Roman seabream
📖 Overview
Occurs above rocky bottoms in deeper water to 100 m but often caught from shore. Juveniles occur in shallow-water beds of seaweed where they feed on minute crustacean . Feeds on mollusks, crustaceans, worms and fish. Females transform into territorial males with growth . Voracious but sluggish, takes any bait. Good food fish . Sold fresh . It is parasitised by the monogenean Anoplodiscus cirrusspiralis on the fins and body surface .
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Dorsal spines (total): 11 - 12; Dorsal soft rays (total): 10 - 11; Anal spines: 3; Anal soft rays: 7 - 9. Usually reddish orange in color, but sometimes blue with a white patch on the side .: short and / or deep.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Roman seabream is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
🥚 Reproduction
Also Ref. 28504.
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Marine; demersal; depth range 1 - 100 m . Tropical; 21°S - 28°S Southeast Atlantic: northern Namibia to northern Natal, South Africa; also reported from Mauritius.
🌿 Ecology
minute crustacean (Ref
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🎣 Angling Guide
- medium-heavy 7ft spinning rod
- 30-50 lb braid
- fluorocarbon leader
- grass flats
- oyster bars
- marsh drains
- deeper channel edges
Use barbless hooks, minimise air exposure, and revive fish head-first in current before release.
⚠️ Slot limits protect breeding-size fish. Verify daily bag limits.
🍽️ Edibility & Flavour
"Roman seabream 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 | 18.7 g |
| Omega-3 (total) | 199 mg |
🔬 Mercury Safety
Mercury data for Roman 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| - | - | - |
🌐 Names & Taxonomy
Scientific Synonyms
| Scientific Name | Author | Year | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chrysoblephus algoensis | Castelnau | 1861 | Synonym |
| Chrysophrys algoensis | Castelnau | 1861 | Synonym |
| Chrysophrys laticeps | Valenciennes | 1830 | Synonym |
| Chrysophrys pugicephalus | Gilchrist & Thompson | 1909 | Synonym |
🔍 Similar Species
🗺️ Global Occurrence Map
Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) - 1 records indexed .
👥 Community & Contribute
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