Fin's Fish Guide
The Common two-banded seabream (Diplodus vulgaris) is a saltwater fish of the family Sparidae that grows up to 45 cm.
Eastern Atlantic from the Bay of Biscay to South Africa and the Mediterranean Sea, above rocks and seagrass.
Description
The common two-banded seabream is a sea bream of the family Sparidae reaching about 45 cm. The oval, laterally compressed body is silvery-grey and bears two conspicuous black cross-bars: one just behind the head and one at the tail base. The mouth is small with strong cutting and grinding teeth, suited to crushing shellfish. The species forms schools over rocks and seagrass beds in the eastern Atlantic and the Mediterranean, usually in shallow to moderate depths. It is an omnivore feeding on worms, shellfish, crustaceans and algae. Like many sea breams it is a protandrous hermaphrodite, starting as a male and later becoming female. It is a valued sport and food fish.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Common two-banded seabream?
The Common two-banded seabream has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a vertical stripes pattern. Sea bream with two conspicuous black vertical bars: one behind the head and one at the caudal peduncle, on a silvery grey body.
Where does the Common two-banded seabream live?
The Common two-banded seabream lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around mixed bottom. Eastern Atlantic from the Bay of Biscay to South Africa and the Mediterranean Sea, above rocks and seagrass.
How big does the Common two-banded seabream get?
The Common two-banded seabream grows to a maximum of about 45 cm. On average the species is around 22 cm.
Is the Common two-banded seabream dangerous to humans?
No, the Common two-banded seabream is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Common two-banded seabream edible?
Yes, the Common two-banded seabream is commonly eaten.
More photos
Easily confused with
These species look like the Common two-banded 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 Diplodus
More from the family Sparidae
Want the complete picture on the Common two-banded seabream?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Common two-banded seabream is one of 12,519 species in the app.