Red Sea Bream

Fact File: Common Name(s):Red Sea Bream Scientific Name:Pagellus bogaraveo Usual Size:35cm UK Record Weights from rod/line: Shore:4lb-07oz-00dr Alderney Lighthouse A. Salmon 1979 Boat:9lb-08oz-12dr Megavissey Cornwall B.H.Reynolds 1974 MAFF Minimum Size: Shore:   Boat:   NFSA: 25cm.

Identification: Deep laterally flattened body, with large scales, that are also present upon the head. Single long dorsal fin, who's anterior portion is composed of 12 spines, with the posterior formed of 12 to 13 soft branched rays. The anal fin is approximately half the length of the dorsal fin, and has 3 spines at it's anterior that is then composed of 12 to 13 branched rays. The top half of the head and body, along with the fins, has a reddish orange colouration. This blends into a rose tinged silver of the sides and belly. The lateral line is distinct, and is accompanied in the adults by a black to blackish red spot, just behind the gill cover. The gill cover has no spines and is untoothed. The eyes are large and are further back than the low set mouth. The front teeth are small and sharp, with 2 to 3 sets of small rounded blunt teeth towards the rear. Breeding: Spawning occurs in deep water, during the late summer and autumn Habitat: Rocks and seaweed's of shallow waters, down to depths of 250M or more. This tends to be a shoal fish, although the size of the shoals decreases with age of the fish. Red Bream have a summer inshore migration, and is the commonest of the sea breams in the UK. Food: Diet normally consists of small fish, long with crustaceans, and the occasional squid. Range: Most often seen at the Western end of the Channel, and South West Ireland. Summer migration however, results in wide spread distribution including the North Sea and even up to Norway. Additional Notes:

This image is provided free for educational purposes by the Calypso Photolibrary. Unauthorised reproduction is illegal. Authorised reproduction is usually freely granted for academic and educational use but must be requested. Please help us to protect individual rights. For permissions contact support@calypso.org.uk

 Return to the