Species Kingdom

Southeast Pacific: reported from the warm temperate waters of the west coast of South America; from Callao, Peru (12° 02'S) to Talcahuano, Chile (36°41'S).

Biology

This species is most abundant littoral species on the coast of central Chile, found in close association with the brown kelp Lessonia trabeculata. Juveniles found in tidepools to a maximum size of 15.7 cm TL and an estimated 3 years of age, adults occur subtidally. It is mainly herbivorous, feeding almost exclusively on brown, red and green algae, with a strong preference for green and red algae (digestion by acid hydrolysis). Its meat reported as an excellent pan-fish, with rich, white, sweet, and flaky meat (Ref. 86913).

Habitat

demersal