Distribution:

Eastern Atlantic: Portugal and Straits of Gibraltar to Angola, including the Mediterranean.

Biology:

Inhabits hard bottoms (rocks and rubble), the older individuals in the deeper part of the range, the young in inshore areas. Feeds mainly on bivalves and also on crustaceans and fish. Sexual maturity at 2 years old. Spawning migration occurs parallel to the coast with intermittent spawning between spring and autumn over soft bottoms in shallow waters.

Max. size: 90.0 cm

Environment: benthopelagic; depth range - 200 m

Climate: subtropical; 42°N - 13°S

Canary Islands country information: Name: Sama