Fin's Fish Guide
The Buff bream (Kyphosus sydneyanus) is a brackish-water fish of the family Kyphosidae that grows up to 80 cm.
Description
The silver drummer is a sea chub (Kyphosidae) from the waters around southern Australia and New Zealand. The species has a robust, oval, silver-grey body with a small mouth. It forms large schools in comparatively shallow water near rocky reefs. As a herbivore it grazes large brown algae, which it digests with the help of a long gut and gut flora. It is a valued sport and food fish. The species is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Buff bream?
The Buff bream has a flattened, disc-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern. Large silver-grey algae grazer; digests brown seaweeds with a long gut and gut flora.
Where does the Buff bream live?
The Buff bream lives in brackish water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Around southern Australia and New Zealand; rocky reefs.
How big does the Buff bream get?
The Buff bream grows to a maximum of about 80 cm.
Is the Buff bream dangerous to humans?
No, the Buff bream is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Buff bream edible?
Yes, the Buff bream is commonly eaten.
More photos
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Kyphosus
More from the family Kyphosidae
Want the complete picture on the Buff bream?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Buff bream is one of 12,519 species in the app.