Phylum: Chordata

Superclass: Gnathostomata

Class: Actinopterygii

Order: Scorpaeniformes

Family: Sebastidae

Scientific name: Sebastes viviparus

 

Norwegian: lusuer

(Tautra - The Trondheim fjord / 42 meters / 4.23.2006)

Distribution: It is common along the west coast of Norway, as far north as Vesterålen. It is occasionally seen as far north as western parts of Finnmark, usually appearing in shoals. Divers will encounter it more frequently in the summer as it moves closer to shore. It lives on depths between 10 and 200 meters.

Characteristics: This small redfish does not grow as big as its deep sea relative, S. marinus. It rarely reach a length of 25 cm. It cannot be confused with any other fish you may encounter during diving. The eyes are big, the body color red. On the gill covers there are five pointed spines, directed backwards.

The members of the Sebastes genus give birth to living offspring during the summer months.

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