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Littlehead porgy (Calamus proridens) — Sparidae

Littlehead porgy

Calamus proridens
Family: Sparidae
LC · Least Concern

The Littlehead porgy (Calamus proridens) is a saltwater fish of the family Sparidae that grows up to 46 cm.

Length
46 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
0–59.0 m
Diet
Carnivore
Behaviour
Solitary
Body shape
Flat / disc-shaped
Substrate
Stone or rock
Danger
Harmless
Edibility
Commonly eaten

Description

The littlehead porgy is a porgy (Sparidae) from the western Atlantic and the Gulf of Mexico. The species has a deep, silvery body with bluish lines on the head and strong jaws with grinding teeth. It lives mainly on sponge and coral bottoms of coastal waters. With its powerful jaws it feeds mainly on benthic invertebrates such as molluscs and crustaceans. It is a valued food fish. The species is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Littlehead porgy?

The Littlehead porgy has a flattened, disc-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern.

Where does the Littlehead porgy live?

The Littlehead porgy lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground.

How big does the Littlehead porgy get?

The Littlehead porgy grows to a maximum of about 46 cm. On average the species is around 37 cm.

Is the Littlehead porgy dangerous to humans?

No, the Littlehead porgy is harmless to humans.

Is the Littlehead porgy edible?

Yes, the Littlehead porgy is commonly eaten.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Kleinkop-zeebrasem sourced
English name
Littlehead porgy verified
Scientific name
Calamus proridens
Family
Sparidae
Other names
Littlehead porgy verified

Appearance

Size class
Large verified
Max length (cm)
46.0 verified
Average length (cm)
37.0 verified
Body shape
Flat / disc-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Silver / grey inferred
Pattern
Plain inferred
Tail shape
Forked inferred
Mouth position
Terminal inferred
Lips
Thick / fleshy inferred
Barbels
No sourced
Dorsal fins
One continuous inferred
Dorsal spines
Yes sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Stone or rock sourced
Max depth (m)
59.0 verified
Origin
Native sourced

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore sourced
Social behaviour
Solitary inferred
Territorial
No inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes sourced
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred

For anglers

Edibility
Commonly eaten sourced
Fishing method
Vissen met natuurlijk aas (vis, garnaal, worm) of kunstaas dicht bij rif- en rotsstructuren. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless sourced

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

Same genus Calamus

More from the family Sparidae

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