Conchfish
📖 Overview
Prefers clear insular waters of oceanic islands . Has a commensal relationship with the conch shell Lobatus gigas (where it is found in the mantle cavity) and with the bivalve Atrina rigida . Emerges at night from the conch shell to feed on small crustaceans. Males brood the eggs in their mouths. .
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Preopercle smooth, scales smooth, no scales on midline in front of dorsal fin.: fusiform / normal.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Conchfish is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
Diet information for Conchfish is currently being compiled.
🥚 Reproduction
Are mouthbrooders . Distinct pairing during courtship and spawning .
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Marine; reef-associated; depth range 1 - 40 m . Tropical; 32°N - 24°S Central Atlantic: Bermuda, Florida (USA), and Bahamas to the Antilles (Ref.
🌿 Ecology
small crustaceans
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🍽️ Edibility & Flavour
"Conchfish 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 | 18.9 g |
| Omega-3 (total) | 177 mg |
🔬 Mercury Safety
Mercury data for Conchfish has not yet been assigned. Please consult FDA/EPA guidance for general seafood safety advice.
🌿 Sustainability
🌐 Names & Taxonomy
Scientific Synonyms
| Scientific Name | Author | Year | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apogon stellatus | Cope | 1867 | Synonym |
| Apogonichthys melampodus | Blosser | 1909 | Synonym |
| Apogonichthys stellatus | Cope | 1867 | Synonym |
| Apogonichthys strombi | Plate | 1908 | Synonym |
🔍 Similar Species
🗺️ Global Occurrence Map
Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) — 21 records indexed .
👥 Community & Contribute
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