Distribution:

Eastern Atlantic: Bay of Biscay, British and Scandinavian waters (rare vagrant) to Angola, including the Mediterranean Sea and offshore islands.

Diagnosis:

Length of second dorsal fin base is equal to length of anal fin base. Front end of body with 3 - 5 dark spots.

Biology:

Moderately common in shallow water in areas of surge. Found in clear waters, over sand or mud bottoms. Forms schools. Small specimens are regularly caught at night from steep rocky shores. Feeds on small crustaceans, mollusks and fishes.

Max. size: 70.0 cm

Max.weight: 2,800.0 g

Environment: pelagic; depth range 50 - 200 m

Climate: subtropical; 66°N - 13°S

Canary Islands country information: Name: Palometa