Blanquillo
Blanquillo (Prolatilus jugularis) is a small, bottom-dwelling marine fish fished commercially and recreationally along Chile's Pacific coast.
It runs the full length of the country, from the far north down to Magallanes, and is a reliable target for hand-line and longline fishermen working sandy and rocky nearshore grounds. Its white, mild flesh makes it a valued food fish at local markets.
Scientific Name: Prolatilus jugularis
Also known as Cabrilla, Pejeblanco, Rollizo
- Elongated, fusiform body with a broad chest that tapers toward the tail; long, uniform dorsal and anal fins; robust pectoral and pelvic fins used to rest on the bottom.
- Coloration is whitish-grey on the back with a metallic sheen, fading to near-white on the belly; over uneven substrate it develops thick, darker transverse bands as camouflage.
- Tops out around 40 cm and roughly 200 g — a small fish by most standards, but typical catches run well under that maximum.
What to know
Habitat Distribution
- Native to the southeast Pacific coast, ranging from Huacho, Peru south to Chiloé, Chile — the entire Chilean coastline falls within its range.
- Primarily a marine species, though it tolerates brackish water; demersal, found from shallow nearshore waters down to about 350 m, with most fishing effort in the 5–60 m zone.
- Prefers sandy or shell-gravel bottoms, but also found over rocky substrate; favors subtropical water temperatures around 14°C.
- A SUBPESCA-funded study specifically targeted blanquillo stocks in the III and IV Regions (Atacama and Coquimbo), suggesting those northern-central coasts are productive fishing grounds.
Key Locations
- III Región (Atacama) and IV Región (Coquimbo) — specifically studied as productive blanquillo fishing grounds in a SUBPESCA-funded stock assessment.
- The species ranges the full Chilean coastline from the far north to Magallanes, making nearshore sandy and rocky bottoms throughout the country potential fishing grounds.
- Chiloé marks the southern limit of its documented range, so the waters around and north of the island are the southernmost reliable area.
Specific Spots
- Sandy or shell-gravel flats are the primary holding areas — blanquillo rest directly on or just centimeters above soft bottom, so fishing right on the deck matters.
- Rocky-bottom transitions adjacent to sand patches concentrate fish; the edge between substrate types gives them both cover and access to open feeding ground.
- Blanquillo school in groups and sometimes large aggregations, so once you locate fish on the bottom, staying put and working the same depth band pays off.
Blanquillo FAQ
Answers from onWater's species guide.
What are the best lures and bait for Blanquillo?
Natural bait is the go-to: cut polychaete worms, small shrimp, or strips of sardine and anchovy fished on a bottom rig are the most reliable producers. Small jigs bounced along sandy or rocky bottom can draw strikes, particularly when fish are actively feeding rather than resting on the substrate.
When is the best time to fish for Blanquillo?
Blanquillo are available year-round along the Chilean coast, with no strongly defined closed season. Spawning runs from February through November, meaning fish are actively moving and feeding for most of the calendar year.
How do you catch Blanquillo?
Most fishing for blanquillo in Chile is done from small boats working nearshore sandy and rocky bottom, using hand-lines or simple bottom rigs baited with worms, shrimp, or cut baitfish. Shore fishing from rocky points or piers over sandy substrate also produces fish.
What do Blanquillo eat?
Polychaete worms are a primary food source, cut bait or natural worm baits fished on the bottom directly imitate this forage. Small crustaceans including amphipods, isopods, and shrimp round out the diet; small shrimp-style baits or cut crustacean pieces work well on a bottom rig.
Where do Blanquillo live?
Native to the southeast Pacific coast, ranging from Huacho, Peru south to Chiloé, Chile, the entire Chilean coastline falls within its range. Primarily a marine species, though it tolerates brackish water; demersal, found from shallow nearshore waters down to about 350 m, with most fishing effort in the 5–60 m zone.
See it in the app
Most maps show you water.
onWater shows you Blanquillo.
- 01 · Species map filter
Map every Blanquillo water
Pick Blanquillo and the map zeroes in on the waters they call home. No more guessing which lake holds them.
- 02 · Waterbody species
Tap any water. See what lives there.
Species, behavior and seasonal patterns for every lake, river and pond, before you leave the driveway.
- 03 · Angler Intelligence
Ask how to catch Blanquillo
Tactics, gear and timing from onWater's AI fishing guide, tuned to the species and the water you're on.
Stop guessing where Blanquillo are.
Open the map, filter by Blanquillo, and head to water that holds them. Download onWater and plan your next trip in minutes.
- Species map filter
- Angler Intelligence
- Fishing journal
Explore other species
Trout, bass, salmon, panfish and everything in between. Each guide unpacks the behavior, seasons, and tactics that put fish in the net.
No species information available.
Smarter Fishing Starts in the App.
onWater Fish gives you everything you need to plan smarter, fish better, and own every trip from first cast to last.