Tilefish

Tilefish are a family, Malacanthidae, of perciform fish, named after their habit of hiding in holes in the sea floor or in hollows in rocks.

Description

Tilefishes are mostly small, the largest reaching a length of 1.2 m (3.9 ft). They are found in tropical and subtropical oceans throughout the world. They are usually brightly colored, and often have a deep, laterally compressed body. The head is large, as are the eyes. The dorsal and anal fins are long and continuous, with the dorsal fin extending forward onto the head. The caudal fin may be truncate, but is usually emarginate, while the pectoral fins are small and the pelvic fins are set relatively far back. The scales are small, often cycloid but sometimes ctenoid.

Behavior

Tilefishes are solitary animals, living in burrows that they excavate in sandy or muddy substrates. The burrows are used for shelter, and for brooding the eggs. They feed on small invertebrates and fish.

Species

There are about 40 species in 5 genera. The genera are: Caulolatilus, Hoplolatilus, Lopholatilus, Malacanthus, and Tilefish.

External links

• Tilefishes (Malacanthidae) at FishBase

Tilefish Resources
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