Tilefish

, Malacanthus latovittatus Tilefishes or sand tilefishes are mostly small percomorph marine fish comprising the family Malacanthidae. They are usually found in sandy, shallow areas, especially near coral reefs. Exceptionally colorful species of tilefish are favored for aquariums.

, Malacanthus latovittatus]] Tilefishes or sand tilefishes are mostly small percomorph marine fish comprising the family Malacanthidae. They are usually found in sandy, shallow areas, especially near coral reefs. Exceptionally colorful species of tilefish are favored for aquariums. ==Description== Unlike the deeper-bodied deepwater tilefishes, tilefishes are more slender with elongated bodies lacking predorsal ridge, and have rather rounded heads. Unlike deepwater tilefishes, tilefishes inhabit waters shallower than 50 m depth. They also tend to be smaller in size; for example, the yellow tilefish (Hoplolatilus luteus) compared to the great northern tilefish (Lopholatilus chamaeleonticeps), which has a weight of . Both tilefish families have long dorsal and anal fins, the latter having one or two spines. The gill covers (opercula) have one spine which may be sharp or blunt; some species also have a cutaneous ridge atop the head. The tail fin may range in shape from truncated to forked. Notable exceptions include three small, vibrant Hoplolatilus species: the purple sand tilefish (H. purpureus), Starck's tilefish (H. starcki), and the redback sand tilefish (H. marcosi). Tilefish larvae are notable for their elaborate spines. The family name Malacanthidae, is based on the type genus Malacanthus which is a compound of the Greek words malakos meaning "soft" and akanthos meaning "thorn", possibly derived from the slender, flexible spines in the dorsal fin of Malacanthus plumieri. ==Further reading== ==External links==

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