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Arabian pandora (Pagellus affinis) — Sparidae

Arabian pandora

Pagellus affinis
Family: Sparidae

The Arabian pandora (Pagellus affinis) is a saltwater fish of the family Sparidae that grows up to 42 cm.

Length
42.1 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
0–150.0 m
Diet
Omnivore
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
Asia: Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Pakistan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and others
Edibility
Commonly eaten

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Description

The Arabian pandora is a seabream (Sparidae) from coastal waters of the western Indian Ocean and Arabian Sea. The species grows to about 42 cm and has an elongate, red-silver body with large eyes. As a bottom-oriented fish it searches sand and mud bottoms for molluscs, crustaceans and worms. It is a food fish. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Arabian pandora?

The Arabian pandora has a torpedo-shaped body and is mainly red-orange.

Where does the Arabian pandora live?

The Arabian pandora lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Asia: Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Pakistan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and others

How big does the Arabian pandora get?

The Arabian pandora grows to a maximum of about 42 cm.

Is the Arabian pandora dangerous to humans?

No, the Arabian pandora is harmless to humans. This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status.

Is the Arabian pandora edible?

Yes, the Arabian pandora is commonly eaten.

More photos

Arabian pandora (Pagellus affinis) — Sparidae — 2
Randall, John E. (CC0 1.0) via GBIF — USNM
Fin

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All data

Identification

English name
Arabian pandora sourced
Scientific name
Pagellus affinis
Family
Sparidae

Appearance

Size class
Large verified
Max length (cm)
42.1 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Red / orange sourced
Tail shape
Forked inferred

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom sourced
Max depth (m)
150.0 verified
Natural range
Asia: Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Pakistan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and others sourced
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Omnivore inferred
Diet (detail)
Invertebrates, algae and detritus inferred
Territorial
No inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known. inferred

For anglers

Edibility
Commonly eaten inferred
Fishing method
Bottom fishing with natural bait (worm, shrimp or fish) on or just above the seabed. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless verified
First aid
This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status. verified

Status & sources

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

Same genus Pagellus

More from the family Sparidae

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