Natal pandora
📖 Overview
Found on sandy-muddy bottoms at a depth of about 150 m . Omnivorous species but prefers worms, mollusks, and crustaceans . Grunts when removed from the water.
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Dorsal spines (total): 12; Dorsal soft rays (total): 10 - 11; Anal spines: 3; Anal soft rays: 10. : fusiform / normal.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Natal pandora is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
Diet information for Natal pandora is currently being compiled.
🥚 Reproduction
Reproduction data for Natal pandora is currently being compiled.
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Marine; demersal; depth range ? - 150 m . Subtropical; 17°S - 28°S South Africa to Madagascar.
🌿 Ecology
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🍽️ Edibility & Flavour
"Natal pandora is an edible species."
- 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
- Cloudy or sunken eyes
- Strong fishy or ammonia odour
- Soft, mushy flesh that doesn't spring back
- Discoloured or dry flesh
⚡ Nutrition
Detailed nutritional data for Natal pandora is currently being compiled from USDA FoodData Central.
🔬 Mercury Safety
Mercury data for Natal pandora has not yet been assigned. Please consult FDA/EPA guidance for general seafood safety advice.
🌿 Sustainability
🌐 Names & Taxonomy
| Language | Common Names |
|---|---|
| 🇬🇧English | Natal pandora · Red Grunter · Red Tjor-tjor · Sand Soldier |
| 🌍AFR | Rooi tjortjor · Rooigorgor |
| 🇸🇦Arabic | Kofer |
| 🌍CES | růžicha natalská |
| 🇫🇷French | Pageot Du Natal |
| 🇵🇱Polish | Morlesz Natalski |
| 🇷🇺Russian | Натальский пагель |
| 🇪🇸Spanish | Pandora De Natal |
| 🇨🇳Chinese | 南非小鯛 |
🔍 Similar Species
🗺️ Global Occurrence Map
Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) - 10 records indexed .
👥 Community & Contribute
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