Fin's Fish Guide
The Black-fish (Tautoga onitis) is a brackish-water fish of the family Labridae that grows up to 91 cm.
Description
The tautog (Tautoga onitis), or blackfish, is a robust wrasse of the family Labridae from the northwestern Atlantic. The species has a stocky, dark grey-black, mottled body with a blunt head, thick lips and powerful teeth, and can reach about 90 cm. It lives close inshore on hard bottoms such as rocks, reefs and wrecks, and sometimes enters brackish water. Adult males are territorial during the day and rest in crevices at night. With its strong teeth and pharyngeal jaws it crushes shellfish such as mussels and crabs. The tautog is a prized sport fish but, owing to slow growth and fishing, is assessed as Vulnerable (VU).
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Black-fish?
The Black-fish has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly black and shows a marbled pattern. Blunt head, thick lips and powerful teeth to crack shellfish; sought-after sport fish (VU).
Where does the Black-fish live?
The Black-fish lives in brackish water and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Hard bottoms close inshore in the northwest Atlantic.
How big does the Black-fish get?
The Black-fish grows to a maximum of about 91 cm.
Is the Black-fish dangerous to humans?
No, the Black-fish is harmless to humans. This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status.
Is the Black-fish edible?
Yes, the Black-fish is commonly eaten.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
More from the family Labridae
Want the complete picture on the Black-fish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Black-fish is one of 12,519 species in the app.