Baqueta, Gulf Coney, Rooster Hind, Cephalopholis 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.

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 south to Guatemala.

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