Grey Tilefish

Grey Tilefish can be cooked in a variety of ways, including grilling, broiling, and baking. Grey tilefish is often compared to grouper and snapper in taste and texture.

Grey Tilefish, also known as blueline tilefish or Gray snapper, is a popular deep-water game fish found in the western Atlantic Ocean. The scientific name for this species is Caulolatilus microps and it belongs to the family Malacanthidae. The grey tilefish is highly sought after by recreational anglers for its meat and challenging fight, but overfishing has led to conservation concerns in recent years.

Appearance

The grey tilefish is a distinctively shaped fish with a compressed body and large mouth. It has a dark gray or blue-gray upper body and a lighter silver or white underside. The body is covered with small scales and the skin is tough and leathery. Grey tilefish can grow up to 3 feet long and weigh up to 40 pounds.

Habitat

Grey tilefish are typically found in deep water, ranging from 250 to 1,000 feet, and are commonly found around rocky outcroppings and reefs. They are often found in large schools and can be found from North Carolina to Florida, as well as in the Gulf of Mexico.

Fishing and Seasonality

Grey tilefish are typically caught by anglers using bottom fishing techniques, such as dropping baited hooks and weights to the ocean floor. They are commonly caught using cut bait, squid, or jigs. The seasonality for grey tilefish can vary depending on the location and fishing regulations, but they are typically caught year-round.

Culinary

Grey tilefish is highly valued for its meat, which is lean and firm with a sweet, mild flavor. It can be cooked in a variety of ways, including grilling, broiling, and baking. Grey tilefish is often compared to grouper and snapper in taste and texture.

Conservation

Grey tilefish populations have declined in recent years due to overfishing, and as a result, there are now strict regulations in place to help protect this species. In 2016, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) implemented a 20% reduction in the annual catch limit for grey tilefish in federal waters. Additionally, some states have implemented further restrictions on grey tilefish fishing to help conserve the species. It is important for anglers to follow all fishing regulations and to practice responsible fishing techniques to help protect the grey tilefish and its habitat.