Fin's Fish Guide
The Gold line (Sarpa salpa) is a brackish-water fish of the family Sparidae that grows up to 51 cm.
Eastern Atlantic from the Bay of Biscay to South Africa and the Mediterranean Sea.
Description
The salema is a sea bream of the family Sparidae reaching about 50 cm. The oval, laterally compressed body is silvery-grey with ten to twelve conspicuous golden longitudinal stripes and a small dark spot at the pectoral-fin base. The species occurs in the eastern Atlantic and the Mediterranean and forms schools over seagrass beds and rocks, usually in shallow water. Unlike most marine fish it is mainly herbivorous, grazing on algae and seagrass. It is a protandrous hermaphrodite, beginning as a male and later becoming female. It is notorious because eating the fish can in rare cases cause hallucinations, which has earned it the nickname 'dreamfish'.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Gold line?
The Gold line has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a horizontal stripes pattern. Sea bream with ten to twelve golden longitudinal stripes on silvery flanks; one of the few predominantly plant-eating marine fishes of the region.
Where does the Gold line live?
The Gold line lives in brackish water and is mostly found around mixed bottom. Eastern Atlantic from the Bay of Biscay to South Africa and the Mediterranean Sea.
How big does the Gold line get?
The Gold line grows to a maximum of about 51 cm. On average the species is around 30 cm.
Is the Gold line dangerous to humans?
No, the Gold line is harmless to humans. Harmless to handle, but eating this fish can in rare cases cause vivid hallucinations (ichthyoallyeinotoxism); symptoms resolve on their own.
Is the Gold line edible?
Yes, the Gold line is commonly eaten.
More photos
Easily confused with
These species look like the Gold line 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 Gold line?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Gold line is one of 12,519 species in the app.