Pastel tilefish
📖 Overview
Adults inhabit sandy areas at bases of reefs . They are considered as rare species that school above huge mounds of rubble that they apparently build (up to 5.5 m long x 3 m wide over 1 m high). Solitary or in pairs .
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Dorsal spines (total): 10; Dorsal soft rays (total): 13; Anal spines: 2; Anal soft rays: 12; Vertebrae: 24. Body pale olive-grey, darker above, belly pale blue; bluish violet band joining eyes across front of snout; lips and cheeks blue; upper 1/3 of pectoral fins bluish white, remainder pale yellow . This rare species has the deepest body in the genus and a thicker tail than H. cuniculus and H. starcki . : fusiform / normal.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Pastel tilefish is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
🥚 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 40 - 70 m . Tropical; 24°N - 21°S West Pacific: off Kosi Bay in South Africa (Ref.
🌿 Ecology
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🍽️ Edibility & Flavour
"Hoplolatilus Fronticinctus 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
Detailed nutritional data for Pastel tilefish is currently being compiled from USDA FoodData Central.
🔬 Mercury Safety
Mercury data for Pastel tilefish 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| - | - | - |
🔍 Similar Species
👥 Community & Contribute
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