Annular Seabream
Diplodus annularis
Common Dentex
Dentex dentex
About
The common dentex is a fast, powerful predator with a name that means "large teeth", after the sharp canine teeth lining its jaws. It can grow up to 100 cm long, though 50 cm is more typical.
Also known as: dentex, dentice, common dentex, Dentex dentex
- Length
- 50 cm · max 1 m
- Weight
- max 14 kg
- Depth
- 15–50 m
- Temperature
- 13–21 °C
How to tell it apart
Young fish look similar to other seabream, but check for the back markings described above; they fade as the fish matures, so only young dentex show them.
Appearance
Its body is oval and flattened side to side, with a low, slightly upturned mouth full of canine-like teeth. Young fish are grey with black spots on the back and upper flanks; as they mature the colour turns pink, and the oldest fish become bluish-grey with the spots fading to faint marks.
Habitat
Common dentex live over rocky bottoms in the northeastern Atlantic and the Mediterranean, down to 200 m deep, though they are most common between 15 and 50 m.
Behaviour
This fish is an active hunter, feeding on other fish, molluscs and cephalopods such as squid and octopus. Adults are usually solitary, but come together in groups for a few weeks each spring to spawn near the surface in warmer water. Young fish stay in schools instead of living alone.
Is it dangerous?
Harmless.
Did you know?
Its name, dentex, literally means "with large teeth", after its prominent canine-like teeth.
Log it in Into the Blue
Describe what you saw and we name it, then keep every species you find in your Oceandex.
