zebra seabream

Like other breams, the body is flat and oval. The average size is 35 cm but some specimens exceed 55 cm. It is likely that these individuals are rare due to fishing pressure.

The body is light gray with silver and golden reflections. Five wide dark vertical bands run across the body. The first is located in front of the dorsal fin and the last on the caudal peduncle. The head also has a vertical black band passing through the eye. During the breeding season, a yellow subocular spot appears.

Like other breams, this species has numerous spines: 11 or 12 on the dorsal fin and 3 on the caudal fin. The latter are grayish, and the pelvic fins are darker. The snout is pointed and the tip is dark. The mouth is slightly protrusible with thick lips.

This fish generally lives in small groups of less than ten individuals. Rather rare in the Mediterranean, it is sometimes observed with other breams (D. vulgaris and D. sargus sargus). Juveniles are omnivorous, feeding on algae, mussels, and other invertebrates, while adults are mainly carnivorous.

At low depths, this species is found in rocky areas. In deeper waters, it is more commonly found in muddy areas.

Sexual maturity occurs at the age of 2, at a size of around 25 cm. Sex change occurs at the age of 5. Studies have shown that at least some individuals change sex during their growth.

In the Mediterranean, spawning occurs during the spring and summer. The breeding period varies depending on water temperature.

Larvae are pelagic and then return to the coast.