Fin's Fish Guide
The Black bream (Girella tricuspidata) is a brackish-water fish of the family Kyphosidae that grows up to 71 cm.
Temperate coastal waters of southern Australia and New Zealand; estuaries and rocky reefs.
Description
The luderick or blackfish is a schooling fish of the family Kyphosidae from temperate coastal waters of southern Australia and New Zealand. The species grows to about 71 cm and has a deep, dark body with narrow vertical bars. It inhabits estuaries, rocky reefs and coastal waters and flourishes especially in seagrass areas. Luderick are moderately sedentary schooling fish and decided herbivores feeding mainly on seagrass and filamentous algae; the species name (tricuspidata) refers to its three-cusped incisor teeth. The luderick is a popular angling fish caught with weed or green bait, and a valued food fish.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Black bream?
The Black bream has a flattened, disc-shaped body, is mainly black and shows a vertical stripes pattern. Three-pointed incisors for grazing seagrass; site-faithful schooling fish of estuaries.
Where does the Black bream live?
The Black bream lives in brackish water and is mostly found around mixed bottom. Temperate coastal waters of southern Australia and New Zealand; estuaries and rocky reefs.
How big does the Black bream get?
The Black bream grows to a maximum of about 71 cm. On average the species is around 35 cm.
Is the Black bream dangerous to humans?
No, the Black bream is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Black bream edible?
Yes, the Black bream is commonly eaten.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Girella
More from the family Kyphosidae
Want the complete picture on the Black bream?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Black bream is one of 12,519 species in the app.