| Family: |
Sparidae (Porgies) |
| Max. size: |
56 cm TL (male/unsexed); max.weight: 680.0 g |
| Environment: |
reef-associated; marine; depth range 1 - 75 m |
| Distribution: |
Western Atlantic: North Carolina, USA and Bermuda to Brazil. |
| Diagnosis: |
The cheek area is usually blue with yellow spots; the blue markings on the scales are more linear; no horizontal blue band above the gill opening, but a dark bluish smudge may often seen behind the upper end of the opening (Ref. 13442). |
| Biology: |
Adults are frequently found in coral areas, while the young prefer vegetated (e.g. Thalassia), sandy bottoms. Feeds mainly on mollusks, worms, brittle stars, hermit crabs, crabs and sea urchins. Easily approached (Ref. 9710). Marketed fresh and frozen (Ref. 5217). |
| IUCN Red List Status: |
Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 30 March 2011 Ref. (130435)
|
| Threat to humans: |
reports of ciguatera poisoning |
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