Info
(Osbeck, 1765)
Western Atlantic: Massachusetts, USA and Bermuda to the Gulf of Mexico, the Caribbean and southern Brazil. Eastern Atlantic: Ascension and St. Helena islands; dubious records from the Canary Islands, Cape Verde and South Africa.
Inhabits rocky reefs. Usually solitary.
Feeds mainly on crabs (67%) and fishes (20%).
At Ascension, it feeds on juvenile Melichthys niger and young sea turtles.
Reports of ciguatera poisoning
Human uses
Fisheries: highly commercial; gamefish