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South American silver porgy (Diplodus argenteus) — Sparidae

South American silver porgy

Diplodus argenteus
Family: Sparidae

The South American silver porgy (Diplodus argenteus) is a saltwater fish of the family Sparidae that grows up to 38 cm.

Length
37.8 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
0.0–? m
Diet
Omnivore
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Stone or rock
Danger
Harmless
Edibility
Commonly eaten

Description

The South American silver porgy is a seabream (Sparidae) from coastal waters of the western Atlantic, off South America. The species grows to about 38 cm and has a deep, silvery body with a dark spot on the tail base and strong incisor teeth at the front of the mouth. As a bottom-oriented omnivore it lives around rocky reefs and in the surf and eats weed, molluscs, crustaceans and worms. It is a valued sport and food fish. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the South American silver porgy?

The South American silver porgy has a torpedo-shaped body and is mainly silver-grey.

Where does the South American silver porgy live?

The South American silver porgy lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground.

How big does the South American silver porgy get?

The South American silver porgy grows to a maximum of about 38 cm.

Is the South American silver porgy dangerous to humans?

No, the South American silver porgy is harmless to humans.

Is the South American silver porgy edible?

Yes, the South American silver porgy is commonly eaten.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Zilveren zeekarper sourced
English name
South American silver porgy sourced
Scientific name
Diplodus argenteus
Family
Sparidae
Other names
Silver porgy; South American silver porgy; White bream verified

Appearance

Size class
Medium verified
Max length (cm)
37.8 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Silver / grey sourced
Tail shape
Forked inferred

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Stone or rock sourced
Min depth (m)
0.0 verified
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Omnivore inferred
Territorial
No inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred

For anglers

Edibility
Commonly eaten inferred
Fishing method
Vissen met natuurlijk aas (vis, garnaal, worm) of kunstaas dicht bij rif- en rotsstructuren. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless verified

Status & sources

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

Same genus Diplodus

More from the family Sparidae

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