Sand Tilefish

Malacanthus plumieri is a species of tilefish.

Description

It has a long body. It varies in color from yellowish white to light bluish gray. Head is with light yellow and bluish markings. It has long dorsal and ventral fins. It has a crescent yellow tail, with a dark area on the upper central part. Max length is 70 cm, common length is 50 cm. Max published weight is 1 kg.

Distribution

Western Atlantic: North Carolina (USA), Gulf of Mexico, and throughout the Caribbean to Rio de la Plata, Uruguay. Southeast Atlantic: Ascension Island.

Habitat

It is primarily a shallow-water benthic species found on sand and rubble bottoms. Builds mounds of rubble and shell fragments near reefs and grass beds. It enters its mound head first when frightened. It feeds mainly on stomatopods, fishes, polychaete worms, chitons, sea urchins, sea stars, amphipods and shrimps. Tends to bite when handled.