Hemitripterus americanus

Hemitripterus americanus are variable in color from blood red to reddish purple to yellow brown. The ventral surface is typically yellow. They have large heads and a robust, tapering body. There are obvious fleshy folds on the head and lower jaw. There is also an unusual ragged layer of skin on the first dorsal fin. They have large, fan-shaped pectoral fins and a small caudal fin. They have a broad mouth which is lined with several rows of teeth. The maximum published total length is 62 cm (24 in) and the maximum published weight is 3.2 kg (7.1 lb).

Hemitripterus americanus is found along the Atlantic Coast of North America, from Labrador in Canada to Chesapeake Bay. They are demersal fish found over rocky or hard substrates but can be found anywhere in the water column.