Fin's Fish Guide
The Pink dentex (Dentex gibbosus) is a saltwater fish of the family Sparidae that grows up to 106 cm.
Eastern Atlantic from Portugal to Angola; Mediterranean Sea, the Canary Islands and São Tomé and Príncipe.
Description
The pink dentex is a large sea bream of the family Sparidae reaching over a metre. The body is pink with silvery reflections and blue speckles in young fish; large, old individuals develop a markedly humped head. The jaws carry strong canine teeth. The species is a sequential hermaphrodite: individuals up to about 50 cm are mostly male and then change into females. It lives over rock, rubble and sand bottoms of the eastern Atlantic and Mediterranean, usually between 20 and 220 m, with juveniles staying closer inshore. The pink dentex is a highly prized food fish across its range.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Pink dentex?
The Pink dentex has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly pink-purple and shows a plain pattern. Pink sea bream with strong canine teeth; large, old individuals develop a strikingly humped head. Sequential hermaphrodite.
Where does the Pink dentex live?
The Pink dentex lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around mixed bottom. Eastern Atlantic from Portugal to Angola; Mediterranean Sea, the Canary Islands and São Tomé and Príncipe.
How big does the Pink dentex get?
The Pink dentex grows to a maximum of about 106 cm. On average the species is around 60 cm.
Is the Pink dentex dangerous to humans?
No, the Pink dentex is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Pink dentex edible?
Yes, the Pink dentex is a highly prized food fish.
More photos
Easily confused with
These species look like the Pink 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 Pink dentex?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Pink dentex is one of 12,519 species in the app.