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Today on Animal Fact Files we’re discussing roosterfish. The roosterfish gets its common name from the seven dorsal spines that erupt from its back not unlike the crest seen in roosters. They are the only living members of their family and are unlikely to be confused with any other fish species native to where they live. Roosterfish call the eastern Pacific ocean home. They can be found from the Gulf of California to Peru as well as the Galápagos Islands. They’re a coastal fish, spending most of their lives no more than 65 feet (20m) below the waves. They live in sandy bottom areas like sandbars as well as reefs. Adult roosterfish are voracious predators. Equipped with sharp teeth on both their jaws, these active hunters eat other fish like mullets, herrings, and anchovies. They also eat cephalopods and hunt in water about 13 feet (4m) deep. Depending on the size of a meal, a roosterfish may swallow it down whole!

Roosterfish are known to reach more than 6 feet (186cm) in length and weigh up to 114 pounds (51.7kg), however, they’re much smaller on average. Most reach about 2 to 3 feet (61-91cm) in length and weigh around 20 pounds (9kg). They’re some of the most prized sport fish around the world. Anglers gather from all corners of the globe to try and capture a roosterfish. These fish aren’t typically consumed by people, so they’re most often thrown back after a catch. Apart from people, predators to roosterfish include other larger fish such as marlin and sharks, but their preference for shallow water likely keeps them relatively safe.

There is almost no information on the life cycle of the roosterfish. Juveniles are believed to live in separate areas than adults such as bays and lagoons. Adults are known to swim far distances throughout the year, potentially to follow the fish that they eat as they move to warmer waters during colder months. Roosterfish are known to be a fast growing species with individuals reaching two feet in length by their first year of life. In studies that have recorded age, most were estimated to be between one and two years old, but the age range went up to eight years on a few individuals. More research is needed before their lifespan can be determined.

Roosterfish are schooling fish, meaning they live in groups, and they’re most active when the sun is in the sky. When hooked, they’re known to jump straight out of the water like tuna. Some studies have suggested they are crepuscular, meaning they’re most active during twilight hours, but others have tracked them moving throughout many parts of the day. Supposedly, they also have a fascinating structure for their swim bladder. The swim bladder in a fish helps control buoyancy. In the case of the roosterfish, it’s been suggested that their swim bladder is pushed forward in the body, up into the brain. It’s speculated that this position helps amplify sounds. What do you think a roosterfish would be listening for?

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