canary or copper

Hey all.  I don't get to go out on the ocean much anymore, so I fully admit to not being as familiar with rockfish species as I used to be.  I caught this guy at SWS on Saturday and was pretty sure it was a copper until I started second guessing myself and looking online.  From what I've read canary are more difficult to differentiate from vermillion, but I saw more similarities between coppers and canary.  Would anyone be willing to clarify this for me?  I don't want to end up with multiple canaries.

Copper.

 

Thanks for the quick reply Jim.  Am I way off on canaries and coppers looking alike?

Thanks for the quick reply Jim.  Am I way off on canaries and coppers looking alike?

Canaries are very orange like a an old trafic cone( canary) and coppers are well a dull copper color, youl know the diffence once you see them in person. If you know what one looks like you can easily tell them apart, its a little more difficult from just pictures since its an odd color, underwater the canaries will make your brain hurt because it's a very strange color ive never seen on land.   Ive only seen a tiny canary once in my life before underwater. 

Canaries are very orange like a an old trafic cone( canary) and coppers are well a dull copper color, youl know the diffence once you see them in person. If you know what one looks like you can easily tell them apart, its a little more difficult from just pictures since its an odd color, underwater the canaries will make your brain hurt because it's a very strange color ive never seen on land.   Ive only seen a tiny canary once in my life before underwater.
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Thanks Ryan, I suppose I just need to invest in a laminated ID sheet

Coppernary

Thanks for the quick reply Jim.  Am I way off on canaries and coppers looking alike?

I wouldn't say way off, just need to brush up.  its easier to confuse a red copper for a verm than a copper for a canary though, so check the chin if it matters to you.  Canaries don't vary that much in appearance.  Coppers do.  Also a risk of confusing a canary for a yelloweye if you are having a hard time with canaries.  Have that one down cold, you don't want to retain a yelloweye.

Thanks for the quick reply Jim.  Am I way off on canaries and coppers looking alike?

Nah man, it's a totally valid question!

Here are two pics from the DFW chart on my wall that may help you...

Also, here is a list of all the coppers entered for DOTY since 2012...you can see their color varies dramatically...

http://doty.norcalkayakanglers.com/speciesleaders/list_by_species/17

Hope that helps!

 

Sincerely,

Jim

Its good that you ask, some novice are still having difficulty differentiating Canary's, Vermillions, Yellow Eye and Coppers.

Here are some pics for references.
In this order:
Canary
Copper
Vermillion (Red)
Yellow Eye and Juvenile Yellow Eye

get to da coppa!

Here is a canary I caught last year in Monterey. (it was released)

Coppernary

I coulda sworn it was a Canarper.

get to da coppa!

Perfect!
 

Awesome, thanks for all the help on the matter guys.  I feel more prepared for my next outing.  This place is an awesome resource.  You guys rock!