Fin's Fish Guide
The Bream (Pagrus auratus) is a brackish-water fish of the family Sparidae that grows up to 130 cm.
Temperate coastal waters of Australia and New Zealand; rocky reefs and estuaries.
Description
The silver seabream or snapper is a sea bream (Sparidae) from the temperate coastal waters of Australia and New Zealand and adjacent parts of the Indo-Pacific. The species has a deep, robust, silvery-pink body with numerous small blue spots; older animals develop a hump on the head. Adults inhabit rocky reefs and estuaries, while juveniles grow up in bays and shallow inlets. As a bottom predator it crushes molluscs, crustaceans, sea urchins and small fishes with strong jaws. It is a very important sport and food fish. The species is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Bream?
The Bream has a flattened, disc-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a spots pattern. Silvery-pink with small blue spots; powerful grinding jaws; very important sport and food fish.
Where does the Bream live?
The Bream lives in brackish water and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Temperate coastal waters of Australia and New Zealand; rocky reefs and estuaries.
How big does the Bream get?
The Bream grows to a maximum of about 130 cm. On average the species is around 40 cm.
Is the Bream dangerous to humans?
No, the Bream is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Bream edible?
Yes, the Bream is commonly eaten.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Pagrus
More from the family Sparidae
Want the complete picture on the Bream?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Bream is one of 12,519 species in the app.