Fin's Fish Guide
The Morocco dentex (Dentex maroccanus) is a saltwater fish of the family Sparidae that grows up to 45 cm.
Eastern Atlantic and Mediterranean Sea; gravel and grit bottoms of the continental shelf.
Description
The Morocco dentex is a sea bream of the family Sparidae from the eastern Atlantic and Mediterranean. The species grows to about 45 cm and has a deep, reddish to pink body with a bluish tinge and strong canine teeth at the front of the jaws, characteristic of the dentexes. It inhabits various bottoms but prefers gravel and rubble bottoms of the continental shelf. As a bottom predator it feeds on small fishes, crustaceans, molluscs and worms. The Morocco dentex is a valued food fish and is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Morocco dentex?
The Morocco dentex has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly red-orange and shows a plain pattern. Red-pink with a bluish sheen and strong canine teeth; bottom predator of gravel and rubble bottoms.
Where does the Morocco dentex live?
The Morocco dentex lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Eastern Atlantic and Mediterranean Sea; gravel and grit bottoms of the continental shelf.
How big does the Morocco dentex get?
The Morocco dentex grows to a maximum of about 45 cm. On average the species is around 25 cm.
Is the Morocco dentex dangerous to humans?
No, the Morocco dentex is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Morocco dentex edible?
Yes, the Morocco dentex is commonly eaten.
More photos
Easily confused with
These species look like the Morocco dentex 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 Dentex
More from the family Sparidae
Want the complete picture on the Morocco dentex?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Morocco dentex is one of 12,519 species in the app.