The China rockfish is one of many species of rockfish found off the Pacific US coast. This species ranges from southeastern Alaska to California's Redondo Beach on the mainland and San Miguel Island offshore.

China rockfish are territorial bottom-dwellers who live on rocky nearshore reefs from 10 to 420 feet below the sea's surface. They feed on sea bed animals such as brittle stars, shrimp and smaller fish.

Both males and females mature at about 11 inches, and can grow as long as 17 inches. They spawn from January to July. 

Rockfish are an important commercial fishing species on the West coast. At the same time, many rockfish populations off the West Coast are declining. Fishery management practices, aquaculture and development of marine protected areas are some of the techniques being used or explored in hopes of halting or reversing the decline.