Polysteganus praeorbitalis (Günther, 1859)
Scotsman seabream
Polysteganus praeorbitalis
photo by FAO

Family:  Sparidae (Porgies)
Max. size:  90 cm TL (male/unsexed); max.weight: 7,800.0 g
Environment:  reef-associated; marine; depth range 20 - 100 m
Distribution:  Western Indian Ocean: known only from Beira, Mozambique to Algoa Bay, South Africa.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 12-12; Dorsal soft rays (total): 10-10; Anal spines: 3-3; Anal soft rays: 8-8. Small eye, deep preorbital, steep forehead (Ref. 3198).
Biology:  Occurs in deep offshore reefs ranging from 20 to 100 m. Feeds on large crabs, crayfish, a variety of reef fish and squid. Spawns in winter. Sold fresh (Ref. 3507).
IUCN Red List Status: Vulnerable (VU); Date assessed: 02 December 2008 (A2bd) Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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