What kind of fish is this?

[mag395]

I caught this on a reef off the coast of South Florida today and have no idea what it is. I've looked all over the internet and havn't been able to find anything. Does anyone know what this is?

 

[ryanhayes9]

looks something like a goby lol

 

[actionjack]

Sand tile fish

 

[actionjack]

Thought I'd add the scientific name: Malacanthus plumieri
I also caught these on a trip to the keys.

 

[joshd123]

Wow real cool looking fish. Wonder what he eats? I may wanna try for one when I go down there!!! Maybe I can put him in my tank HAHA!!

 

[mag395]

Thanks for the name. Definately a sand tilefish. I've been looking around and aparently they thrive in very deep water (500 feet). But I caught mine in 50 ft. Maybe the sand version goes shallower? I wish I would have kept one, apparently they are really good eating.

 

[joshd123]

Looks to me like there would be to many bones on him HAHA :hilarious

 

[actionjack]

Originally Posted by mag395
Thanks for the name. Definately a sand tilefish. I've been looking around and aparently they thrive in very deep water (500 feet). But I caught mine in 50 ft. Maybe the sand version goes shallower? I wish I would have kept one, apparently they are really good eating.
Yeah I also caught mine in shallow water, about 40 ft. Didnt think there would be enough meat on it to keep though

 

[mag395]

Aparently they range mostly from 12 - 18 inches and their meat is supposed to taste like lobster.

 

[reedlog]

I have caught many of these in south florida. Particularly in west palm beach, and although I've never tried, I've heard that they are actually good to eat and that on the drift boats a lot of people eat them, hence the nick name 'Hatian Hotdogs.'

 

[gatorwpb]

Originally Posted by reedlog
hence the nick name 'Hatian Hotdogs.'
Now thats funny!!!!

 

[vezina345]

I've caught them and they are actually not that bad to eat. There's much better tasting fish out there though. You do get alot more meat than you would think off of them.