Sebastes inermis was first formally described in 1829 by the French zoologist Georges Cuvier with the type locality given as Japan.

The specific name inermis means "unarmed", a reference to the relatively small spines on the head.

[3] This species grows to a total length of 35.9 cm (14.1 in), and the heaviest recorded specimen weighed 800 g (1.8 lb).

[1] Sebastes inermis is one of the most important target species for fisheries in Japan[5] and is also grown in aquaculture to supply market demand.

[6] Sea perch are very popular seawater game fish highly prized especially by fishermen, because they generally put up a good fight when caught with a hook and line.