Malacanthus
Malacanthus is a genus of fish in the family Malacanthidae, commonly known as tilefishes or blanquillos. These fish are characterized by their elongated, compressed bodies, with a prominent, upward-facing mouth. They are found in tropical and subtropical waters of the Atlantic, Indian, and Pacific Oceans, inhabiting rocky reefs, coral reefs, and seagrass beds. The genus currently consists of 14 recognized species, each distinguished by unique color patterns, size, and geographic distribution.
Common Names
Members of the genus Malacanthus are commonly known as:
- Tilefishes
- Blanquillos
Characteristics
Malacanthus species share several characteristic features:
- Elongated, compressed bodies: Their bodies are elongated and laterally compressed, resembling a tile or a brick.
- Prominent, upward-facing mouth: Their mouths are positioned at the top of their head, pointing upward, allowing them to feed on prey above them.
- Scales: Their bodies are covered in small, overlapping scales.
- Dorsal fin: They possess a long, continuous dorsal fin extending along their back.
- Anal fin: They have a long, continuous anal fin extending along their belly.
- Color patterns: Malacanthus species exhibit a variety of color patterns, including brown, yellow, orange, and black.
- Size: They typically range in size from 20 to 60 cm (8 to 24 inches) in length.
Environment
Malacanthus species are predominantly found in:
- Tropical and subtropical waters: They inhabit warmer waters of the Atlantic, Indian, and Pacific Oceans.
- Rocky reefs: They are commonly observed dwelling among rocks and crevices on reefs.
- Coral reefs: They are often found near coral reefs, taking shelter in the intricate structures.
- Seagrass beds: Some species can also be found in seagrass beds, utilizing the vegetation for shelter and feeding.