Common Pandora (Pagellus Erythrinus)

Latin name: Pagellus erythrinus
Common name: Common pandora
In other languages: E: Breca, F: Pageot Commun, D: Rotbrasse
Class: Actinopterygii
Order: Perciformes
Family: Sparidae
Genus: Pagellus

Habitat: Over mud or sandy ground from 10 metres down to 100 metres. Very much at home among breakers on a rocky coastline and in offshore breakers at the surf line of sandy beaches.

Reproduction: Breeds spring to autumn (Mediterranean).

Behaviour: Solitary by nature and hermaphrodite with its primal phase being female. A carnivore living off small invertebrates with a preference for coralline ground where prey items are more readily available. A very strong swimmer with a fast turn of speed.

Diet: Small crustaceans and molluscs.

Size: Common: 10 - 30cm, maximum: 60cm.

Shape: Deep body, tapering to tail, small head with jaws not reaching back to small eyes.