Raspy ridge above eye.
Juveniles have two light bands, one lateral line and one short line below lateral line.
A large rockfish it is a heavy-boned, spiny fish through the head and shoulders. Although they are bass like in appearance, based on internal characteristics, they are in a family separate from sea bass , snappers, and freshwater bass. Length to 36 inches and wight to 30 pounds. Abundant during summer in shallow water along kelp line shores of the outer coast, the Strait of Juan de Fuca and the San Juan Islands. More restricted in distribution through inner Puget Sound.