Fin's Fish Guide
The Curled picarel (Centracanthus cirrus) is a saltwater fish of the family Sparidae that grows up to 34 cm.
Mediterranean Sea and the adjacent eastern Atlantic, in shoals pelagically above the continental shelf and the slope.
Description
The curled picarel is a slender, silvery sea bream of the family Sparidae reaching about 34 cm. The laterally compressed body has a far-protrusible mouth and bears yellowish lengthwise stripes along the silvery flank. Like other picarels the species is a protogynous hermaphrodite: individuals begin as females and may later turn into males. It lives in schools pelagically in open water above the continental shelf and slope of the Mediterranean and the adjacent eastern Atlantic. Hovering above the bottom it picks zooplankton and small crustaceans. It spawns in the warm months, after which eggs and larvae drift in the sea. Locally it is landed by coastal fisheries and eaten.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Curled picarel?
The Curled picarel has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a horizontal stripes pattern. Slender, silver picarel with a far protrusible mouth and fine yellowish longitudinal stripes; forms shoals in open water above the bottom.
Where does the Curled picarel live?
The Curled picarel lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around open water. Mediterranean Sea and the adjacent eastern Atlantic, in shoals pelagically above the continental shelf and the slope.
How big does the Curled picarel get?
The Curled picarel grows to a maximum of about 34 cm. On average the species is around 12 cm.
Is the Curled picarel dangerous to humans?
No, the Curled picarel is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Curled picarel edible?
Yes, the Curled picarel is commonly eaten.
More photos
Easily confused with
These species look like the Curled picarel and live in the same waters.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
More from the family Sparidae
Want the complete picture on the Curled picarel?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Curled picarel is one of 12,519 species in the app.