Black margate
📖 Overview
Maximum depth from Ref. 126840. Inhabits larger patch reefs and quickly sloping rocky bottoms. Often near the shelter of caves, ledges, or wrecks . Feeds at night on crustaceans, mollusks, smaller fish, and the long-spined urchin, Diadema. Marketed fresh.
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Dorsal spines (total): 12; Dorsal soft rays (total): 18; Anal spines: 3; Anal soft rays: 9. Front half of body darker than rear. Soft dorsal and anal fins have dense scales on bases of interradial membranes . Fins dusky, anal and pelvic fins darkest; peritoneum not black; young with two black stripes and a black spot at base of caudal fin .: short and / or deep.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Black margate is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
🥚 Reproduction
Distinct pairing during breeding .
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Marine; reef-associated; depth range 0 - 70 m , usually 0 - 15 m . Subtropical; 31°N - 35°S, 98°W - 28°W
🌿 Ecology
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🎣 Angling Guide
- medium-heavy 7ft spinning rod
- 30-50 lb braid
- fluorocarbon leader
- grass flats
- oyster bars
- marsh drains
- deeper channel edges
Use barbless hooks, minimise air exposure, and revive fish head-first in current before release.
⚠️ Slot limits protect breeding-size fish. Verify daily bag limits.
🍽️ Edibility & Flavour
"Black margate is an edible species."
- Clear, bright eyes — cloudy eyes indicate age
- Firm flesh that springs back when pressed
- Fresh ocean smell, never strong or ammonia-like
- Bright red or pink gills, not grey or brown
- Shiny, moist skin with scales tightly attached
- Cloudy or sunken eyes
- Strong fishy or ammonia odour
- Soft, mushy flesh that doesn't spring back
- Discoloured or dry flesh
⚡ Nutrition
Per 100g cooked - Source: USDA FoodData Central
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Protein | 19.7 g |
| Omega-3 (total) | 127 mg |
🔬 Mercury Safety
Mercury data for Black margate has not yet been assigned. Please consult FDA/EPA guidance for general seafood safety advice.
🌿 Sustainability
🔬 Full Nutritional Profile
Per 100g - Raw, per 100g - Source: USDA FoodData Central templates (generic fish average)
📊 Population Dynamics
| Year | Region | Index | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| - | - | - |
🌐 Names & Taxonomy
Scientific Synonyms
| Scientific Name | Author | Year | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Haemulon labridum | Poey | 1861 | Synonym |
| Haemulon obtusum | Poey | 1860 | Synonym |
| Lutjanus surinamensis | Bloch | 1791 | Synonym |
| Pristipoma bilineatum | Cuvier | 1830 | Synonym |
| Pristipoma melanopterum | Cuvier | 1830 | Synonym |
| Pristipoma spleniatum | Poey | 1860 | Synonym |
🔍 Similar Species
🗺️ Global Occurrence Map
Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) - 12 records indexed .
👥 Community & Contribute
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