Golden Tilefish

Lopholatilus chamaeleonticeps

Managed by: SAFMC

Physical description:

The golden tilefish is easily distguishable fom other members of the family Malacanthidae by the large adipose flap, or crest, on the head. The species is blue-green and iridescent on the back, with numerous spots of bright yellow and gold. The belly is white and the head is rosy, with blue under the eyes. The pectoral fins are sepia-colored, and the margin of the anal fin is purplish-blue.

Biological description:

Tilefish inhabit the outer continental shelf and upper continental slope along the entire east coast of the United States and the Gulf of Mexico south to Venezuela. They are found in waters from 250-1,500 feet deep, where bottom temperatures range from 49° to 58° F. Individuals live in cone-shaped burrows, and concentrate in small groups or pods. Females are smaller than males, although whether or not the species displays hermaphrodism is unknown. Sexual maturity is reached when fish are about 27 inches long and weigh about 9 pounds. Spawning occurs from March to September, and females lay from 2-8 million pelagic eggs. Tilefish feed during the day on the bottom on crustaceans, clams, snails, worms, anemones and sea cucumbers. They can reach lengths of 38 inches, although growth is slow.

South Atlantic Federal Regulations

(For areas three-200 miles off the coasts of NC, SC, GA, and East Florida)

Commercial:

Limited access permit required.

Gear restrictions apply.

The following changes in commercial regulations are effective as of October 23, 2006:

Annual commercial quota - 295,000 pounds gutted weight (gw).
Commercial trip limit - 4,000 pounds gw. The trip limit will decrease to 300 lbs. gw if 75% of the quota is taken on or before September 1. New! Commercial Tilefish Fishery Trip Limit Reduced to 300 Pounds - Beginning May 28, 2008 See Fishery Bulletin (posted 5/22/08)

2008 NMFS Southeast Fishery Bulletin Reminder - fishing year and quota information.

Recreational:

Recreational retention limits apply. Effective October 23, 2006: daily limit of one per person within the 5-grouper per person aggregate bag limit.
Gear restrictions apply.