Distinguishing Characteristics |
Body elongate, torpedo-shaped; color orange-red, mottled, silver on sides and belly; large eye with yellow iris; horizontal keel on caudal peduncle in adults; dorsal fin continuous but deeply notched between spines and softer rays; dorsal, pelvic and anal fins white to pinkish; pectoral and caudal fins reddish; mouth projectile, basically toothless. |
Similar Species |
The only other member of this family in the Gulf of Mexico is the red rover, Emmelichthys rube. It has a distinct gap betweenthe the spines and rays, which contain 3-5 buried spines, on the dorsal fin. |
Habitat |
Oceanic up to 1000 ft, drop-off areas, reefs |
Maximum Size |
50 cm (20 in) |
Fin Element Counts |
D.XI + 11-12; A. III + 9-10 (explain) |
Other Common Names |
crimson rover |
Previous Scientific Names |
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Comments |
Atlantic rubyfishes are plankton eaters. |
State size/bag limits |
None; Check for state record. |