Fin's Fish Guide
The Common pandora (Pagellus erythrinus) is a saltwater fish of the family Sparidae that grows up to 60 cm.
Eastern Atlantic from the British Isles to West Africa and the Mediterranean Sea, on mixed bottoms.
Description
The common pandora is a slender sea bream of the family Sparidae reaching about 60 cm but usually smaller. The oval body is pinkish-red with a silvery sheen and often fine blue speckles on the back; the mouth bears strong cutting and grinding teeth. The species lives over mixed sand and rock bottoms of the eastern Atlantic and the Mediterranean, from shallow water to several hundred metres, and forms schools. It is a bottom hunter eating worms, shellfish, crustaceans and small fish. Like many sea breams it is a protogynous hermaphrodite, starting as a female and later becoming male. Its fine flesh makes it a highly prized food fish.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Common pandora?
The Common pandora has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly red-orange and shows a plain pattern. Slender, pinkish-red sea bream with a silver sheen and often blue speckles on the back; powerful jaws with cutting teeth and molars.
Where does the Common pandora live?
The Common pandora lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around mixed bottom. Eastern Atlantic from the British Isles to West Africa and the Mediterranean Sea, on mixed bottoms.
How big does the Common pandora get?
The Common pandora grows to a maximum of about 60 cm. On average the species is around 25 cm.
Is the Common pandora dangerous to humans?
No, the Common pandora is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Common pandora edible?
Yes, the Common pandora is a highly prized food fish.
More photos
Easily confused with
These species look like the Common pandora and live in the same waters.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Pagellus
More from the family Sparidae
Want the complete picture on the Common pandora?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Common pandora is one of 12,519 species in the app.