Butterfish

Maxilla without scales. Preopercle with rounded, only slightly enlarged, spines at its angle. Opercle with 3 flat spines, middle one the largest. Pelvic fins shorter than pectorals and shorter than longest dorsal spine. Bases of soft dorsal and anal fins covered with scales and thick skin. 2 or 3 dark saddles along base of dorsal fin and another on top of caudal peduncle. Tan with red spots on head, body and fins, spots becoming larger ventrally (Ref. 26938); characterized further by: body depth less than head length, 2.6-3.2 times in SL; head length 2.1-2.5 in SL; interorbital area flat or slightly concave; preopercle evenly serrate; smooth subopercle and interopercle; subequal posterior and anterior nostrils (Ref. 089707).

Dorsal spines (total): 11; Dorsal soft rays (total): 16 - 17; Analspines: 3; Analsoft rays: 8

Inhabits rocky reefs. Feeds mainly on crabs (67%) and fishes (20%). Typically found in shallow water over a rocky bottom with some surf action (Ref. 33). Carnivore (Ref. 57616).

Inhabits rocky reefs. Usually solitary (Ref. 29). Difficult to approach (Ref. 9710). Juveniles often seen in rockpools (Ref. 86997). Feeds mainly on crabs (67%) and fishes (20%). In the Ascension I., feeds on juvenile Melichthys niger and young sea turtles. Its flesh is of good quality. Marketed fresh. Angling: Like other grouper, rock hind are caught by fishing at the right depth over an irregular bottom (Ref. 84357).

fisheries: highly commercial; gamefish: yes; price category: very high; price reliability: questionable: based on ex-vessel price for species in this genus

Western Atlantic: Massachusetts, USA and Bermuda to the Gulf of Mexico, the Caribbean and southern Brazil. Including Antilles and coasts of Central and South America

benthic