What is "tilefish"

Tilefish \Tile"fish`\, n. (Zo["o]l.) A large, edible, deep-water food fish ( Lopholatilus cham[ae]leonticeps) more or less thickly covered with large, round, yellow spots.

Note: It was discovered off the Eastern coast of the United States in 1880, and was abundant in 1881, but is believed to have become extinct in 1882.

n. Mostly small, perciform marine fish in the family ''(taxlink Malacanthidae family noshow=1)''; an important food fish.

1. n. important marine food fishes [syn: blanquillo]

2. yellow-spotted violet food fish of warm deep waters [syn: Lopholatilus chamaeleonticeps]

3. [also: tilefishes (pl)]

Tilefishes are mostly small perciform marine fish comprising the family Malacanthidae. They are usually found in sandy areas, especially near coral reefs.

Commercial fisheries exist for the largest species, making them important food fish. However, the US Food and Drug Administration warns pregnant or breastfeeding women against eating tilefish and some other fish due to mercury contamination. The smaller, exceptionally colorful species of tilefish are enjoyed in the aquarium.