Dorsal spines (total): 0; Dorsal soft rays (total): 32 - 35; Anal spines: 0; Anal soft rays: 25 - 28; Vertebrae: 39 - 43. Pectoral fins situated relatively low on body in juveniles. The distance between the base of the lowermost pectoral ray and the pelvic fin insertion less than 42% of head length .: short and / or deep; Cross section: compressed.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Lesser bream is currently being
reviewed.
🦐 Diet
aquatic invertebrates
small fish
algae
detritus
🥚 Reproduction
🐣 Oviparous📦 Batch Spawner
Spawning Season
spring-summer
Spawn Location
Pelagic
Fertilization
External
An intermittent multiple spawner.
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Marine; pelagic-neritic; oceanodromous ; depth range 1 - 300 m . Deep-water; 31°N - 20°S East Africa to India, between the Equator and 10°S, Mozambique Channel, Seychelles, and Madagascar.
AustraliaBrazilCCChileColombiaCosta RicaEcuadorEl SalvadorFijiGuatemalaHondurasIndonesiaJapanMadagascarMaldivesMauritiusMexicoNCNicaraguaPRPanamaPeruSeychellesSomaliaUnited States
🌿 Ecology
Zone Preferences
🌊 Marine🌑 Deep Water🐟 Pelagic
Migration
Oceanodromous
Trophic Level
3.8±0.6
📐 Morphometrics
Length–Weight Relationship:
W = 0.01778 × L2.96
(TL)
Max TL
22.5cm
Dorsal Rays
34
Anal Rays
27
Vertebrae
41
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
Salinity Range
30–40ppt
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
IUCN Category
Least Concern
Assessment Date
2009
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
Population Resilience
High
Minimum doubling time
Fishing Vulnerability
31.00/100
Low vulnerability
Trophic Level
3.8
Predator
Body Shape
Short and / or deep
Climate Zone
Deep-water
Latitude Range
31°N
–
20°S
Described By
Cuvier, 1831
🍽️ Edibility & Flavour
"Lesser bream is an edible species."
✗ Not for Raw
✓ Fresh Indicators
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
✗ Avoid If
Cloudy or sunken eyes
Strong fishy or ammonia odour
Soft, mushy flesh that doesn't spring back
Discoloured or dry flesh
Best Cooking Methods
BakingGrillingPan-frying
⚡ Nutrition
Detailed nutritional data for Lesser bream is
currently being compiled from USDA FoodData Central.
🔬 Mercury Safety
Mercury data for Lesser bream has not yet been
assigned. Please consult FDA/EPA guidance for general seafood safety advice.
🌿 Sustainability
Best Choice
Healthy stocks, low impact
Good Alternative
Well-managed, minor concerns
Use Caution
Check sourcing and season
Avoid
Overfished or high impact
✓ Sustainable Choice
🔬 Full Nutritional Profile
Per 100g - Raw, per 100g
- Source: USDA FoodData Central templates (generic fish average)