Fin's Fish Guide
The Black seabream (Spondyliosoma cantharus) is a saltwater fish of the family Sparidae that grows up to 60 cm.
Eastern Atlantic from Scandinavia to South Africa and the Mediterranean Sea, on mixed bottoms and reef edges.
Description
The black seabream is a sea bream of the family Sparidae reaching about 60 cm. The oval, laterally compressed body is grey to blue-silver with faint golden longitudinal stripes and a fairly small mouth with sharp little teeth. The species lives in schools over mixed bottoms and reef edges of the eastern Atlantic and the Mediterranean, from shallow water to several hundred metres. It is an omnivore feeding on algae, small invertebrates and plankton. Like many sea breams it is a protogynous hermaphrodite: animals begin as females and can later become males. In the breeding season the male sweeps a nest pit clean and guards the eggs. The black seabream is a valued sport and food fish.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Black seabream?
The Black seabream has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a horizontal stripes pattern. Oval sea bream with faint golden longitudinal stripes; protogynous hermaphrodite in which the male builds and guards a nest on the bottom.
Where does the Black seabream live?
The Black seabream lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around mixed bottom. Eastern Atlantic from Scandinavia to South Africa and the Mediterranean Sea, on mixed bottoms and reef edges.
How big does the Black seabream get?
The Black seabream grows to a maximum of about 60 cm. On average the species is around 30 cm.
Is the Black seabream dangerous to humans?
No, the Black seabream is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Black seabream edible?
Yes, the Black seabream is commonly eaten.
More photos
Easily confused with
These species look like the Black seabream and live in the same waters.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Spondyliosoma
More from the family Sparidae
Want the complete picture on the Black seabream?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Black seabream is one of 12,519 species in the app.