Distribution:

Eastern Atlantic and Mediterranean: Bay of Biscay to Senegal, Madeira, the Canaries, Cape Verde; rare in the British Isles but recorded occasionally off Denmark.

Diagnosis:

Dorsal spines (total): 12-13; Dorsal softrays (total): 10-12; Anal spines: 3-3; Anal soft-rays: 9-10. Body tall without stripes but with a black spot at the pectoral fin base.

Biology:

Adults inhabit various types of bottoms, especially seagrass beds and sand down to 500 m depth, but more common between 40 and 100 m. The young are found nearer to the shore. Omnivorous, but prefers worms, molluscs and small crustaceans. Important food fish.

Max. size: 36.0 cm

Environment: benthopelagic; depth range - 500 m

Climate: subtropical; 58°N - 13°N

Canary Islands country information: [ No common name ]