Quillback rockfish are an inshore rockfish native to the Pacific Ocean. They occur from southeastern Alaska to southern California. As their name implies, they typically live near rocky areas in the ocean-particularly those with vertical relief, like reefs or ridges-typically at depths of 50-100 metres, although they have been found as deep as 275 metres.

Quillback rockfish are stocky fish with a sloped head, a large mouth and large eyes. They are dark brown mottled with yellow or orange, and their head or lower flanks may be flecked with small yellow or orange spots. They are distinguished by their long, sharp dorsal spines and the light-coloured "saddle" patch that reaches across their dorsal fin. They can grow to about 60 centimetres and live up to 95 years.