Urophycis chuss (Walbaum 1792)

First dorsal fin ray elongated. Pelvic fins also reaching about the anal fin origin. Body color variable, reddish to olive brown dorsally, sometimes very dark or mottled; lower sides paler, sometimes with dusky dots; belly and underside of the head pale. A dusky blotch present on the opercle. The fins are generally dark, except for the pelvic fins, which are pale.

Oceanodromous. Migrating within oceans typically between spawning and different feeding areas, as tunas do. Migrations should be cyclical and predictable and cover more than 100 km.

Dorsal spines (total): 0; Analspines: 0

Parasites of the species include 1 protozoan, 2 myxosporidians, 1 monogenean, 1 trematode and 2 nematodes (Ref. 5951).

Found on soft muddy and sandy bottoms, but never on rocks, gravel or shells. Juveniles live along the coasts at shallow depths (4-6 m); adults migrate to deeper waters, generally to between 110 and 130 m, and in some instances, to over 550 m. Juveniles live in scallops (Placopecten magellanicus) and remain close to scallop beds until they mature (Ref. 9988). They prefer temperatures of 8-10°C (Ref. 5951). Feed on shrimps, amphipods and other crustaceans, also on squid and herring, flatfish, mackerel and others. Utilized fresh, dried or salted and frozen; also small fish are used for fishmeal ; eaten steamed, microwaved and baked (Ref. 9988). Maximum depth reported from Ref. 57178.

fisheries: commercial; gamefish: yes