Fin's Fish Guide
The Sand steenbras (Lithognathus mormyrus) is a saltwater fish of the family Sparidae that grows up to 55 cm.
Eastern Atlantic from the Bay of Biscay to South Africa and the Mediterranean Sea, on sandy bottoms.
Description
The sand steenbras is a slender sea bream of the family Sparidae reaching about 55 cm. The silvery, elongate body bears numerous narrow, dark cross-bars and has a slightly downturned snout with strong jaws. The species lives in schools over sandy bottoms of the eastern Atlantic and the Mediterranean, from shallow water to a few tens of metres. With its snout it roots in the sand for worms, shellfish and small crustaceans. Like many sea breams it is a protandrous hermaphrodite, starting as a male and later becoming female. Because of its fine flesh the sand steenbras is a valued sport and food fish in the Mediterranean region.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Sand steenbras?
The Sand steenbras has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a vertical stripes pattern. Slender, silver sea bream with numerous narrow, dark vertical bars across the flank and a slightly downward-directed snout.
Where does the Sand steenbras live?
The Sand steenbras lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Eastern Atlantic from the Bay of Biscay to South Africa and the Mediterranean Sea, on sandy bottoms.
How big does the Sand steenbras get?
The Sand steenbras grows to a maximum of about 55 cm. On average the species is around 30 cm.
Is the Sand steenbras dangerous to humans?
No, the Sand steenbras is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Sand steenbras edible?
Yes, the Sand steenbras is a highly prized food fish.
More photos
Easily confused with
These species look like the Sand steenbras and live in the same waters.
Want the complete picture on the Sand steenbras?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Sand steenbras is one of 12,519 species in the app.
All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Lithognathus
More from the family Sparidae
Want the complete picture on the Sand steenbras?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Sand steenbras is one of 12,519 species in the app.