Rougheye rockfish are widely distributed and occur on both sides of the Pacific Ocean: in North America from Alaska to southern California, and in Asia from northern Japan up to the Bering Sea. In British Columbia, they occur along the continental slope, and are typically found at depths between 170 and 660 m.

Highest densities of rougheye rockfish occur on the sea floor with soft substrates, in areas with frequent boulders and on slopes greater than 20°. Boulders may act as territorial markers, current deflectors, or structures that help them hunt for prey.

Rougheye rockfish belong to the family Scorpaenidae and its name - rougheye - refers to a series of spines along the lower rim of the eyes. Rougheye rockfish are possibly among the longest lived fish species on earth. In Alaska, scientists aged one specimen to 205 years.

It has recently been discovered that rougheye probably comprise two distinct species with possibly different depth distributions. The two types have similar appearances with slight variations in colour. Scientifically, they are currently known simply as Type I and Type II.

Rougheye rockfish appear red with dark or dusky blotches of pigment in the back dorsal region. It has a light red lateral line and all but the pectoral fins are usually marked with black ends. Rougheye rockfish can attain lengths up to 100 cm.