Blackspot Seabream

Overview

The Blackspot Seabream (Pagellus bogaraveo) is a gregarious marine fish belonging to the Sparidae family, widely recognized for its distinctive dark blotch near the pectoral fin base. It is a commercially significant species found throughout the Eastern Atlantic and the western Mediterranean, though it is currently classified as Near Threatened due to overfishing.

Distribution & habitat

This species is widespread in the Eastern Atlantic, ranging from Norway to Mauritania, including the Canary Islands, Madeira, and the western Mediterranean. It exhibits an ontogenetic habitat shift: juveniles typically inhabit shallower coastal waters over muddy or sandy bottoms, while adults move to deeper waters, often associating with the continental shelf slope and offshore banks.

Appearance

The Blackspot Seabream has a moderately deep, oblong body with a rounded snout and notably large eyes, which have earned it the nickname "beautiful eyes." Its coloration is generally a reddish-grey, becoming lighter on the belly and more intense on the head. A key identifying feature is the prominent dark spot at the origin of the lateral line, which may be absent in younger individuals. The mouth contains sharp, pointed teeth at the front and molar-like teeth toward the back.

Biology & behavior

These fish are protandric hermaphrodites, meaning most individuals begin life as males and transition into females as they grow, typically between 20 and 30 cm in length. They are gregarious, often found in groups, and exhibit seasonal movements where adults migrate closer to the coast for reproduction during the summer and autumn months.

Feeding

As an omnivorous species with a carnivorous preference, the Blackspot Seabream feeds on a variety of prey, including crustaceans, mollusks, worms, and small fish, as well as fish eggs and larvae.