Tilefish

TILEFISH - Lopholatilus chamaeleonticeps Family Malacanthidae

Description: Backs and upper sides are aqua-blue with green highlights. This blends into a pinkish band down each side which in turn blends into a silvery-yellow belly. The tail fin is golden with blue-green stripes and the entire fish is covered with bright golden spots.
Size: Very common at 10-25 pounds, and occasionally to 40 pounds.
Where found: Most common in deep waters of 500 to 1,200 feet on the edge of the continental shelf and on the continental slope off of Louisiana and Texas. Also found elsewhere in the Gulf of Mexico in similar habitats, but nowhere in as great numbers as off of Louisiana and Texas. Tilefish prefer a firm mud bottom in which to construct their burrows and on which to forage.
Remarks: Good to eat; similar to grouper, but with a finer texture