Dusky tilefish
📖 Overview
Adults inhabit muddy to rubble or rubble-sand areas of outer reef slopes. They are observed to flock a meter above the substrate and retreat to a burrow when threatened. Stomach contents consist of calanoid copepods (58% by volume), larvaceans (20%), siphonophores (20%), and fish eggs (2%) . Sometimes in loose groups .
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Dorsal spines (total): 3 - 5; Dorsal soft rays (total): 29 - 34; Anal spines: 1 - 2; Anal soft rays: 19 - 20; Vertebrae: 24. Preopercular serrae 30-58. H. cuniculus is variable in coloration, ranging from pale olive brown to yellowish or light greenish or a mixture with some geographic variation . Greatest depth of body 5.1-6.3 in SL .: elongated; Cross section: oval.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Dusky tilefish is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
Diet information for Dusky tilefish is currently being compiled.
🥚 Reproduction
Displays obligate monogamy where a one-to-one pair is established irrespective of resource abundance .
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Marine; reef-associated; non-migratory ; depth range 25 - 115 m , usually 30 - 115 m . Tropical; 22°C - 27°C ; 30°N - 25°S, 48°E - 149°W north to the Ryukyu Islands, south to the Great Barrier Reef.
🌿 Ecology
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🍽️ Edibility & Flavour
"Dusky tilefish 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 | 17.7 g |
| Omega-3 (total) | 108 mg |
🔬 Mercury Safety
Mercury data for Dusky tilefish has not yet been assigned. Please consult FDA/EPA guidance for general seafood safety advice.
🌿 Sustainability
🔍 Similar Species
🗺️ Global Occurrence Map
Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) - 1 records indexed .
👥 Community & Contribute
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