Fin's Fish Guide
The Common sea bream (Pagrus pagrus) is a saltwater fish of the family Sparidae that grows up to 91 cm.
Eastern Atlantic from Gibraltar and the British Isles to 15°N, including the Mediterranean Sea; western Atlantic from New York to Argentina.
Description
The red porgy is a prized sea bream of the family Sparidae reaching about 91 cm. The body is pink with silvery reflections, paler on the belly, and the head is darker from nape to mouth. The jaws carry strong canine teeth. The species is a protogynous hermaphrodite: individuals begin as females and change into males at around three years old. It lives over rock, rubble and sand bottoms in the eastern Atlantic and Mediterranean, feeding on crustaceans, fish and molluscs. The red porgy is a highly valued food fish and can locally cause ciguatera poisoning when eaten.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Common sea bream?
The Common sea bream has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly pink-purple and shows a plain pattern. Pink sea bream with a silvery sheen, strong canine teeth and a dark-coloured head; caudal fin pink with white tips.
Where does the Common sea bream live?
The Common sea bream lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around mixed bottom. Eastern Atlantic from Gibraltar and the British Isles to 15°N, including the Mediterranean Sea; western Atlantic from New York to Argentina.
How big does the Common sea bream get?
The Common sea bream grows to a maximum of about 91 cm. On average the species is around 35 cm.
Is the Common sea bream dangerous to humans?
The Common sea bream is venomous — handle spines with care and seek medical help after a sting if needed. Harmless to handle, but may cause ciguatera poisoning if eaten; seek medical help if symptoms such as nausea or tingling occur.
Is the Common sea bream edible?
Yes, the Common sea bream is a highly prized food fish.
More photos
Easily confused with
These species look like the Common sea bream 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 Pagrus
More from the family Sparidae
Want the complete picture on the Common sea bream?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Common sea bream is one of 12,519 species in the app.