Distribution:

Eastern Atlantic: Shetland Islands to Morocco, Rio de Oro (Western Sahara), and Madeira.

Diagnosis:

Dorsal spines (total): 0-0; Anal spines: 0-0. Upper surface wholly prickly, except in juveniles; underside only prickly along front margins of disc; orbital thorns separate; a regular median row of 40-45 thorns in juveniles and adult females, interrupted on back in males; 60-90 tooth rows; upper surface ochre, with numerous small dark spots to margins of disc, underside white.

Biology:

Found on sand and sand-rock bottoms. Feeds on all kinds of benthic animals.

Max. size: 120.0 cm

Max.weight: 15 Kg

Environment: demersal; depth range 10 - 380 m

Climate: temperate; 60°N - 17°N

Canary Islands country information: [ No common name ]