Got a photo? Identify fish instantly with the Fishby app.
Open the appDescription
The Large-eye Dentex (Dentex macrophthalmus) is a demersal marine fish belonging to the family Sparidae, commonly known as sea breams. It is characterized by its relatively large eyes, which are an adaptation to its deeper-water habitat. This species is commercially important in many parts of its range, particularly in the Mediterranean and Eastern Atlantic. It exhibits a generally pinkish-silver coloration and a robust, compressed body typical of the Dentex genus. Juveniles often inhabit shallower waters, moving to deeper areas as they mature.
Physical Characteristics
- Body shape
- compressed
- Coloration
- Generally silvery-pink to reddish-pink on the back and flanks, fading to silvery-white on the belly. Fins are often reddish. Juveniles may have faint darker bands.
- Scale type
- ctenoid
- Mouth position
- terminal
- Distinctive features
- Very large eyes, disproportionately large compared to other Dentex species, especially in relation to head size., Robust, compressed body., Strong canine-like teeth at the front of both jaws, followed by smaller, conical teeth., A single dorsal fin with strong spines., Lateral line clearly visible, following the curve of the back.
- Dorsal fin
- Single dorsal fin with 11-12 spines and 10-11 soft rays. The spiny portion is longer than the soft-rayed portion.
- Tail fin
- Moderately forked caudal fin.
- Pectoral fin
- Long and pointed pectoral fins.
- Distinctive fins
- Pelvic fins are thoracic, located directly below the pectoral fins.
Identification Tips
Eyes
The most distinguishing feature is its exceptionally large eyes, which are noticeably larger than those of other Dentex species.
Coloration
Its characteristic pinkish-silver body color, often with reddish fins, helps differentiate it from other sparids.
Body Shape
A deep, compressed body with a relatively steep head profile, typical of the Dentex genus.
Teeth
Presence of strong, conical teeth, particularly the prominent canines at the front of the jaws.
Habitat
- Water type
- saltwater
- Depth
- Typically found at depths ranging from 30 to 500 meters (100 to 1640 feet), with juveniles sometimes found in shallower waters (15-50 meters).
- Environment
- Demersal, inhabiting sandy, muddy, or rocky bottoms, often near continental shelves and slopes. Prefers areas with good current and access to prey.
- Geographic range
- Eastern Atlantic Ocean, from Portugal south to Angola, including the Canary Islands, Madeira, and Cape Verde. Also widely distributed throughout the Mediterranean Sea.
Aquarium Information
- Care level: expert
- Temperament: semi-aggressive
- Diet: carnivore
- Minimum tank size: Not typically kept in aquariums due to size and specific habitat requirements.
- Temperature: 15-22°C (59-72°F)
- pH level: 8.1-8.4
- Hardness: High (marine salinity)
- Compatibility: Not suitable for typical home aquariums. In very large public aquariums, may be kept with other large, robust marine species.
- Special requirements: Requires very large, deep tanks with strong filtration and specific temperature/salinity controls. Not recommended for private aquarists.
Wild Information
- Conservation status: least concern
- Seasonality: Spawning typically occurs in late winter to early spring. Fishing seasons vary regionally, often peaking outside of spawning periods to ensure sustainability.
- Market price: Varies significantly by region and season, often considered a high-value food fish.
- Commercial importance: high
- Taste: Mild, delicate, and slightly sweet flavor.
- Texture: Firm, flaky white flesh.
- Cooking methods: Baked, Grilled, Pan-fried, Steamed, Roasted
- Nutritional value: Good source of lean protein, Omega-3 fatty acids, and various vitamins and minerals.
Key Facts
Deep-Sea Visioninteresting
Its exceptionally large eyes are an adaptation to its mesopelagic and bathypelagic habitat, allowing it to gather more light in dimly lit deep waters.
Commercial Importanceinteresting
The Large-eye Dentex is a highly valued food fish, particularly in Mediterranean countries, contributing significantly to local fisheries.
Dietary Habitsbehavior
As a carnivorous predator, it primarily feeds on smaller fish, cephalopods (like squid), and crustaceans found on or near the seabed.
Habitat Shiftbehavior
Juvenile Large-eye Dentex often inhabit shallower waters, gradually migrating to deeper, adult habitats as they mature.
Safety Information
Safe- Safety level: safe
- Venomous: No
- Edibility: edible
- Handling notes: No specific handling precautions beyond standard care for spiny-finned fish. The dorsal and anal fin spines can be sharp, so handle with care to avoid punctures. No known venomous properties.
Similar Species
Common Dentex
Dentex dentex
The Common Dentex has smaller eyes relative to its head size, a more silvery coloration, and often exhibits blue spots on its body. It also typically inhabits shallower, rockier areas.
Pink Dentex
Dentex gibbosus
While also pinkish, D. gibbosus has a more pronounced hump on its forehead (especially in larger individuals) and its eyes are not as disproportionately large as D. macrophthalmus. It also tends to be a larger species overall.
Pagrus pagrus (Red Sea Bream)
Pagrus pagrus
Pagrus pagrus has a more reddish-silver coloration, often with blue spots, and its eyes are not as large. Its body shape can be similar, but the head profile and eye size are key differentiators.
Scientific Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Actinopterygii
- Order
- Spariformes
- Family
- Sparidae
- Genus
- Dentex
- Species
- macrophthalmus
Explore Large-eye Dentex
Identify fish anywhere
Free on iOS, Android, and Web. Photo identification, full species details, and more.