Saucereye porgy (Calamus calamus) is a saltwater species recorded in the United States. It is mainly found over reef, at depths of 1–75 m.
Scientific name: Calamus calamus · Water: Saltwater
Size: up to 56 cm
The saucereye porgy is a sparid whose adults are frequently found in coral areas while the young prefer vegetated sandy bottoms. It feeds mainly on mollusks, worms, brittle stars, hermit crabs, crabs and sea urchins, and it is easily approached; it is marketed fresh and frozen. It is recorded from 1 to 75 m. Maximum length is about 56 cm total length, commonly about 30 cm. It is a minor commercial species and a gamefish, with a medium price category. Fishing vulnerability is moderate to high at 54 of 100 and resilience low. IUCN lists it as least concern.
Caution: large individuals carry a ciguatera risk. Heat, cold and marinating do not remove the toxin, which concentrates in the liver, roe and head, so avoid eating those parts. Seek medical help if numbness, tingling or a reversed sense of hot and cold follows a meal.
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