Found in soft bottom areas of the continental shelf and upper slope. Feed on both benthic and pelagic organisms (crustaceans, fishes, cephalopods, and echinoderms) (Ref. 4570). From Ref. 36265, "Blackbelly rosefish have intraovarian gestation. Fertilization is internal, as free spermatozoa were found primarily in resting ovaries from July through early December with peak occurrence in September through November in the Western Atlantic. There was a delay of 1-3 months before fertilization, as oocyte development did not begin until December. Occurrence during January through April of early-celled embryos, the most advanced stage observed, and postovulatory follicles indicated that oocyte development was rapid. Egg development occurs in a clear gelatinous matrix secreted into the ovarian cavity. The reproductive mode is a zygoparous form of oviparity, intermediate between oviparity and viviparity" (pers. com). Larvae and juveniles are pelagic (Ref. 4570). Anterolateral glandular grooves with venom gland (Ref. 57406). Sold fresh (Ref. 27121).