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Natal pandora (Pagellus natalensis) — Sparidae

Natal pandora

Pagellus natalensis
Family: Sparidae
LC · Least Concern

The Natal pandora (Pagellus natalensis) is a saltwater fish of the family Sparidae that grows up to 30 cm.

Length
30 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
0–150.0 m
Diet
Omnivore
Behaviour
Small groups
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Harmless
Edibility
Commonly eaten

Description

The Natal pandora is a seabream (Sparidae) from the western Indian Ocean. The species has a deep, pink-silvery body with large eyes. It lives near the bottom on sand and mud bottoms, often at depths around one hundred and fifty metres. As an omnivore it eats a range of things but prefers small bottom animals such as crustaceans, molluscs and worms. It is a food fish. The species is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Natal pandora?

The Natal pandora has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly pink-purple and shows a plain pattern.

Where does the Natal pandora live?

The Natal pandora lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom.

How big does the Natal pandora get?

The Natal pandora grows to a maximum of about 30 cm.

Is the Natal pandora dangerous to humans?

No, the Natal pandora is harmless to humans.

Is the Natal pandora edible?

Yes, the Natal pandora is commonly eaten.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Natal-zeebrasem sourced
English name
Natal pandora verified
Scientific name
Pagellus natalensis
Family
Sparidae
Other names
Red tjor tjor; Red tjor-tjor; Sand soldier verified

Appearance

Size class
Medium verified
Max length (cm)
30.0 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Pink / purple inferred
Pattern
Plain inferred
Tail shape
Forked inferred
Mouth position
Terminal inferred
Lips
Thick / fleshy inferred
Barbels
No sourced
Dorsal fins
One continuous inferred
Dorsal spines
Yes sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom sourced
Max depth (m)
150.0 verified
Origin
Native sourced

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Omnivore sourced
Social behaviour
Small groups inferred
Territorial
No inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes sourced
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred

For anglers

Edibility
Commonly eaten sourced
Fishing method
Bodemvissen met natuurlijk aas (worm, garnaal of vis) op of vlak boven de bodem. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless sourced

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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