Distribution:

Western Atlantic: North Carolina, USA and northern Gulf of Mexico through the Caribbean to Brazil. Eastern Atlantic: southern coast of Spain to south of Cape Lopez, Gabon and including the Mediterranean and Azores, Madeira, Canaries, Cape Verde, and Sao Tome Island.

Diagnosis:

Dorsal spines (total): 9-9; Dorsal softrays (total): 12-12; Anal spines: 3-3; Anal soft-rays: 12-12. An elongate, very compressed fish with front of head forming a sharp edge. Snout vey blunt; profile steep. Pale greenish, usually with no conspicuous markings on body. Head with alternating vertical lines of light blue and light yellow-orange.

Biology:

Inhabits clear shallow areas with sandy bottoms, usually in the vicinity of seagrass beds and corals. Feeds mainly on mollusks; also crabs and shrimps. A protogynous hermaphrodite; sexual dimorphism apparent in head shape and length of pelvic fin. Builds nests with coral debris. Dives head first into the sand when frightened.

Max. size: 38.0 cm

Environment: demersal; depth range 1 - 90 m

Climate: subtropical

Canary Islands country information: Name: Pez Peine