Caution. Venomous spines on the head and dorsal fin: the sting is very painful. Handle it with a cloth or pliers and, if stung, soak the wound in very hot water.
Usual size
20–35 cm
Maximum
50 cm
Where
Rock · Open sea (by boat)
When
Rough abundance from shore in each sea
Gulf of Cádiz
Mediterranean and Balearics
Canary Islands
All year over rock and coralligenous bottoms at 20–200 m: mostly from boats, and at night from deep rocky points.
Natural baits
- Squid
- Sardine
- Prawn
- Small fish
Lures
- Small soft baits on jig heads
- Slow jigs
How to recognise it
Mottled orange-red, a big head covered in spines and ridges, and skin flaps (barbels) on the chin and above the eyes.
Tip
Fish tight to the rocky bottom with a single hook and a lead you don't mind losing; when it bites, lift it fast before it wedges into a crack.
Minimum size and rules by area
Atlantic Andalusia
Mediterranean Andalusia
No minimum size in this zone's rules. Neighbouring regions: 20–30 cm; release smaller fish.
Ceuta
No minimum size in this zone's rules. Neighbouring regions: 20–30 cm; release smaller fish.
Melilla
No minimum size in this zone's rules. Neighbouring regions: 20–30 cm; release smaller fish.
Murcia
No minimum size in this zone's rules. Neighbouring regions: 20–30 cm; release smaller fish.
Valencia region
No minimum size in this zone's rules. Neighbouring regions: 20–30 cm; release smaller fish.
Catalonia
At most 3 per person per day.
Balearic Islands
It must be marked when caught by clipping the lower lobe of the tail.
Canary Islands
Fish are measured from the tip of the snout to the end of the tail; squid and cuttlefish by the mantle. If it is undersized, release it alive.
Official sources →