Wandering seabream
📖 Overview
Wandering seabream (Acanthopagrus vagus), first described by Peters, 1852 is a large fish in the family Sparidae (order Perciformes). Adults typically reach 60.00 cm in maximum length. It is diadromous, migrating between freshwater and marine environments during its life cycle. It occurs in Tropical waters. It feeds on a mix of small fish and invertebrates as a mid-level predator. On the IUCN Red List, it is classified as Vulnerable.The species is important as a food fish. As a member of the Sparidae, it shares life-history and morphological traits with its relatives in the group.
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Dorsal spines (total): 11; Dorsal soft rays (total): 10 - 12; Anal spines: 3; Anal soft rays: 8. Diagnosis: This species is distinguished from its congeners of by the following characters: 3.5 scale rows between fifth dorsal-fin spine base and lateral line; front edge of dorsal scaly area on head (dorsal view) with a median W-shaped scaleless area and with small scales present just before an oblique temporal row of larger scales; 44-46 pored lateral-line scales; second anal-fin spine (2AS) slightly longer than third anal fin spine (3AS), ratio 2AS/3AS 5 1.15-1.45 (mean 1.25); ventral edge of first two infraorbitals straight in specimens less than 23 cm SL, weakly concave in specimens more than 25 cm standard length; preopercle flange with 0-6 scales, number increasing with growth and is obvious in specimens over 20 cm standard length ; black streaks near anal-fin base on interradial membranes between rays; both jaws with well developed molariform teeth .: short and / or deep.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Wandering seabream is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
🥚 Reproduction
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Marine; freshwater; brackish; demersal. Tropical South Africa to southern Mozambique (Ref.
🌿 Ecology
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🍽️ Edibility & Flavour
"Acanthopagrus Vagus 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
Detailed nutritional data for Wandering seabream is currently being compiled from USDA FoodData Central.
🔬 Mercury Safety
Mercury data for Wandering seabream has not yet been assigned. Please consult FDA/EPA guidance for general seafood safety advice.
🌿 Sustainability
🔬 Full Nutritional Profile
Per 100g - Raw, per 100g - Source: USDA FoodData Central templates (lean white fish average)
📊 Population Dynamics
| Year | Region | Index | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| - | - | - |
🔍 Similar Species
👥 Community & Contribute
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