First Observations of Courtship Behavior in Rockfish, Genus Sebastes

The courtship behavior of the blue rockfish, Sebastes mystinus, is described from underwater observations off southern California. Courtship activity corresponded with male gonadal recrudescence, beginning in late summer-early fall, and extending until early winter. Courtship occurred just above the substratum at reefs deeper than 15 m. Males were the active participants during courtship while females were relatively inactive. Males performed a sequence of stereotyped movements to the motionless females that included a front position, lateral pass, tail fan and turn. Females attracted varying sized entourages of males, but only a few males actually courted the female. Females were frequently courted within short periods of time but never appeared aroused. Arguments are presented that courtship behavior in blue rockfish functions in persuasion leading to mate selection.