Species guide
How to catch Sand tilefish
Malacanthus plumieri
The sand tilefish is a benthic predator that inhabits sandy and rubble bottoms near reefs. It builds distinctive mounds of shells and rubble which it uses for shelter. This elongated fish feeds on a variety of small invertebrates and fishes in shallow to moderately deep waters.
Where they live
Found in shallow to deep waters from 10 to 153 meters mainly over sand and rubble bottoms in the Atlantic, Caribbean, and Gulf of Mexico regions. Often near reefs and seagrass beds where it builds rubble mounds.
Typical size
Up to about 70 cm
What they eat
- stomatopods
- small fishes
- polychaete worms
- chitons
- sea urchins
- sea stars
- amphipods
- shrimps
Best baits
- shrimp
- small fish pieces
- worm baits
Best lures
- small jigs
- soft plastic shrimp imitations
- small spoons
How to fish for them
- bottom fishing
- drift fishing
- light tackle jigging
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