Distribution:

Widely distributed in tropical and temperate seas of the world.

Diagnosis:

Dorsal spines (total): 13-15; Dorsal softrays (total): 15-18; Anal spines: 0-0; Anal soft-rays: 15-18; Vertebrates: 32-32. Skin very rough, scales interspersed with spinous bony tubercles. Mid-ventral (abdominal) keel on the ventral contour. Body is uniformly brown to dark brown, tips of the pectoral and pelvic fins black, margins of the second dorsal and anal fins white in young specimens.

Biology:

Usually over the continental shelf, sometimes in oceanic waters down to 800 m. Usually solitary or in pairs near the bottom. Migrates far offshore. Feeds on fish, crustaceans and squid. The peculiar wooden 'palu' or Ruvettus hook is used to catch this species in south central Pacific. The flesh is very oily, with purgative properties, if eaten much. Marketed fresh and as fish cakes in Japan; also processed into fishmeal.

Max. size: 300.0 cm

Max.weight: 64 Kg

Environment: benthopelagic; depth range 100 - 800 m

Climate: subtropical; 55°N - 43°S

Canary Islands country information: [ No common name]