Pagellus natalensis Steindachner, 1903
Natal pandora
Pagellus natalensis
photo by FAO

Family:  Sparidae (Porgies)
Max. size:  30 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  demersal; marine; depth range - 150 m
Distribution:  Western Indian Ocean: Mossel Bay, South Africa to Madagascar.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 12-12; Dorsal soft rays (total): 10-11; Anal spines: 3-3; Anal soft rays: 10-10
Biology:  Found on sandy-muddy bottoms at a depth of about 150 m (Ref. 5213). Omnivorous species but prefers worms, mollusks, and crustaceans (Ref. 5213). Grunts when removed from the water.
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 01 December 2009 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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