Fin's Fish Guide
The Sharpsnout seabream (Diplodus puntazzo) is a saltwater fish of the family Sparidae that grows up to 60 cm.
Eastern Atlantic and the Mediterranean Sea, over rocks and mixed bottoms of shallow to moderately deep water.
Description
The sharpsnout seabream is a deep sea bream of the family Sparidae reaching about 60 cm. The oval, silvery-grey body bears numerous narrow dark cross-bars and stands out for its strikingly pointed, conical snout with protruding incisors, with which the fish nibbles growth and prey from hard surfaces. The species lives over rocks and mixed bottoms of the eastern Atlantic and the Mediterranean, from shallow to moderate depths. As an omnivore it eats worms, shellfish, crustaceans and algae. Like many sea breams it is a protandrous hermaphrodite, starting as a male and later becoming female. The sharpsnout seabream is a valued, hard-fighting sport and food fish, and is also farmed.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Sharpsnout seabream?
The Sharpsnout seabream has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a vertical stripes pattern. Deep-bodied sea bream with a strikingly pointed snout, numerous narrow dark vertical bars and projecting incisors.
Where does the Sharpsnout seabream live?
The Sharpsnout seabream lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around mixed bottom. Eastern Atlantic and the Mediterranean Sea, over rocks and mixed bottoms of shallow to moderately deep water.
How big does the Sharpsnout seabream get?
The Sharpsnout seabream grows to a maximum of about 60 cm. On average the species is around 30 cm.
Is the Sharpsnout seabream dangerous to humans?
No, the Sharpsnout seabream is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Sharpsnout seabream edible?
Yes, the Sharpsnout seabream is commonly eaten.
More photos
Easily confused with
These species look like the Sharpsnout 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 Sharpsnout seabream?
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