Fish
Saddled seabream
Oblada melanura
(GSA7) Gulf of Lion, (GSA8) Corsica
Fishing zones
Wild
Origin
20 cm
Minimum size
Description
The body is oval-shaped, fairly elongated, and laterally compressed. It has a very distinct black spot surrounded by a white ring on the caudal peduncle (the base of the tail). The back is bluish-gray, while the flanks and belly are silvery. Fine dark longitudinal lines may sometimes be seen on the sides. It has small, pointed teeth at the front and very reduced grinding teeth (molars), which distinguishes it from other sparids such as the sea bream. It generally measures between 20 and 25 cm, but can reach a maximum size of 34 cm. Omnivorous with a carnivorous tendency. It feeds on small invertebrates (crustaceans, worms), zooplankton, and sometimes algae.
Habitat
A marine species, benthopelagic (living between the seafloor and the open water). It is generally found between 0 and 30 meters, although it can descend to depths of up to 100 meters. It prefers shallow coastal waters, particularly above rocky bottoms and Posidonia (Posidonia oceanica) seagrass beds. It is a gregarious fish that often lives in dense schools near the surface.
Distribution
From the Bay of Biscay to Angola, including the islands of Madeira, the Canary Islands, and Cape Verde. Very common throughout the Mediterranean basin. Present but rarer in the Black Sea.