Malacanthus plumieri
Sand Tilefish
Maximum Size:
28 in (70 cm)
Longevity:
Unknown, possibly as much as 40 years.
Typical depth:
33–164ft (10–50m).
Behavior:
Sand tilefish build tunnels and mounds in the sand- and rubble-bottomed areas near reefs and seagrass beds. Tunnel entrances can reach 10ft (3m) in diameter and the mounds are built out of the sand, coral rubble and shell fragments found during excavation.
Predators:
Snapper and sharks.
Did you know?
Female sand tilefish each defend a feeding territory that surrounds their home burrow. Males control a harem of up to six females, defending a larger territory that encompass the females’ feeding territories and burrows.
