Red Porgy 
Red Porgy
Pagrus pagrus
Average Weight/Length
Averages 2-10 pounds; may reach 20 or more. World record 17 pounds.
Other "Popular" Names for this Fish
Guerito
Location Habitat
Drop-offs in at least 200 feet; also far deeper. Found over rock, rubble, or sand bottoms (young frequently found on seagrass beds and the continental shelf down to about 250 m depth, often above 150 m. In southwest Brazil found in 160 m depth. Feeds on crustaceans, fishes, and mollusks (Ref. 3688). Its toxic nature is uncertain. Marketed fresh and frozen . Reported weights of caught individuals were between 9 to 17 kgs (9-10 off the west coast of Greece)
Biology & Physical Description
Light, reddish silver overall, with pinkish tail. Dorsal spines (total): 12; Dorsal soft rays (total): 10; Anal spines: 3; Anal soft rays: 8. Pinkish silver with an indistinct yellow spot on each scale on about upper half of body, these spots giving a yellow-striped effect; a wedge of yellow across interorbital and some yellow on snout and upper lip; dorsal, caudal and pectoral fins pink
Life Cycle & Mating Behavior
Protogynous hermaphrodite species. First sexual maturity occurs at 3 years of age (about 24 cm), first behaving as females and then as males. Spawning happens at 1 5-19° and it tends to be in spring, depending on the habitat (in the Canary Islands it can start in January).
Geographic Species Map (Fishbase.org Map)
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Summary of Distribution: Eastern Atlantic: Strait of Gibraltar to 15°N (rare southward 20°N), including Madeira and the Canary Islands; Mediterranean and northward to the British Isles. Western Atlantic: New York, USA and northern Gulf of Mexico to Argentina (Ref. 7251), including the continental coast of the Caribbean Sea |
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Note: Distribution range colors indicate degree of suitability of habitat which can be interpreted as probabilities of occurrence (fishbase.org) |
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Tackle & Baits
Heavy bottom rigs, preferably with electric reels. Cut baits.
Game Rating
Game Rating : 5/10
Game Description :
Not much, considering gear used.
Food Rating
Game Rating : 8.5/10
Game Description :
Excellent.