Common dentex fish (dentex dentex) is a strong, large and very delicious fish from the coral fish family. There are two more species of dentate: pink and antennae. Common dentex, whose length reaches 150 centimeters and weighs up to 20 kilos, are called denticles between 20 and 30 cm.
What are the Physical Characteristics of Common Dentex Fish?
Common dentex fish body resembles an ellipse and is covered with thick, large scales that are well-ingrained into its body. It has a very high back and a flattened appearance from the sides. The head area of adults is steeper than that of young people and there is a hump on the head. It has yellow, beige and pink colors that gradually lighten from its back to its belly. The gill covers are yellow and the abdominal area is white. Common dentex head is large compared to its body, its eyes are normal sized, its mouth is large and its lips are thick. With all these features, there is a cruel, harsh expression on his face. Its jaw is very strong and all the teeth in its mouth are conical, sharp and sinking teeth. Common dentex fish can break mussels and lobsters and shatter needles with their teeth. The dorsal fin, which extends from the nape of the neck to near the tail, is single and long. It has harmless spines on the front. Common dentex is a fish with excellent maneuverability. Sinarithus has a swim bladder.
Where Does Common Dentex Live?
Common dentex lives in the Eastern Atlantic, up to the coasts of Spain, the Canary Islands, Senegal and Mauritania, along the coasts of North Africa and in the Mediterranean. In our country, it is found in the Aegean and Mediterranean regions. Common dentex, which once lived in the Sea of Marmara, no longer exists due to reasons such as environmental pollution, excessive and unconscious hunting. Common dentex can be caught in many parts of the North Aegean and the Mediterranean, such as Saros Gulf, Ayvalık, Kemer, Kaş. Common dentex, a member of the stone fish group, lives in deep waters, unlike the others. In summer, it approaches depths of 30 - 50 meters, and in winter it retreats to depths of up to 300 meters. Living on the sandy and stony seabed, the Common dentex is an active predator. It feeds on small fish, molluscs and crustaceans.
To catch common dentex, it is necessary to determine the area where the fish live and not to lose that area. Living alone for most of the year, the Common dentex lives in flocks for a few weeks during the breeding season. These fully grown fish stay together for 2-3 weeks in the warm waters near the surface in the spring. The spawning period of this species, which starts in May, is not very long and ends within 15-20 days. During breeding, eggs are randomly distributed throughout the area. Some Common dentex are hermaphrodites, meaning they display both male and female characteristics. Common dentex is one of the most beautiful fish of our seas with its delicious and high nutritional value meat.
Common Dentex Fishing
In our country, Common dentex grown on farms using artificial feed and fish are consumed domestically and abroad. You can use artificial or natural bait while hunting. Natural baits include shrimp, hook, crab, cuttlefish, squid, scorpion, bridal fish, garfish, fish butt, mullet, weasel, rock, mackerel, istavrit, sardine, anchovy and collard greens available. Particularly live bait provides a great advantage in hunting dengue. Seeing an injured or limping fish, the dentate attacks immediately. Hook the bait is very hard. Common dentex, which is a very strong and combative fish, does not give in easily. Bottom drag (long fishing rod), hook tackle, gillnet and longline can be used in common dentex fishing. It can also be hunted with a harpoon.
Common dentex hunting is prohibited between 01 April and 01 July. Outside of this period, a maximum of 5 kg of hunting per person per day is allowed. The legal catch length limit for blackfish is 35 cm. It is forbidden to sell and hunt dentex below this height.
How to Cook Common Dentex?
Since the Common dentex is a large fish with very delicious meat, it is grilled, steamed and baked in small pieces. You can consume it with its own flavor without using too much spice. The most delicious season of Common dentex is July and August.
What are the Benefits of Common Dentex Fish?
Common dentex; Vitamin A, calcium, phosphorus, It is a fish very rich in omega 3 fats and protein. It helps many parts of the body stay healthy, such as the circulatory system, skeletal system, cholesterol and eye health. It also strengthens the mind and significantly prevents the formation of osteoporosis.
Common dentex fish may contain mercury, so it may cause various health problems when consumed in excess.
