Black margate (Anisotremus surinamensis) is a saltwater species recorded in the United States. It is mainly found over reef, at depths of 0–70 m.
Scientific name: Anisotremus surinamensis · Water: Saltwater
Size: up to 76 cm
The black margate is a haemulid that inhabits larger patch reefs and quickly sloping rocky bottoms, often near the shelter of caves, ledges or wrecks. It feeds at night on crustaceans, mollusks, smaller fish and the long-spined urchin Diadema, and it is marketed fresh. It is recorded from the surface down to 70 m. Maximum length is about 76 cm total length, commonly about 45 cm. It is a commercial species, a gamefish and a public aquarium fish, with a medium price category. Fishing vulnerability is high at 58 of 100 and resilience low. IUCN lists it as data deficient.
Caution: large individuals carry a ciguatera risk. Heat, cold and marinating do not remove the toxin, which concentrates in the liver, roe and head, so avoid eating those parts. Seek medical help if numbness, tingling or a reversed sense of hot and cold follows a meal.
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