Fin's Fish Guide
The Brown meagre (Sciaena umbra) is a brackish-water fish of the family Sciaenidae that grows up to 70 cm.
Eastern Atlantic from the southern Bay of Biscay to Mauritania; the entire Mediterranean Sea and the Black Sea.
Description
The brown meagre is a dark coastal fish of the family Sciaenidae reaching about 70 cm. The robust, bronze-brown body has yellow, dark-edged fins and an inferior mouth. Like other croakers the species can make drumming sounds with its swim bladder and has notably large ear-stones (otoliths). The brown meagre lives over rock and sand bottoms of the eastern Atlantic, Mediterranean and Black Sea, between 1 and 200 m, sheltering by day in caves and steep rocks. It hunts small fish and crustaceans at night. Fishing pressure has left the species assessed as Near Threatened across much of its range.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Brown meagre?
The Brown meagre has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly brown and shows a plain pattern. Dark croaker with yellow, dark-edged fins; makes drumming sounds with the swim bladder and has large ear stones (otoliths).
Where does the Brown meagre live?
The Brown meagre lives in brackish water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Eastern Atlantic from the southern Bay of Biscay to Mauritania; the entire Mediterranean Sea and the Black Sea.
How big does the Brown meagre get?
The Brown meagre grows to a maximum of about 70 cm. On average the species is around 28 cm.
Is the Brown meagre dangerous to humans?
No, the Brown meagre is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Brown meagre edible?
Yes, the Brown meagre is a highly prized food fish.
More photos
Easily confused with
These species look like the Brown meagre 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 Sciaena
More from the family Sciaenidae
Want the complete picture on the Brown meagre?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Brown meagre is one of 12,519 species in the app.