Black bream
📖 Overview
Endemic in coastal areas, rivers and estuaries of Australia. Most abundant in river mouths and estuaries . Inhabit brackish waters of coastal rivers and lakes, occasionally penetrating fresh water . Considered as the only true estuarine sparid in Australia. Larvae and small juveniles are most abundant over seagrass beds in shallow estuarine waters . Spawning period varies considerably between estuaries . Remain upstream in sheltered waters to spawn and is not usually found in purely marine habitats . Feed on shellfish, worms, crustaceans, small fish and algae. Sold as whole, chilled products in domestic markets . One of top angling species in southern Australia , as well as being a delicious table fish .
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Dorsal spines (total): 10 - 13; Dorsal soft rays (total): 10 - 13; Anal spines: 3; Anal soft rays: 8 - 10. The upper body can vary from silvery to golden brown, bronze, green or black depending on habitat. Chin and belly are usually white and fins are dusky to greenish black. Dorsal and ventral profiles of adults are similarly convex.: fusiform / normal; Cross section: compressed.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Black bream is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
Diet information for Black bream is currently being compiled.
🥚 Reproduction
It is not known whether there is any sex inversion in black bream .
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Marine; freshwater; brackish; demersal. Subtropical; 25°S - 44°S, 112°E - 154°E endemic to southern Australia.
🌿 Ecology
shellfish, worms, crustaceans, small fish and algae
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🍽️ Edibility & Flavour
"Black bream is an edible species."
- Clear, bright eyes — cloudy eyes indicate age
- Firm flesh that springs back when pressed
- Fresh ocean smell, never strong or ammonia-like
- Bright red or pink gills, not grey or brown
- Shiny, moist skin with scales tightly attached
- Cloudy or sunken eyes
- Strong fishy or ammonia odour
- Soft, mushy flesh that doesn't spring back
- Discoloured or dry flesh
⚡ Nutrition
Per 100g cooked - Source: USDA FoodData Central
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Protein | 20 g |
| Omega-3 (total) | 360 mg |
🔬 Mercury Safety
Mercury data for Black bream has not yet been assigned. Please consult FDA/EPA guidance for general seafood safety advice.
🌿 Sustainability
🌐 Names & Taxonomy
Scientific Synonyms
| Scientific Name | Author | Year | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mylio butcheri | Munro | 1949 | Synonym |
🔍 Similar Species
🗺️ Global Occurrence Map
Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) - 13 records indexed .
👥 Community & Contribute
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