Distribution:

Eastern Atlantic: northern Portugal and throughout the Mediterranean to Madeira and South Africa. Reported from the Canary Islands but occurrence needs verification. Also in southwestern part of the Indian Ocean.

Diagnosis:

Dorsal spines (total): 0-0; Anal spines: 0-0. Snout short and bluntly pointed; disc angular. Upper surface prickly only in young, nearly smooth in adults, underside smooth. Upper surface ochre to reddish-brown with scattered dark spots, underside white; two bright blue eyespots centered on the pectoral bases; may have a small dark spot on tip of snout.

Biology:

Found over soft bottoms of the shelf and the uppermost slope. Feeds on all kinds of benthic animals, also on fish offal. Caught by skiboat anglers.

Max. size: 63.0 cm - 59.7 cm (female)

Environment: demersal; depth range 17 - 300 m

Climate: subtropical; 44°N - 35°S

Canary Islands country information: [ No common name ]