Distribution:

Eastern Atlantic: Portugal and Morroco to Angola, including the Mediterranean, Madeira and the Canary Islands; then from Saldanha Bay to Natal (South Africa) and southern Mozambique.

Diagnosis:

Long, flat, rounded snout like a duck's bill; head thick and pectoral disc with sharply curved, angular corners; upper or lower jaw; usually with 7 rows of flat teeth. Light brown with several pale blue-grey stripes (may be absent) dorsally, white ventrally.

Biology:

Found in coastal tropical and warm temperate waters, occasionally offshore. Sometimes found in small groups. Feeds on bottom-living crustaceans and mollusks. Prized angling fish, often released. Flesh highly esteemed.

Max. size: 180.0 cm

Max.weight: 83 Kg

Environment: benthopelagic; depth range 10 - 150 m

Climate: subtropical; 44°N - 35°S

Canary Islands country information: Name: Obispo