Distribution:

Eastern Atlantic: British Isles, Straits of Gibraltar to Cape Verde and around the Canary Islands. Also in the Mediterranean.

Diagnosis:

Dorsal spines (total): 11-11; Dorsal softrays (total): 13-14; Anal spines: 3-3; Anal soft-rays: 11-12. Body tall, with large black spot on the gill cover. Snout more than twice as long as the eye diameter.

Biology:

Inhabits seagrass beds and sandy bottoms as well as in the surf zone commonly to depths of about 30 m, but adults may occur to 150 m depth. A sedentary fish, either solitary or in small aggregations. In spring, often occurs in brackish water coastal lagoons and estuaries. Mainly carnivorous, accessorily herbivorous. Feeds on shellfish, including mussels and oysters. One of the most important fishes in saline and hypersaline aquaculture. Utilized fresh and eaten steamed, pan-fried, broiled, boiled, microwaved and baked.

Max. size: 70.0 cm

Max.weight: 17 Kg

Environment: demersal; depth range 30 - 150 m

Climate: subtropical; 57°N - 43°S

Canary Islands country information: Name: Roncador