Hemilutjanus macrophthalmos (Tschudi, 1846)
Grape-eye seabass
Hemilutjanus macrophthalmos
photo by BĂ©arez, P.

Family:  Malakichthyidae (Temperate ocean-basses)
Max. size:  50 cm SL (male/unsexed); max.weight: 1,741.0 g
Environment:  pelagic-neritic; marine; depth range 10 - 55 m
Distribution:  Southeast Pacific: Peru to Chile and the Galapagos Islands.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 10-10; Dorsal soft rays (total): 10-11; Anal spines: 3-3. Deep, compressed body, brown, somewhat lighter on the lower half; a dark streak along the lateral line. Large mouth, compressed head. Serrated preopercular margin. Lateral line complete. Small scales. Caudal fin emarginate (Ref. 28023).
Biology:  Found near drop-offs and among rock out-croppings over sand and rock, in depths greater than 10 meters. Feeds on small fishes and crustaceans (Ref. 28023).
IUCN Red List Status: Data deficient (DD); Date assessed: 21 May 2007 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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