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Morocco dentex (Dentex maroccanus) — Sparidae

Morocco dentex

Dentex maroccanus
Family: Sparidae
LC · Least Concern

The Morocco dentex (Dentex maroccanus) is a saltwater fish of the family Sparidae that grows up to 45 cm.

Length
45 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
20.0–500.0 m
Diet
Carnivore
Behaviour
Small groups
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Harmless
Edibility
Commonly eaten

Description

The Morocco dentex is a sea bream of the family Sparidae from the eastern Atlantic and Mediterranean. The species grows to about 45 cm and has a deep, reddish to pink body with a bluish tinge and strong canine teeth at the front of the jaws, characteristic of the dentexes. It inhabits various bottoms but prefers gravel and rubble bottoms of the continental shelf. As a bottom predator it feeds on small fishes, crustaceans, molluscs and worms. The Morocco dentex is a valued food fish and is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Morocco dentex?

The Morocco dentex has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly red-orange and shows a plain pattern.

Where does the Morocco dentex live?

The Morocco dentex lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom.

How big does the Morocco dentex get?

The Morocco dentex grows to a maximum of about 45 cm. On average the species is around 25 cm.

Is the Morocco dentex dangerous to humans?

No, the Morocco dentex is harmless to humans.

Is the Morocco dentex edible?

Yes, the Morocco dentex is commonly eaten.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Marokkaanse tandbrasem sourced
English name
Morocco dentex verified
Scientific name
Dentex maroccanus
Family
Sparidae
Other names
Morocco dentex verified

Appearance

Size class
Large verified
Max length (cm)
45.0 verified
Average length (cm)
25.0 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Red / orange 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
Sand / mud bottom sourced
Min depth (m)
20.0 verified
Max depth (m)
500.0 verified
Origin
Native sourced

Behaviour & biology

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

For anglers

Edibility
Commonly eaten sourced
Fishing method
Bodemvissen met natuurlijk aas (worm, garnaal of vis) op of vlak boven de bodem. 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 Dentex

More from the family Sparidae

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