Distribution:

Eastern Atlantic: Norway to South Africa, including the Mediterranean, Canary Islands, Madeira, Cape Verde, and Tristan da Cunha. Western Atlantic: Newfoundland, Canada and Gulf of Maine to North Carolina, USA. Recorded from Ururguay to Argentina. Western Indian Ocean: St. Paul and Amsterdam islands. Southwest Pacific: New Zealand.

Diagnosis:

Dorsal spines (total): 10-12; Dorsal softrays (total): 11-13; Anal spines: 3-3; Anal soft-rays: 8-10. Bluish grey above, paler below with a silvery sheen; fins blackish brown. Juveniles have black blotches on head and body. Body tall, compressed. Big mouth with big head and a rough bony ridge across upper part of the gill cover.

Biology:

Prefers to inhabit caves and shipwrecks. Juveniles congregate below floating objects. Usually solitary. Feeds on large crustaceans, cephalopods and benthic fishes. Spawns in the summer. Marketed fresh or frozen; eaten steamed, fried, broiled, boiled, microwaved and baked.

Max. size: 210.0 cm

Max.weight: 100 Kg

Environment: bathydemersal; depth range 40 - 600 m

Climate: deep-water; 70°N - 55°S

Canary Islands country information: [ No common name ]