Anisotremus surinamensis (Bloch, 1791)
Black margate
photo by Randall, J.E.

Family:  Haemulidae (Grunts), subfamily: Haemulinae
Max. size:  76 cm TL (male/unsexed); max.weight: 5,780.0 g
Environment:  reef-associated; marine; depth range 0 - 70 m
Distribution:  Western Atlantic: Florida, USA and the Bahamas through the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea to Brazil.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 12-12; Dorsal soft rays (total): 18-18; Anal spines: 3-3; Anal soft rays: 9-9. Front half of body darker than rear. Soft dorsal and anal fins have dense scales on bases of interradial membranes (Ref. 26938). Fins dusky, anal and pelvic fins darkest; peritoneum not black; young with two black stripes and a black spot at base of caudal fin (Ref. 13442).
Biology:  Maximum depth from Ref. 126840. Inhabits larger patch reefs and quickly sloping rocky bottoms. Often near the shelter of caves, ledges, or wrecks (Ref. 9710). Feeds at night on crustaceans, mollusks, smaller fish, and the long-spined urchin, Diadema. Marketed fresh.
IUCN Red List Status: Data deficient (DD); Date assessed: 10 October 2015 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  reports of ciguatera poisoning


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