Fin's Fish Guide
The Whitebone porgy (Calamus leucosteus) is a saltwater fish of the family Sparidae that grows up to 46 cm.
Western Atlantic; sandy and sediment bottoms off the southeast of the US.
Description
The whitebone porgy is a porgy of the family Sparidae from the western Atlantic off the south-eastern United States. The species grows to about 46 cm and has a deep, laterally compressed, silvery body with a bluish sheen. It lives mainly over sandy and sedimentary bottoms between about 10 and 100 metres. With powerful jaws and molar-like teeth it crushes hard-shelled bottom prey such as molluscs, crustaceans and echinoderms. The whitebone porgy is a valued food and angling fish with firm, tasty flesh. It is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Whitebone porgy?
The Whitebone porgy has a flattened, disc-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern. Powerful jaws with molar teeth for crushing hard-shelled bottom prey.
Where does the Whitebone porgy live?
The Whitebone porgy lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Western Atlantic; sandy and sediment bottoms off the southeast of the US.
How big does the Whitebone porgy get?
The Whitebone porgy grows to a maximum of about 46 cm. On average the species is around 30 cm.
Is the Whitebone porgy dangerous to humans?
No, the Whitebone porgy is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Whitebone porgy edible?
Yes, the Whitebone porgy is commonly eaten.
More photos
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Calamus
More from the family Sparidae
Want the complete picture on the Whitebone porgy?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Whitebone porgy is one of 12,519 species in the app.