Vihersimppu

Anal spines of adults buried in flesh, third spine closely applied to first ray (Ref. 6885). Head without scales; fleshy cirrus above each eye; large mouth; maxilla reaching almost to vertical from posterior margin of eye. Jaws with small pointed teeth interspersed with large fanglike teeth (Ref. 48751).

Eggs are deposited in crevices or under rocks (Ref. 6885). Male guards the eggs until they hatch.

Dorsal spines (total): 24 - 27; Dorsal soft rays (total): 21 - 24; Analspines: 3; Analsoft rays: 21 - 24; Vertebrae: 55 - 59

A voracious carnivore; feeds on fishes, crustaceans, octopi and squids (Ref. 2850, 48751).

Ranges from the intertidal to 475 m depth (Ref. 6793). Adults are found near rocks, inshore and to 427 m (Ref. 2850). Young occur on sand or mud bottom of bays and inshore areas (Ref. 2850). Both migratory and non-migratory populations exist (Ref. 6885). Adults feed mostly on other fishes but also take crustaceans, octopi and squid (Ref. 4925). Young feed on copepods and other small crustaceans (Ref. 6885). A very important sport and commercial species (Ref. 2850). The liver is rich in vitamin A (Ref. 6885). Marketed fresh and frozen; eaten steamed, fried, broiled, boiled, microwaved and baked (Ref. 9988). Has sharp teeth and gill rakers that can cut fingers if handled.

fisheries: commercial; gamefish: yes