Creole-fish (Paranthias furcifer) is a saltwater species recorded in the United States. It is mainly found over reef, at depths of 8–100 m.
Scientific name: Paranthias furcifer · Water: Saltwater
Size: up to 30 cm
The creole-fish is an epinephelid of coral reefs and hard bottom areas, recorded from 8 to 100 m. It is observed in feeding aggregations well above the reef and feeds mainly in midwater on zooplankton such as copepods, pelagic tunicates, shrimps and shrimp larvae, retreating instantly when alarmed. Maximum length is about 30 cm standard length, commonly about 20 cm. It is taken in subsistence fisheries, is a gamefish, a commercial aquarium fish and is usually used as bait, with a very high price category. Fishing vulnerability is moderate at 38 of 100 and resilience medium. IUCN lists it as least concern.
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