Fin's Fish Guide
The Blackspot seabream (Pagellus bogaraveo) is a saltwater fish of the family Sparidae that grows up to 70 cm.
Northeast Atlantic and the western Mediterranean Sea, above mixed bottoms and the continental slope.
Description
The blackspot seabream is a pinkish-red sea bream of the family Sparidae reaching about 70 cm. The oval, deep body is pink-red with a silvery sheen, large eyes and, as a hallmark, a conspicuous dark spot at the start of the lateral line, just behind the head. Young fish live near the coast in schools, older fish move to deeper water over mixed bottoms and the continental slope of the north-eastern Atlantic and the western Mediterranean. It hunts crustaceans, molluscs, worms and small fish. The species is a hermaphrodite that can change sex. The blackspot seabream is a highly prized food fish; through heavy fishing, especially around the Strait of Gibraltar and the Azores, it is assessed as Near Threatened (NT).
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Blackspot seabream?
The Blackspot seabream has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly red-orange and shows a plain pattern. Pinkish-red sea bream with large eyes and a striking dark blotch at the start of the lateral line, just behind the head.
Where does the Blackspot seabream live?
The Blackspot seabream lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around mixed bottom. Northeast Atlantic and the western Mediterranean Sea, above mixed bottoms and the continental slope.
How big does the Blackspot seabream get?
The Blackspot seabream grows to a maximum of about 70 cm. On average the species is around 30 cm.
Is the Blackspot seabream dangerous to humans?
No, the Blackspot seabream is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Blackspot seabream edible?
Yes, the Blackspot seabream is a highly prized food fish.
Easily confused with
These species look like the Blackspot 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 Pagellus
More from the family Sparidae
Want the complete picture on the Blackspot seabream?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Blackspot seabream is one of 12,519 species in the app.