Distribution:

Eastern Atlantic: off Portugal and Straits of Gibraltar to Namibia, including Cape Verde and the Canary Islands. Also from the Mediterranean.

Diagnosis:

Dorsal spines (total): 11-12; Dorsal softrays (total): 10-11; Anal spines: 3-3; Anal soft-rays: 8-8. Body and fins reddish; anal fin and lower part of caudal fin edged with white.

Biology:

Inhabits rocky or sandy bottoms; individuals descending to greater depths with growth. The stocks migrate seasonally between the coast and deeper waters in accordance with local hydrographic conditions and their life cycle. Feeds mainly on fish and crustaceans; the young on plankton.

Max. size: 65.0 cm

Environment: benthopelagic; depth range 30 - 500 m

Climate: subtropical; 42°N - 22°S

Canary Islands country information: name: Alfonsito