Distribution:

Eastern Atlantic: Norway, Starits of Gibraltar to Cape Blanc in Mauritania, Madeira, Canary Is., and western Mediterranean (rare beyond the Sicilian Strait).

Diagnosis:

Dorsal spines (total): 12-13; Dorsal softrays (total): 11-13; Anal spines: 3-3; Anal soft-rays: 11-12. Black spot above the pectoral fin base. Snout shorter than the eye diameter.

Biology:

Inshore waters above various types of bottom (rocks, sand, mud) to 400 m (Mediterranean) and 700 m (Atlantic); young near the coast, adults on the continental slope specially over muddy bottoms. Omnivorous, but feeds mainly on crustaceans, molluscs, worms and small fish. Protandric hermaphrodite, becomes females at 20-30 cm length. Spawns from January to June when the adults move towards the coast up to the edge of the continental shelf. Important foodfish. Marketed fresh and frozen; consumed pan-fried, broiled and baked.

Max. size: 70.0 cm

Max.weight: 4,000.0 g

Environment: benthopelagic; depth range - 700 m

Climate: temperate; 65°N - 20°N

Canary Islands country information: Name: Antonito