Doublebar Bream

Overview

The Doublebar Bream (Acanthopagrus bifasciatus) is a marine ray-finned fish belonging to the Sparidae family, native to the northwestern Indian Ocean. It is commonly found in shallow coastal waters, particularly around coral reefs, and occasionally enters estuaries and bays.

Appearance

This species is easily identified by two prominent vertical black bars on its head: the first extends from the nape through the eye to the jaw, while the second runs from the nape to the opercle. It has a compressed, fusiform body and is characterized by yellow dorsal and caudal fins. Unlike some of its relatives, it lacks a dense black margin on the dorsal fin or a narrow black edge along the rear of the caudal fin.

Distribution & habitat

The species is primarily distributed across the Red Sea, the Persian Gulf, and along the southern coast of the Arabian Peninsula, extending to Iran and Pakistan. It typically inhabits shallow, reef-associated environments, though it is also known to frequent brackish waters.

Biology & behavior

Doublebar Bream are generally observed in small groups. They exhibit a protogynous hermaphroditic life history, where individuals may change sex from female to male as they age and grow larger. They can live for nearly two decades, with studies recording maximum ages of approximately 18 to 19 years.