Fin's Fish Guide
The Blackspot picarel (Spicara melanurus) is a saltwater fish of the family Sparidae that grows up to 33 cm.
Eastern Atlantic, around the Macaronesian islands, in shoals above seagrass beds and rocky bottoms of coastal water.
Description
The blackspot picarel is a slender, silvery sea bream of the family Sparidae reaching about 33 cm. The laterally compressed body has a far-protrusible mouth and bears a conspicuous dark spot at the tail base, from which the species takes its name; breeding males are brighter, with blue markings. Like many relatives the picarel is a protogynous hermaphrodite: individuals begin as females and may later turn into males. It lives in schools above seagrass beds and rocky bottoms of coastal water around the Macaronesian islands of the Azores, Madeira and the Canaries. In the open water above the bottom it picks zooplankton and small invertebrates. Locally it is a valued commercial fish.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Blackspot picarel?
The Blackspot picarel has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a spots pattern. Slender, silver bream-like fish with a far protrusible mouth and a conspicuous dark blotch at the base of the tail; males with blue markings.
Where does the Blackspot picarel live?
The Blackspot picarel lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around algae or seagrass beds. Eastern Atlantic, around the Macaronesian islands, in shoals above seagrass beds and rocky bottoms of coastal water.
How big does the Blackspot picarel get?
The Blackspot picarel grows to a maximum of about 33 cm. On average the species is around 25 cm.
Is the Blackspot picarel dangerous to humans?
No, the Blackspot picarel is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Blackspot picarel edible?
Yes, the Blackspot picarel is commonly eaten.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Spicara
More from the family Sparidae
Want the complete picture on the Blackspot picarel?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Blackspot picarel is one of 12,519 species in the app.