Fin's Fish Guide
The Gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata) is a fish that lives in both fresh and salt water of the family Sparidae that grows up to 70 cm.
Mediterranean Sea and the eastern Atlantic, on sandy, seagrass and mixed bottoms; enters brackish lagoons and estuaries.
Description
The gilthead seabream is a sea bream of the family Sparidae reaching about 70 cm. The oval, silvery-grey body owes its name to the conspicuous golden band between the eyes; a dark spot sits on the shoulder. The strong jaws bear incisors at the front and stout molars at the back, with which the fish crushes shellfish, crabs and other crustaceans. The species is euryhaline and lives on sand, seagrass and mixed bottoms of the Mediterranean and the eastern Atlantic; in the warm months it enters brackish lagoons and estuaries. Like many sea breams it is a protandrous hermaphrodite, starting as a male and later becoming female. The gilthead is one of the most important food and farmed fish of southern Europe and a valued sport fish.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Gilthead seabream?
The Gilthead seabream has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern. Silvery sea bream with a striking golden-yellow band between the eyes and a dark blotch on the shoulder; powerful jaws with molar teeth.
Where does the Gilthead seabream live?
The Gilthead seabream lives in both fresh and salt water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Mediterranean Sea and the eastern Atlantic, on sandy, seagrass and mixed bottoms; enters brackish lagoons and estuaries.
How big does the Gilthead seabream get?
The Gilthead seabream grows to a maximum of about 70 cm. On average the species is around 35 cm.
Is the Gilthead seabream dangerous to humans?
No, the Gilthead seabream is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Gilthead seabream edible?
Yes, the Gilthead seabream is a highly prized food fish.
More photos
Easily confused with
These species look like the Gilthead seabream and live in the same waters.
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More from the family Sparidae
Want the complete picture on the Gilthead seabream?
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