Sand Tilefish 
Sand Tilefish
Malacanthus plumieri
Average Weight/Length
Usually 2 pounds or less. World record 2 pounds, 4 ounces.
Family, Genus, Class & Etymology
| Family | Malacanthidae |
| Description | Tilefishes |
| Environment | Brackish & Marine |
| Etymology | Greek, mala = a lot of + Greek, akantha = thorn |
| Genus | 5 |
| No. of Species | 45 |
| Order | Perciformes |
| Class | Actinopterygii |
| Reproductive Guild | Nonguarders |
| Distribution | Atlantic, Indian, and Pacific. Depth range 10-500 m (usually 50-200 m). One species (Malacanthus latovittatus) may be found in both marine and brackish water (Goldie River, New Guinea).(Ref. 8991). One relatively long dorsal fin; total dorsal fin rays 22-64. Relatively long anal fin; 1 or 2 weak spines; soft rays 14-56. Top of head with or without cutaneous ridge. Operculum with one blunt or sharp spine. Branchiostegal rays 6. Truncate, double emarginate, emarginate to forked caudal fin. Vertebrae 24, 25, or 27 (precaudal 10 or 11). Larvae with elaborate spines (elongated and serrate) on the head and scale (Ref. 8991). All species live in a burrow, some in a large rubble mound of their own construction, in pairs or colonies. They feed on benthic invertebrates or zoopankton. Assumed to be nonguarders (RF). Most aquarium specimens are collected with poison and soon die. According to Dooley 1978 (Ref. 8991), the tilefishes are comprised of two morphologically different and evolutionary distinct groups and are distinct enough to be separate families [Branchiostegidae: with genera Branchiostegus, Lopholatilus, Caulolatilus and Malacanthidae: with genera Hoplolatilus and Malacanthus]. |
Other "Popular" Names for this Fish
Sand Eel, Blanquillo
Location Habitat
Sandy bottom, often around edges of coral reefs, mostly from 40 to 150 feet of water. Primarily a shallow-water benthic species found on sand and rubble bottoms. Builds mounds of rubble and shell fragments near reefs and grass beds; enters its mound head first when frightened. Feeds mainly on stomatopods, fishes, polychaete worms, chitons, sea urchins, sea stars, amphipods and shrimps. Tends to bite when handled
Biology & Physical Description
A slender, smooth-skinned fish with crescent tail. Color is cream or tan, sometimes with blue highlights. Anal fin extends nearly the length of the underside between ventral fin and tail. Dorsal spines (total): 4 - 5; Dorsal soft rays (total): 53-57; Anal spines: 1; Anal soft rays: 50 - 52. Caudal fin lunate.
Geographic Species Map (Fishbase.org Map)
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Summary of Distribution: Western Atlantic: North Carolina (USA), Gulf of Mexico, and throughout the Caribbean to Rio de la Plata, Uruguay. Southeast Atlantic: Ascension Island. |
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Note: Distribution range colors indicate degree of suitability of habitat which can be interpreted as probabilities of occurrence (fishbase.org) |
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Tackle & Baits
Nobody fishes for Sand Eels. Most are unwelcome catches of reef fishermen seeking Snapper and Grouper. If you catch a Sand Eel it should be taken as sign of poor (meaning sandy) bottom. Hits any kind of cut bait.
Game Rating
Game Rating : 3/10
Game Description :
Poor.
Food Rating
Game Rating : 6/10
Game Description :
Pretty good, but seldom eaten; considered a throwback by most fishermen.
