Sebastes mentella is a valuable commercial fish. It occurs in the northern waters of the Atlantic Ocean and Arctic Ocean. Lives in dense shoals at depths of 100 to 700 m; young fish stay in the higher waters of 100 to 300 m. The dense, bright red body is covered in scales. There are distinct dark spots on the back and sides. The large head has large bulging eyes. Maximum body length is 85 cm, with a weight of 9 kg. The average size is around 40 cm.