 The great northern tilefish ( Lopholatilus chamaeleonticeps ) , or golden tile , is the largest species in the family Malacanthidae ( tilefishes ) , which grows to an average length between 38 and 44 inches ( 970 and 1 @,@ 120 mm ) . The great northern tilefish is a slow @-@ growing and long @-@ lived species , which has four stages of life . After hatching from eggs , the larvae will be found in plankton . As they grow into juveniles , the individuals will seek shelter until finding or making their own burrows . As adults , the tilefish will continue to expand its burrow in the sediment throughout its life . The diet of the larvae is unknown , but presumed to consist of zooplankton ; juveniles and adults feed upon various benthic invertebrates , crustaceans and fish . After reaching sexual maturity between 5 and 7 years of age , females will lay eggs throughout the mating season for the male to fertilize , with each female laying an average of 2 @.@ 3 million eggs . 
