Introduction to Red Porgy (Pagrus pagrus) Species
The Red Porgy, known for its taste and hunting, is a coral species named Pagrus major. In this article, we will introduce the Red Porgy fish species.
Continue reading for what you wonder about the Red Porgy, which is as economically valuable as its high taste.
Red Porgy Species Summary
| Other Names: | Red seabream, Madai (Japanese) |
| Scientific Name: | Pagrus major |
| Origin: | Northwest Pacific, South China Sea, and Japan |
| Diet: | Carnivorous |
| Adult Size: | 120 cm (Commonly 30-70 cm) |
| Reproduction: | They lay eggs |
| Breeding Period: | February – August |
| Lifespan: | 20 – 40 yearsıl |
| Fishing: | No known bans |
Red Porgy Features
The Red Porgy is a coral species from the Sparidae family. The largest recorded length it has reached so far is 120 cm and 13 kg. They are commonly seen at an average size of 70 cm and around 6-7 kg. Their sizes vary depending on their habitat. In general, they reach around 40 cm when they are 3 years old.
Their average lifespan is between 20 and 40 years. For feeding, they consume shrimp, crabs, small fish, and sea urchins. Although they live in deep waters, they come to shallower waters to lay eggs between February and August.
In the Northwest Pacific, South China Sea, and Japan regions, their commercial value is quite high. They are also traded and cultivated in our country and are among the high-economic-value marine fish. In some regions, they are also known by different names like antennae coral fish and broken coral, but there are differences between them and the antennae coral, even though they are close.
Difference of Red Porgy Fish
It’s natural to confuse them with other coral species due to their similarities. Red Porgy fish tend to grow larger than other coral species. For this reason, they are also known as the larger version of Bluespotted seabream in some regions.
Difference Between Red Porgy and Bluespotted seabream
There is a black runoff-like stain on the forehead of the Red Porgy fish that stretches from between the two eyes to the upper jaw and droops under the lower jaw as the size of the fish grows. This runoff is not present in the Bluespotted seabream species.
How to Hunt Red Porgy?
The most suitable regions for Red Porgy hunting are the Aegean and Mediterranean regions. They are found quite rarely in our Marmara and Black Sea regions. They are frequently found and hunted in rocky, sandy bottom areas, and sections with caves up to 250 meters deep and also in areas at depths of 140-160 meters.
Adult, large-sized Red Porgies live in deeper sections, while younger Red Porgy is found in shallower and mossy areas. Recently, their numbers have decreased significantly due to overfishing.
For Red Porgy hunting and hunting techniques, you can check out the video below:
How to Cook Red Porgy Fish?
You can cook Red Porgy just like coral. The most common and thought-to-be delicious cooking methods are grilling and baking. In addition to these, it is possible to cook with methods like steaming, frying, and even making soup.
- In the following Red Porgy recipe, the baking method is used, and a great taste has emerged:
- Make medium-depth cuts on both sides of the fish and salt it well.
- Apply a mixture of olive oil and butter inside and outside the fish.
- Chop a few garlic cloves with a knife and place them in the cuts you made on the fish.
- Place parsley, tomatoes, and, if desired, a few pieces of onion inside the fish.
- Lastly, pour a small amount of water into the bottom of the tray. This will ensure the fish remains soft rather than becoming too firm.
- Bake for approximately 40 minutes at a temperature of 200 degrees, enjoy your meal.
