The influence of the dietary macronutrient balance on the intermediary metabolism of common dentex (Dentex dentex L.) was evaluated. Four experimental diets combining high and low levels of macronutrients were formulated. Dentex fed on 43% protein had higher liver and muscle lipid content, corresponding with an increased hepatic G6PDH activity. This "excess" of hepatic lipids at higher protein levels could be used to obtain energy as would be reflected by hepatic HOAD. In the liver, 43% of dietary protein induced higher AlaAT and FBPase activities. Similarly, dentex fed on the P(43)C(28) and P(38)C(28) diets showed an increased hepatic and muscular gluconeogenic pathways (higher FBPase activity) from amino acids (elevated AlaAT) and/or glycerol (elevated GK). However, changes in glycemia were not observed among dietary treatments. At coronary level, the use of lower dietary protein induced an increase in the activity of glycolytic (PK and HK-IV) and lipolytic (HOAD) enzymes. Considering the overall results and the experimental conditions, it could be suggested that dietary protein could be reduced until 38% without affecting negatively the normal physiology of dentex. Moreover, high dietary carbohydrate levels could not be used efficiently by dentex given that gluconeogenesis occurs.