Fin's Fish Guide
The Blue tilefish (Hoplolatilus starcki) is a saltwater fish of the family Malacanthidae that grows up to 16 cm.
Description
The blue tilefish is a small tilefish from the Western Pacific. The species grows to about 16 cm and has a streamlined body with a striking blue head and a yellowish back. As a bottom-dweller it lives in pairs on sand and rubble slopes near reefs, where it builds and guards a burrow of rubble and coral fragments. It feeds on small zooplankton it snatches just above the bottom. The fish appears in the reef aquarium. The IUCN has not evaluated the species.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Blue tilefish?
The Blue tilefish has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly blue and shows a plain pattern. Blue head; burrow-building sand tilefish in pairs
Where does the Blue tilefish live?
The Blue tilefish lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Western Pacific
How big does the Blue tilefish get?
The Blue tilefish grows to a maximum of about 16 cm.
Is the Blue tilefish dangerous to humans?
No, the Blue tilefish 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 Blue tilefish edible?
The Blue tilefish is not usually eaten.
More photos
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Hoplolatilus
More from the family Malacanthidae
Want the complete picture on the Blue tilefish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Blue tilefish is one of 12,519 species in the app.