Distribution:

Eastern Atlantic and Western Indian Ocean: Mediterranean Sea and round the southern tip of Africa to southern Mozambique and Madagascar. Western Atlantic: southern Brazil, and from Uruguay and Argentina.

Diagnosis:

Dorsal spines (total): 11-11; Dorsal softrays (total): 14-16; Anal spines: 3-3; Anal soft-rays: 8-8.

Biology:

Prefers rocky bottoms. Solitary and territorial. Feeds on crabs and octopi; larger individuals feed on a greater proportion of fishes, the majority of which are reef-associated species. Utilized as a food fish. Readily caught by anglers. Does not adapt well in an aquarium.

Max. size: 150.0 cm

Max.weight: 60 Kg

Environment: reef-associated; depth range 8 - 300 m

Climate: subtropical; 55°N - 35°S

Canary Islands country information: Name: Mero