Diplodus argenteus (Valenciennes, 1830)
South American silver porgy
Diplodus argenteus
photo by Carvalho Filho, A.

Family:  Sparidae (Porgies)
Max. size:  37.8 cm TL (male/unsexed); max.weight: 2,500.0 g
Environment:  reef-associated; marine; depth range - 0 m
Distribution:  Western Atlantic: Southern Florida, (USA), Bahamas, Antilles, and coast of South America (Ref. 26938), from Brazil to Argentina (Ref. 3815).
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 12-12; Dorsal soft rays (total): 13-14; Anal spines: 3-3; Anal soft rays: 12-14. Large, black, saddle-shaped blotch on upper caudal peduncle (Ref. 26938). Silvery, about nine faint narrow dark bars may be visible on upper two-thirds of body (Ref. 13442).
Biology:  Occur in clean turbulent waters along open rocky coasts, usually in surf areas (Ref. 7251). Juveniles are frequently found in littoral pools between rocks (Ref. 9626). Individuals up to 10 cm are caught in shallow waters, often in sandy shores or in seagrass (Thalassia) beds (Ref. 9626). Maximum weight of 2500 g based on confirmed reports from Uruguay (L.A. Pereira, pers. comm., 6/12/01).
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 31 March 2011 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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