Blackspot seabream
📖 Overview
Inshore waters above various types of bottom (rocks, sand, mud) to 400 m (Mediterranean) and 700 m (Atlantic); young near the coast, adults on the continental slope specially over muddy bottoms. Omnivorous, but feed mainly on crustaceans, mollusks, worms and small fish. Protandric hermaphrodites, become females at 20-30 cm length. Adults move towards the coast up to the edge of the continental shelf to spawn from January to June . Important foodfish. Marketed fresh and frozen; consumed pan-fried, broiled and baked .
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Dorsal spines (total): 12 - 13; Dorsal soft rays (total): 11 - 13; Anal spines: 3; Anal soft rays: 11 - 12. Black spot above the pectoral fin base. Snout shorter than the eye diameter .: fusiform / normal.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Blackspot seabream is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
🥚 Reproduction
Protandric hermaphrodite species (male during its first sexual maturity). Becomes female between 2 and 7 years of age. Spawns from January to June, depending on latitude. Egg size 1.19 mm, larval length at hatching 3.7 mm. Simultaneous hermaphroditism is also suggested for this species .
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Marine; benthopelagic; depth range 150 - 700 m , usually 150 - 300 m . Temperate; 65°N - 20°N, 32°W - 37°E
🌿 Ecology
crustaceans, mollusks, worms and small fish
📐 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
"Blackspot 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 | 19.5 g |
| Omega-3 (total) | 742 mg |
🔬 Mercury Safety
Mercury data for Blackspot 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pagellus cantabricus | Asso | 1801 | Synonym |
| Pagellus centrodontus | Delaroche | 1809 | Synonym |
| Sparus bogaraveo | Brünnich | 1768 | Synonym |
| Sparus cantabricus | Asso | 1801 | Synonym |
| Sparus centrodontus | Delaroche | 1809 | Synonym |
🔍 Similar Species
🗺️ Global Occurrence Map
Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) - 23 records indexed .
👥 Community & Contribute
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