South American silver porgy
(Diplodus argenteus)

Distribution

Western Atlantic: Southern Florida (USA), Bahamas, Antilles, and coast of South America, from Brazil to Argentina.

Max length : 37.8 cm TL; max. published weight: 2.5 kg

Short description
Dorsal spines (total): 12; Dorsal soft rays (total): 13-14; Anal spines: 3; Anal soft rays: 12 - 14.

Large, black, saddle-shaped blotch on upper caudal peduncle. Silvery, about nine faint narrow dark bars may be visible on upper two-thirds of body.

Occur in clean turbulent waters along open rocky coasts, usually in surf areas. Juveniles are frequently found in littoral pools between rocks. Individuals up to 10 cm are caught in shallow waters, often in sandy shores or in seagrass (Thalassia) beds.