Mero

Q: Can you eat Mero?

A Patagonian reef fish known as 'mero' in South America; edible with firm, white flesh. Consumed locally in Argentina and Chile; suitable for frying or grilling in traditional coastal preparations.

Q: How big does Mero get?

Mero can grow up to 31.0 cm long.

Q: Where is Mero found?

Temperate southwestern Atlantic from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil south through Uruguay and Argentina to Patagonia and the Falkland Islands. Inhabits rocky subtidal reefs and kelp beds in cool-water South American shelf habitats. Rocky coastal reefs and kelp beds of the Patagonian Atlantic (Argentina and Uruguay) and Chilean Pacific coast, at 5-50m depth. Temperate South Atlantic marine environment.

Q: What family does Mero belong to?

Mero (Acanthistius patachonicus) belongs to the family Anthiadidae in the order Perciformes/Serranoidei.

Abstract

Known as mero along the coasts of Argentina and Chile, Acanthistius patachonicus is a temperate reef fish of the southwestern Atlantic, ranging from Rio de Janeiro south through Uruguay and Argentina to Patagonia and the Falkland Islands. Rocky subtidal reefs and kelp beds at roughly 5 to 50 metres are its habitat. Pale brownish to reddish-brown colouring is broken by several irregular dark vertical bars that fade toward the belly, with pale spotting on brownish fins. Strong jaws suit a diet taken from the reef. Firm white flesh keeps it locally important both as food and as a sport fish, usually fried or grilled.