Fin's Fish Guide
The Carpenter (Argyrozona argyrozona) is a saltwater fish of the family Sparidae that grows up to 90 cm.
Description
The carpenter seabream is a seabream endemic to the coast of South Africa. The species grows to about 90 cm and has a streamlined, pink to silvery body with fine blue spots along the flanks. As a predator it lives over rocky reefs and soft bottoms between about 20 and 200 metres depth and hunts small fish, squid and crustaceans. It is an important and valued food fish, but is under pressure from fishing. The IUCN assesses it as Least Concern (LC).
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Carpenter?
The Carpenter has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly pink-purple and shows a spots pattern. Pink body with blue spots; valued reef bream
Where does the Carpenter live?
The Carpenter lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around mixed bottom. South Africa (endemic)
How big does the Carpenter get?
The Carpenter grows to a maximum of about 90 cm. On average the species is around 60 cm.
Is the Carpenter dangerous to humans?
No, the Carpenter 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 Carpenter edible?
Yes, the Carpenter is commonly eaten.
More photos
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
More from the family Sparidae
Want the complete picture on the Carpenter?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Carpenter is one of 12,519 species in the app.