Fin's Fish Guide
The Atlantic rover (Erythrocles monodi) is a saltwater fish of the family Emmelichthyidae that grows up to 65 cm.
Eastern Atlantic along the coast of West Africa and the Macaronesian islands, above rocky bottoms of the deeper continental shelf.
Description
The Atlantic rover is a slender, red-silver fish of the family Emmelichthyidae (rovers) reaching about 65 cm. The streamlined body is red to pink-silver and ends in a deeply forked tail; the mouth is far-protrusible. Unlike many bottom fish it swims in schools in open water, above rocky bottoms of the deeper continental shelf off West Africa and the Macaronesian islands. In the water column it feeds on zooplankton, small crustaceans and small fish, which it sucks in with its protrusible mouth. With its tasty flesh it is landed by line and bottom fisheries and traded locally.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Atlantic rover?
The Atlantic rover has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly red-orange and shows a plain pattern. Slender, red-silver fish with a deeply forked tail; swims in shoals above rocky bottoms of the deeper shelf.
Where does the Atlantic rover live?
The Atlantic rover lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around open water. Eastern Atlantic along the coast of West Africa and the Macaronesian islands, above rocky bottoms of the deeper continental shelf.
How big does the Atlantic rover get?
The Atlantic rover grows to a maximum of about 65 cm. On average the species is around 40 cm.
Is the Atlantic rover dangerous to humans?
No, the Atlantic rover is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Atlantic rover edible?
Yes, the Atlantic rover is commonly eaten.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Erythrocles
More from the family Emmelichthyidae
Want the complete picture on the Atlantic rover?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Atlantic rover is one of 12,519 species in the app.