Identification
A sturdy, deep-bodied fish of 20 to 50 cm with a pinkish to reddish body and large eyes. Characteristic dark spot at the lateral line origin. Relatively small mouth.
Ecology
Lives on rocky bottoms at 30 to 700 meters. Juveniles shallower. Protandrous hermaphrodite: starts as male, later becomes female.
In the Netherlands
Rare in the North Sea. More common along the deeper Atlantic coast.
