Do you know your catch?

From the Department of Marine Resources

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Common names: raven, sea raven

Description: Sea ravens may vary in color from blood red to reddish purple to yellow brown. Their belly is usually a shade of yellow. They have a large head and a stout, tapering body. Distinctive tabs of flesh hang from their head W4 and lower jaw. A curious ragged layer of skin is also present on the first dorsal fin. Their pectoral fins are large and fan-like and they have a small tail fin. These fish have a broad mouth that is lined with several rows of very sharp teeth. Sea ravens often grow to be 18 to 20 inches in length.

Where found: inshore and offshore

Similar Gulf of Maine species: none

Remarks: Sea ravens frequent rocky or hard substrates at depths ranging from 6 feet to 300 feet. They are present throughout the water column and are considered voracious feeders. Their diet includes a variety of mollusks, crustaceans and fish. Sea ravens will take almost any bait. They are edible, but few are kept because of their ugly appearance.

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