Tilefishes

Malacanthidae

Tilefishes, predominantly small perciform marine species within the Malacanthidae family, predominantly inhabit sandy substrates in proximity to coral reefs. These species exhibit notable longevity, with females potentially reaching up to 46 years and males 39 years. The largest species within this family are subject to commercial fishing, positioning them as significant species within the seafood industry. However, the 🇺🇸 United States Food and Drug Administration has issued advisories for pregnant or breastfeeding women, cautioning against the consumption of tilefish among other species due to concerns over mercury contamination.

Phenotypically, the family is divided into two subfamilies, Latilinae and Malacanthinae, each presenting distinct morphological characteristics. Latilinae members possess more robust physiques characterized by a predorsal ridge and a head profile ranging from rounded to slightly squarish. In contrast, Malacanthinae members are slender with elongate forms, devoid of a predorsal ridge, and exhibit a rounded head shape. Additionally, the ecological niches of these subfamilies differ, with Latilinae species typically found below 50 meters in depth, whereas Malacanthinae species are more commonly found at shallower depths.

Size variations within the Tilefish genus range extensively, from the diminutive Yellow Tilefish (Hoplolatilus luteus) at 11 cm, to the Great Northern Tilefish (Lopholatilus chamaeleonticeps), which can attain lengths up to 125 cm and weigh as much as 30 kg. Both subfamilies share the characteristic of possessing extended dorsal and anal fins, the latter with one or two spines. The opercula, or gill covers, feature a singular spine that may be either acutely pointed or blunted. Some species may also exhibit a cutaneous ridge on the head. The caudal fin varies from truncated to forked among species. While most tilefishes exhibit relatively subdued color patterns—typically hues of yellow, brown, and gray—there are exceptions, such as the vibrantly colored Hoplolatilus species, including the Purple Sand Tilefish (H. purpureus), Starck's Tilefish (H. starcki), and the Redback Sand Tilefish (H. marcosi).

The larval stages of tilefishes are distinguished by their elaborate, spine-laden morphology. The etymology of the family name "Malacanthidae" derives from the Greek "malakos" (soft) and "akanthos" (thorn), a reference to the flexible dorsal spines observed in species such as Malacanthus plumieri.