Margate

The Margate, also commonly known as the White Margate, is the largest species in the genus Haemulon, reaching an impressive 26 inches in length and weighing up to 15 pounds. Haemulon album has an overall pearly white to light gray body with a characteristic dark lateral stripe that runs from the operculum to the caudal peduncle, and its fins may show hints of dusky gray or olive. Its large size and elegant, streamlined profile make it one of the most impressive grunt species encountered on Caribbean reefs.

In the wild, the Margate is found throughout the Western Atlantic from Florida and Bermuda south through the Caribbean to Brazil. Adults are typically found on offshore coral reefs and rocky outcroppings at moderate depths, where they form large daytime resting schools alongside other grunt species. At night, they travel considerable distances from the reef to feed over sandy and seagrass habitats, consuming a varied diet of crustaceans, mollusks, sea urchins, and small fish. Their schooling behavior is particularly impressive, with aggregations sometimes numbering in the hundreds.

In the aquarium, the Margate requires a very large tank of at least 250 gallons to accommodate its substantial adult size. It is a moderately challenging species to keep primarily due to space requirements, but it adapts well to captive conditions and readily accepts prepared foods. Its peaceful disposition and schooling nature make it an excellent centerpiece fish for large FOWLR or community marine aquariums. The species is reef-safe with respect to corals but will consume invertebrates.