Distribution:

Worldwide in distribution. Eastern Atlantic: Norway to South Africa, also the Mediterranean and Black Sea. Western Pacific: Japan, Korea, Australia and New Zealand. Also known from the Indian Ocean.

Diagnosis:

Dorsal spines (total): 9-11; Dorsal softrays (total): 22-24; Anal spines: 4-4; Anal soft-rays: 20-23. Gill rakers rudimentary. Minute scales present. Highly compressed body. Large dark spot, surrounded by a light ring on each side of the body.

Biology:

Found in areas close to the sea bed. Generally solitary. Feeds mainly on schooling bony fishes, occasionally on cephalopods and crustaceans. Sold fresh and frozen. Can be steamed, fried, broiled, boiled, microwaved and baked. Reproduction takes place at the end of winter and at the start of spring in the northeastern Atlantic. The flesh is excellent but is utilised little in West Africa.

Max. size: 90.0 cm

Max.weight: 8,000.0 g

Environment: benthopelagic; depth range 5 - 400 m

Climate: temperate; 63°N - 47°S

Canary Islands country information: Name: Pez de San Pedro