns - dorsal and ventral
Opercular markings
Anal fin slant and anal spines relative to fin ray length

At-Sea Hake Observer Program, ver 2016