Acadian redfish grow slowly, reaching lengths of 18-20 inches and living for 50 years or more. They mature late, at five to six years old, and their mating season occurs in late autumn to early winter. Eggs are fertilized in spring and undergo incubation for 45-60 days. The female redfish gives birth to live young in July and August, with 15,000-20,000 larvae per spawning cycle.
Juvenile redfish stay near the surface, feeding on small crustaceans, until they reach two inches in length. They then move to the ocean bottom, gradually turning red in color. Fish caught in deep water may suffer from barotrauma, but proper release can ensure survival.
Adult redfish feed on larger invertebrates and small fish, while being preyed upon by halibut, Atlantic cod, swordfish, and harbor seals.
Habitat-wise, Acadian redfish are found in the US Atlantic Ocean from Long Island, New York, to Labrador, Canada. They can also be found in Iceland, Norway, and the southern waters of Greenland. They prefer rocky, structurally complex habitats near the seabed but can also inhabit muddy and clay ocean bottoms. They move off the ocean bottom at night to feed and migrate closer to shore in the winter.
