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Golden Tilefish

Lopholatilus chamaeleonticeps
Managed by: NOAA Fisheries, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
Regions
New England/Mid-AtlanticSoutheast
Protected status
None
Also known as
Golden bassGolden snapperGreat northern tilefishRainbow tilefish

Species Profile

Florida saltwater profile data (FWC). Availability and detail varies by species.

FWC
Appearance
  • Body covered in bright yellow spots with blue-olive back and white belly
  • Large yellowish crest on top of head
  • Blue line directly underneath eye
  • Long continuous soft dorsal fin along most of body length
  • Preopercle spine reduced to a soft blunt tab
Habitat
Offshore along slopes and shelves from 250 to 1500 feet deep. Over mud or sand bottom and occasionally over rough bottom.
Behavior
Tilefish reside in burrows that are enlarged by individual fish to accommodate their size as they grow and mature. Tilefish are known to congregate, with burrows located in close proximity to each other. Burrows also provide habitat for benthic species, including mollusks and crustaceans. Feed on invertebrates such as shrimp and crabs, and small fish. Slow-growing, long-lived fish up to 20-32 years. Spawning peaks in June (Mid-Atlantic) and from April to June (South Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico). Females release 2 to 8 million eggs.
Additional information
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Seafood Profile

Powered by NOAA FishWatch data. Availability and detail varies by species.

NOAA FishWatch
Population
The stocks are not overfished.
Fishing rate
The South Atlantic and Gulf of America* (formerly Gulf of Mexico) stocks are not subject to overfishing. The Mid-Atlantic stock is reduced to end overfishing.
Bycatch
Regulations are in place to minimize bycatch.
Taste
Tilefish has a mild flavor, similar to lobster or crab. Almost all tilefish is sold fresh.
Texture
Firm and flaky.
Health benefits
Tilefish are low in sodium. They are a good source of niacin and phosphorus, and a very good source of protein, vitamin B12, and selenium.
Sources
Image credit: NOAA Fisheries/Jack Hornady