Fish
Red porgy
Pagrus pagrus
Hors saison
—
Zones de pêche
Wild
Origine
27 cm
Taille minimale
Description
The body is oval, moderately deep, and laterally compressed. The head has a convex profile. The dominant body color is silvery pink with darker hues on the back. The belly is lighter in color. The tips of the caudal fin are white. A dark patch is often visible at the corner of the mouth and the nape of the neck. It measures an average of 35 cm, but can reach a maximum length of 91 cm and a record weight of 7.7 kg. Carnivorous, it feeds mainly on crustaceans, mollusks (bivalves and cephalopods), and occasionally small fish. Its grinding teeth (molars) allow it to break open shells.
Habitat
Marine and benthopelagic (lives near the bottom but can swim in open water). It prefers hard substrates (rocks, rocky debris) and adjacent sandy areas. Juveniles are often found in Posidonia seagrass beds or near the coast. It is generally found between 10 and 80 meters, but can descend to depths of up to 250 meters, particularly in winter. A subtropical species, it thrives in waters between 12°C and 25°C.
Distribution
This species has one of the widest ranges among the Sparidae, inhabiting both sides of the Atlantic. From the British Isles to the Strait of Gibraltar, including the Mediterranean Sea (where it is very common), Madeira, and the Canary Islands. From the coasts of New York (United States) and the northern Gulf of Mexico to Argentina, including the mainland coasts of the Caribbean Sea.