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Hedland tilefish (Branchiostegus hedlandensis) — Malacanthidae

Hedland tilefish

Branchiostegus hedlandensis
Family: Malacanthidae

The Hedland tilefish (Branchiostegus hedlandensis) is a saltwater fish of the family Malacanthidae that grows up to 26 cm.

Length
26 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
0–204.0 m
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Harmless

Description

The Hedland tilefish is a tilefish (Malacanthidae) from sand and mud bottoms of deeper coastal water around Australia and the Indo-West Pacific. The species grows to about 30 cm and has an elongate, streamlined body with fine yellow-blue tints and long dorsal and anal fins. As a bottom-dweller it digs and occupies a burrow in soft sediment into which it darts when threatened and snaps at crustaceans, worms and small fish. It is a valued food fish. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Hedland tilefish?

The Hedland tilefish has a torpedo-shaped body and is mainly yellow-gold.

Where does the Hedland tilefish live?

The Hedland tilefish lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom.

How big does the Hedland tilefish get?

The Hedland tilefish grows to a maximum of about 26 cm.

Is the Hedland tilefish dangerous to humans?

No, the Hedland tilefish is harmless to humans.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Port Hedland-tegelvis sourced
English name
Hedland tilefish sourced
Scientific name
Branchiostegus hedlandensis
Family
Malacanthidae
Other names
Port Hedland tilefish sourced

Appearance

Size class
Medium verified
Max length (cm)
26.0 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Yellow / gold sourced
Tail shape
Forked inferred

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom sourced
Max depth (m)
204.0 verified
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Territorial
No inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred

For anglers

Fishing method
Bodemvissen met natuurlijk aas (worm, garnaal of vis) op of vlak boven de bodem. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless verified

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

Same genus Branchiostegus

More from the family Malacanthidae

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