Polyprion Americanus
Family
Polyprionidae (Wreckfishes)
Order
Perciformes (perch-likes)
Class
Actinopterygii (ray-finned fishes)
Maximum Size
210 cm TL; max. published weight: 100.0 kg
Environment
Bathydemersal; marine ; depth range 40 - 600 m
Climate
Deep-water; 70°N - 55°S, 82°W - 36°E
Importance
fisheries: minor commercial; gamefish: yes
Resiliance
Low, minimum population doubling time 4.5 - 14 years (Assuming tm=5-10)
Distribution
Eastern Atlantic: Norway to South Africa, including the Mediterranean, Canary Islands, Madeira, Cape Verde, and Tristan da Cunha.
Diagnosis
Dorsal spines (total): 10-12; Dorsal soft rays (total): 11-13; Anal spines: 3-3; Anal soft rays: 8-10. Bluish grey above, paler below with a silvery sheen; fins blackish brown. Juveniles have black blotches on head and body. Body tall, compressed. Big mouth with big head and a rough bony ridge across upper part of the gill cover.
Biology
Prefers to inhabit caves and shipwrecks. Juveniles congregate below floating objects. Usually solitary. Feeds on large crustaceans, cephalopods and benthic fishes. Spawns in the summer
