Malacanthidae

Common Names

Members of this family are commonly called tilefishes, a name that reflects their compressed, tile-like bodies. Some species are also known as blanquillos, particularly in the Caribbean. These names, however, are often used to refer to various related species within the Perciformes order.

Characteristics

Malacanthidae possess several distinctive characteristics that set them apart from other fish families. These include:

• Compressed Body: Their bodies are deep and laterally compressed, resembling a tile or a thin rectangle. This shape allows them to maneuver easily through coral reefs and other complex habitats.
• Elongated Dorsal Fin: Their dorsal fin is long and continuous, running the length of their back. This fin helps them maintain stability and maneuver in the water.
• Small, Protruding Mouth: Malacanthids have small, forward-pointing mouths that are well-suited for feeding on small invertebrates and crustaceans.
• Scales: Most species possess ctenoid scales, which are rough and comb-like, providing protection and reducing drag in the water.

Environments

Malacanthidae are found in a variety of marine environments, including:

• Coral Reefs: They are commonly found on reefs, where they seek shelter among the corals and feed on small invertebrates.
• Sandy Bottoms: Some species prefer sandy bottoms, where they bury themselves in the sediment during the day and emerge at night to feed.
• Muddy Bottoms: Others inhabit muddy bottoms, where they find food and shelter among the sediment.

References

For further information, please refer to these reliable sources:

• FishBase
• Integrated Taxonomic Information System (ITIS)
• World Register of Marine Species (WoRMS)