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Common pandora

Sicuro

Pagellus erythrinus

Conosciuto anche come: Pandora, Red seabream, Spanish seabream, Pagel

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Descrizione

Pagellus erythrinus, commonly known as the common pandora, is a demersal marine fish belonging to the family Sparidae. It is a commercially important species in the Mediterranean Sea and adjacent Atlantic waters. This species is characterized by its reddish-pink coloration, elongated body, and relatively large eyes. It is a protogynous hermaphrodite, meaning individuals mature as females and later transition to males.

Caratteristiche fisiche

Forma del corpo
elongated
Colorazione
The body is predominantly reddish-pink to silvery-pink, often with faint, irregular blue spots or lines along the flanks, particularly noticeable when freshly caught. The fins are typically reddish. Juveniles may exhibit more pronounced vertical bands.
Tipo di squame
ctenoid
Posizione della bocca
terminal
Caratteristiche distintive
Relatively large eyes, positioned high on the head., Small, terminal mouth with several rows of small, pointed teeth in the front and molar-like teeth in the back., A single dorsal fin with both spiny and soft rays., Absence of black spot at the pectoral fin base, which distinguishes it from some other sparids.
Pinna dorsale
Single dorsal fin with 12-13 spines and 10-11 soft rays.
Pinna caudale
Forked caudal fin, typically reddish.
Pinna pettorale
Long and pointed pectoral fins, usually reddish.
Pinne distintive
Pelvic fins are thoracic, with one spine and five soft rays. Anal fin has 3 spines and 9-10 soft rays.

Consigli per l'identificazione

Coloration

Look for the characteristic reddish-pink to silvery-pink body color, often with subtle blue spots or lines.

Eyes

Note the relatively large eyes, which are a prominent feature of this species.

Mouth

Observe the small, terminal mouth with a combination of pointed and molar-like teeth.

Absence of black spot

Crucially, Pagellus erythrinus lacks the distinct black spot at the base of the pectoral fin, which is present in some similar sparid species like Pagellus bogaraveo.

Body Shape

Its body is more elongated and less deep-bodied compared to some other seabreams.

Habitat

Tipo di acqua
saltwater
Profondità
Typically found at depths ranging from 20 to 200 meters, though occasionally encountered shallower (5m) or deeper (up to 300m).
Ambiente
Prefers sandy, muddy, or detritic bottoms, often near Posidonia seagrass beds or rocky outcrops. It is a demersal species, spending most of its time near the seabed.
Areale geografico
Eastern Atlantic Ocean from the British Isles (rarely) south to Senegal, including the Canary Islands, Madeira, and the Azores. Widely distributed throughout the Mediterranean Sea and the Black Sea.

Informazioni sull'acquario

  • Livello di cura: advanced
  • Temperamento: semi-aggressive
  • Dieta: carnivore
  • Dimensione minima della vasca: 500 gallons
  • Temperatura: 18-24°C (64-75°F)
  • Livello di pH: 8.1-8.4
  • Durezza: 8-12 dKH
  • Compatibilità: Best kept in a species-specific tank or with other large, robust marine fish that can tolerate its territorial nature. Avoid keeping with smaller, docile species.
  • Requisiti speciali: Requires a large tank with ample swimming space and plenty of rockwork for shelter. Excellent filtration and stable water parameters are crucial. Not typically kept in home aquaria due to size and specific needs.

Informazioni in natura

  • Stato di conservazione: least concern
  • Stagionalità: Available year-round, but peak catches often occur during warmer months when they are more active and accessible.
  • Prezzo di mercato: Varies significantly by region and season, generally considered a mid-to-high value fish.
  • Importanza commerciale: high
  • Sapore: Mild, delicate, and slightly sweet flavor.
  • Consistenza: Flaky, firm, and white flesh.
  • Metodi di cottura: Baked, Grilled, Fried, Steamed, Pan-seared
  • Valore nutrizionale: Good source of lean protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and various vitamins and minerals.

Fatti chiave

Hermaphroditismbehavior

Pagellus erythrinus is a protogynous hermaphrodite, meaning individuals mature first as females and later transition to males. This sexual inversion typically occurs around 2-4 years of age and at a length of 20-30 cm.

Dietary Flexibilitybehavior

While primarily a carnivore, its diet is quite varied, including small crustaceans, mollusks, polychaetes, and small fish, reflecting its opportunistic feeding strategy on the seabed.

Longevityinteresting

Common pandora can live for up to 10-12 years, with some records indicating even older individuals, particularly in undisturbed habitats.

Schooling Behaviorbehavior

Juveniles and sub-adults often form schools, while larger adults tend to be more solitary or found in smaller groups.

Reproductive Seasonbehavior

Spawning typically occurs from late spring to early autumn, with peak activity varying geographically across its range, influenced by water temperature.

Informazioni di sicurezza

Sicuro
  • Livello di sicurezza: safe
  • Velenoso: No
  • Commestibilità: edible
  • Note sul maneggio: No specific handling precautions beyond standard fish handling. Spines on the dorsal and anal fins can cause minor punctures if not handled carefully, but they are not venomous.

Specie simili

Red seabream

Pagellus bogaraveo

Pagellus bogaraveo (Red seabream or Axillary seabream) typically has a more silvery body with a distinct black spot at the base of the pectoral fin, which is absent in Pagellus erythrinus. P. bogaraveo also tends to have a deeper body and larger scales.

Pandora

Pagellus acarne

Pagellus acarne (Axillary seabream) is generally more silvery-grey with a less pronounced reddish hue and often has a dark spot in the axil of the pectoral fin. Its body is also typically more slender than P. erythrinus.

Common dentex

Dentex dentex

Dentex dentex (Common dentex) is a much larger, more robust fish with a more silvery-grey coloration and prominent canine teeth. It lacks the reddish tones and smaller mouth of Pagellus erythrinus.

Classificazione scientifica

Regno
Animalia
Phylum
Chordata
Classe
Actinopterygii
Ordine
Spariformes
Famiglia
Sparidae
Genere
Pagellus
Specie
Pagellus erythrinus

Esplora Common pandora

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