Baqueta, Gulf Coney, Rooster Hind
Baqueta, Estacol
(Epinephelus acanthistius)

Baqueta, Epinephelus acanthistius: A fish with three names, the Baqueta, Gulf Coney, or Rooster Hind is characterized by its beefy red-brown body and large head, characteristic and identifying nine dorsal spines of which the third, fourth, and fifth are elongated, and a dark brown band, or "mustache," above its upper jaw.

The Baqueta reaches three feet in length and up to 20 pounds and is found on patch reefs with sandy bottoms between 150 and over 300 feet deep in the water column. Due to it being a deep water species not much is known about its behavior.

In Mexico, this species is almost universally referred to by its Spanish name, Baqueta. As it has a rather unique coloration, the Baqueta cannot be easily confused with other species.

Distribution in Mexico fishing areas

It is absent along the Pacific side of the Baja California peninsula, but is found throughout the Sea of Cortez and along all parts of coastal mainland Mexico fishing waters south to Guatemala.

The Baqueta is a member of the Serrandae or Sea Bass and Grouper Family.

Baqueta, Gulf Coney, Rooster Hind fish picture 1

Baqueta, Gulf Coney, Rooster Hind fish picture 2

Baqueta, Epinephelus acanthistius:  Fish courtesy of the pangueros of Todos Santos, Baja California Sur, Mexico, while fishing in January 2009. Size 11 inches. Photos courtesy of John Snow.

Baqueta, Gulf Coney, Rooster Hind fish picture 3

Baqueta, Gulf Coney, Rooster Hind, Epinephelus acanthistius: Derek Yen with a large 36-pound Baqueta caught at the Midriff Islands during a mothership trip aboard the Erik with his brother Mike Yen, May 2003. Said Derek, "Most of these were 5 to 10 pounds, so this is a monster!" Description and photo courtesy Derek Yen.

Baqueta, Gulf Coney, Rooster Hind fish picture 4

Baqueta, Gulf Coney, Rooster Hind fish picture 5

Baqueta, Gulf Coney, Rooster Hind, Epinephelus acanthistius: Igor and Guillermo of Bahia de los Angeles (L.A. Bay) with the bottomfish called "Baqueta," Gulf Coney, or Rooster Hind. Photos courtesy Dr. Abraham Vazquez of Camp Gecko. Fish I.D. courtesy Peter Langstraat.

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