Shocking claims about rockfish

This article about rockfish, seemingly credible with a by-line and all those Latin names, makes a couple of incredible claims and I'm wondering if anyone can verify them.

1. The article claims "All of the California rockfish are venomous, but not nearly as toxic as their lionfish relatives."

2. The article claims rockfish can live to 200 years old.

Are they true?

http://www.cadivingnews.com/article/761/Rockfish

You need this resource:
http://www.amazon.com/Probably-About-Fishes-Pacific-Coast/dp/0962872555/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1266347536&sr=1-1

Also check out the Love Lab....
http://www.lovelab.id.ucsb.edu/

John

You need this resource:
http://www.amazon.com/Probably-About-Fishes-Pacific-Coast/dp/0962872555/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1266347536&sr=1-1

Also check out the Love Lab....
http://www.lovelab.id.ucsb.edu/

John

Oops, the book is temporarily out of stock.  So what's the answer??  I'm dying to know here.....

Yes, on both accounts.

yes they are all venomous and Dr. Milton Love they do live that long

http://seagrant.uaf.edu/news/05news/09-07-05rockfish.html

BTW, that rockfish book is excellent.

Yes, on both accounts.

So, is there any risk of eating rockfish, say if I eat lots of them??

I believe its the spines that are venomous...  So, if you like eating spines...

I believe its the spines that are venomous...  So, if you like eating spines...

I don't eat the spines, but I often steam the fish whole, bones and fins in tact, then douse it with soy sauce and hot oil.  Very tasty result.

Venomous and poisonous aren't always the same thing. 

The spines are mildly venomous and if you've ever been stuck by one you already new that.  Most venoms are just proteins so I'm sure cooking the fish will denature any venom left in the fish. 

Oops, the book is temporarily out of stock.  So what's the answer??  I'm dying to know here.....

Yes, the NEW books are out of stock - but there were used ones for sale from about $8.00

If you're interested in just rockfish, Milton Love's "The Rockfishes of the Northeast Pacific" is excellent.

http://www.amazon.com/Rockfishes-Northeast-Pacific-Milton-Love/dp/0520234383/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1266364219&sr=1-1