Distribution:

Eastern Atlantic: British Isles and France to South Africa, including the Mediterranean, Madeira and the Canary Islands.

Diagnosis:

Dorsal spines (total): 0-0; Anal spines: 0-0. A large, plain or black-spotted smoothhound. Uniformly grey or greyish-brown above, white below.

Biology:

Found on the continental shelves and uppermost slopes, from the intertidal region to at least 350 m depth. Sometimes in midwater but prefers to swim near the bottom. Feeds mainly on crustaceans, but also cephalopods and bony fishes. Taken by shore and skiboat anglers. Utilized for human consumption, oil, and fishmeal. Sexual maturity is reached at a length of 70-80 cm.

Max. size: 200.0 cm

Environment: demersal; depth range 5 - 350 m

Climate: subtropical; 58°N - 34°S

Canary Islands country information: Name: Cazón, Tollo