From sleek shortbelly rockfish that resemble mackerels to heavy-bodied cowcod, the rockfishes display a bewildering array of shapes, sizes, and colors. This book is the most comprehensive ever written on this marvelously diverse group of fishes. The first part gives an overview of rockfish systematics, biology, ecology, and fisheries. The second part contains a key to identifying each species followed by detailed species accounts including information on appearance, life history, and fishery status. The book is copiously illustrated and written with humor as well as expertise.

Acknowledgements
Preface
Introduction

PART 1. The Biology of Rockfishes
1. What is a Rockfish?
2. What We Call Them and Why
3. Rockfish Evolution - Who, When and Where?
4. Where Do They Live?
5. Reproduction
6. Ecology of Pelagic Larvae and Juveniles
7. Juvenile Settlement
8. Movement and Activity Patterns
9. Age and Growth
10. Parasites
11. Physical Abnormalities and Diseases
12. Fisheries and Conservation

PART 2. The Key

PART 3. Species Accounts

References
Maps
Appendices
Glossary
Index
Reviewers and Personal Communicators
Contributing Authors
Photographers/Artists
Author!Author!

Milton S. Love is Associate Research Biologist at the Marine Science Institute at the University of California, Santa Barbara. He is the author of Probably More Than You Want to Know About the Fishes of the Pacific Coast (1996), and other works. Mary Yoklavich is an award-winning Research Biologist who leads the Habitat Ecology Team of NOAA's National Marine Fisheries Service Santa Cruz Laboratory. Lyman Thorsteinson is Deputy Director of the U.S. Geological Survey's Western Fisheries Research Center in Seattle.

“This book is an essential guide.”—Canadian Field-naturalist

"A major landmark contribution to fisheries science and fish ecology. Rockfish populations are in a severe decline throughout the Northeastern Pacific, and the need for a deep understanding of their biology, ecology, and management has never been more critical. This book addresses all aspects of our current knowledge of this diverse and interesting group of groundfish species, and it is written clearly and with humor. An outstanding work!"—Larry G. Allen, California State University, Northridge

"Quite simply the best account ever of the fascinating, diverse, and valuable rockfishes. If you are interested in the marine fishes of the Pacific Coast, you need this book."—Peter B. Moyle, author of Inland Fishes of California

National Outdoor Book Award, NOBA Foundation