Blueline Tilefish
Caulolatilus microps
AKA:
Gray Tilefish, Tilefish
Managed by: SAFMC
Physical description:
The blueline tilefish is a dull olive-gray overall and white below. The lack of fleshy protuberance behind the head distiguishes it from the commercially important tilefish, Lopholatilus chamaeleonticeps.
Biological description:
The blueline tilefish is a bottom dweller found in water ranging from 240-780 feet deep, from Virginia to the Campeche Banks of Mexico. It is frequently found in the same habitat as groupers and snappers, preffering irregular bottom with sand, mud and shell hash. It is usually found in bottom water temperatures of 59° to 73° F. It has been found to burrow head first in cone-shaped sand piles. It may grow to be 32 inches and live up to 15 years. Spawning occurs from May to October, and females may lay more than 4 million free-floating eggs (Hermaphrodism is suspected to occur in this species). Blueline tilefish feed on bottom creatures, such as crabs, shrimp, snails, worms, sea urchins and small fish.
South Atlantic Federal Regulations
(For areas three-200 miles off the coasts of NC, SC, GA, and East Florida)
Note: Effective May 10, 2012 the prohibition on harvest and retention of snowy grouper, blueline tilefish, yellowedge grouper, misty grouper, queen snapper, and silk snapper, beyond 240 feet (40-fathoms) in federal waters in the South Atlantic has been eliminated. See Fishery Bulletin. The Council requested removal of the restrictions in August 2011 through approval of Regulatory Amendment 11 to the Snapper Grouper Fishery Management Plan. All other commercial and recreational regulations apply.
Commercial:
Note: Effective September 8, 2012 the commercial fishery for the Deepwater Complex (yellowedge grouper, blueline tilefish, silk snapper, misty grouper, queen snapper, sand tilefish, black snapper, and blackfin snapper) is closed. Commercial harvest of gray triggerfish also closes on that date. Effective September 11, 2012, the commercial fishery for the Porgy Complex (jolthead, knobbed, saucereye, whitebone and scup) and for yellowtail snapper is closed. See the Fishery Bulletin for additional details. UPDATE 09/10/12 NOAA Fisheries has determined that the Commercial Yellowtail Snapper Fishery will NOT Close on 9/11/12. See Fishery Bulletin for details.
Recreational:
- Included in the 3 grouper per person/day bag limit.
- Captain and crew of for-hire and charter vessels have a bag limit of zero (0).