Species guide
How to catch Blackbelly rosefish
Helicolenus dactylopterus
The Blackbelly rosefish is a striking saltwater predator known for its blue mouth and robust body. It inhabits soft bottom areas from the continental shelf to upper slope depths, feeding selectively on benthic and pelagic prey. This species is a sought-after gamefish prized for its fighting ability.
Where they live
Lives in soft-bottom habitats on the continental shelf and upper slope, ranging from shallow depths of about 50 meters down to 1100 meters, across the Atlantic and Mediterranean seas.
Typical size
Up to about 50 cm
What they eat
- small fish
- crustaceans
- cephalopods
- echinoderms
- fish remains
Best baits
- pieces of fish
- shrimp
- squid
Best lures
- soft plastic baits
- jigs
- deep-water spoons
How to fish for them
- bottom fishing
- jigging
- deep-water angling
Track every Blackbelly rosefish you catch.
Bobbr turns each catch into a species collection, quests, and streaks. We're building it now — join the iOS waitlist for $19 lifetime founding access.
Claim founding access