Inhabit various types of bottom but prefers gravel or rubble from 20 to about 500 m depth, abundance varying with depth according to the latitudes. Feed mainly on crustaceans and fish but also takes mollusks .
Dorsal spines (total): 12; Dorsal soft rays (total): 10 - 11; Anal spines: 3; Anal soft rays: 8 - 9. Body tall, without stripes or bars. Small black spot at the pectoral fin base .: fusiform / normal.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Morocco dentex is currently being
reviewed.
🦐 Diet
aquatic invertebrates
small fish
algae
detritus
🥚 Reproduction
Size at Maturity
15.8cm TL
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Marine; demersal; depth range 20 - 500 m . Subtropical; 57°N - 5°S, 18°W - 36°E
DenmarkGreeceIsraelSweden
🌿 Ecology
Zone Preferences
🌊 Marine⬇️ Benthic
Trophic Level
3.9±0.61
Food Items
crustaceans and fish but also takes mollusks (Ref
📐 Morphometrics
Length–Weight Relationship:
W = 0.0138 × L3.02
(TL)
Max TL
45cm
Dorsal Spines
12
Dorsal Rays
11
Anal Spines
3
Anal Rays
9
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
Salinity Range
30–40ppt
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
IUCN Category
Least Concern
Assessment Date
2009
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
Population Resilience
Medium
Minimum doubling time
Fishing Vulnerability
52.00/100
Moderate-High vulnerability
Trophic Level
3.9
Predator
Body Shape
Fusiform / normal
Climate Zone
Subtropical
Latitude Range
57°N
–
5°S
Described By
Valenciennes, 1830
🎣 Angling Guide
Difficulty
Beginner
Fight Rating
strong pulls with head-shakes
Best Seasons
spring,summer,fall
Best Time
incoming tide, dawn and dusk
Line Weight
15-30
Rod Type
medium-heavy spinning
Hook Size
2/0-5/0
Catch & Release
✓ Recommended
Best Months
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Techniques
bottom fishingpopping corksoft plasticslive bait
Bait & Lures
live shrimpcut mulletsoft plastic paddle-tailspopping corks
Recommended Tackle
medium-heavy 7ft spinning rod
30-50 lb braid
fluorocarbon leader
Where to Find Them
grass flats
oyster bars
marsh drains
deeper channel edges
Tips & Tricks
Popping cork technique attracts fish from distance. Fish moving tides.
Catch & Release Tips
Use barbless hooks, minimise air exposure, and revive fish head-first in current before release.
Regulations Summary
⚠️
Slot limits protect breeding-size fish. Verify daily bag limits.
🍽️ Edibility & Flavour
"Morocco dentex is an edible species."
✗ Not for Raw
✓ Fresh Indicators
Clear, bright eyes — cloudy eyes indicate age
Firm flesh that springs back when pressed
Fresh ocean smell, never strong or ammonia-like
Bright red or pink gills, not grey or brown
Shiny, moist skin with scales tightly attached
✗ Avoid If
Cloudy or sunken eyes
Strong fishy or ammonia odour
Soft, mushy flesh that doesn't spring back
Discoloured or dry flesh
Best Cooking Methods
BakingGrillingPan-frying
⚡ Nutrition
Per 100g cooked - Source: USDA FoodData Central
Nutrient
Amount
Protein
19.9 g
Omega-3 (total)
515 mg
🔬 Mercury Safety
Mercury data for Morocco dentex has not yet been
assigned. Please consult FDA/EPA guidance for general seafood safety advice.
🌿 Sustainability
Best Choice
Healthy stocks, low impact
Good Alternative
Well-managed, minor concerns
Use Caution
Check sourcing and season
Avoid
Overfished or high impact
✓ Sustainable Choice
🔬 Full Nutritional Profile
Per 100g - Raw, per 100g
- Source: USDA FoodData Central templates (lean white fish average)