Saddled Seabream

Overview

The Saddled Seabream (Oblada melanurus) is a gregarious, ray-finned fish belonging to the family Sparidae. It is the only member of its genus and is widely recognized as an important food and game fish throughout its range.

Distribution & habitat

This species is found in the Eastern Atlantic Ocean, ranging from the Bay of Biscay south to Angola, including the Mediterranean Sea and island groups such as Madeira, the Canary Islands, and Cape Verde. It typically inhabits shallow coastal waters, favoring rocky bottoms and seagrass meadows, such as Posidonia beds, where it often forms dense schools in mid-water or near the seafloor.

Appearance

The Saddled Seabream has an elongated, oval-shaped body that is laterally compressed. Its coloration is primarily silvery-grey with a bluish tint on the back and faint longitudinal dark lines along its sides. The most diagnostic feature is a prominent black spot on the caudal peduncle, which is surrounded by a white ring and resembles a saddle. Adults may also exhibit a dark area above the eyes.

Biology & behavior

Known for its social nature, this species is highly gregarious and often swims in large aggregations. It is an omnivorous feeder, consuming a variety of small invertebrates—such as crustaceans, mollusks, and worms—as well as algae and zooplankton. The species is primarily gonochoric, though some individuals may exhibit protogynous hermaphroditism, where females transition into males as they age. Spawning typically occurs in the spring, producing pelagic eggs.