Blackbelly Rosefish
Helicolenus dactylopterus
Identification
The blackbelly rosefish is a robust, laterally compressed fish of 25 to 45 cm from the scorpionfish family. Color is pink-red to orange, often with faint dark spots. The inside of the gill cover and mouth is distinctly blue-black — hence the name. The head bears spines typical of scorpionfish. Large eyes betray its deep-sea lifestyle.
Ecology
Lives on rocky substrates at depths of 200 to 1,000 meters. One of the longest-lived fish in Europe: specimens over 40 years old have been documented. Extremely slow-growing. Feeds on fish, crustaceans, and cephalopods.
In the Netherlands
The blackbelly rosefish is very rare in Dutch waters. The North Sea is relatively shallow for this deep-water species.
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Seasonal patterns
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Key predictors
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