The White Seabream, which is also commonly referred to as the Sargo or the Round Seabream, is perhaps the most common, recognisable, and beloved fish of the Sparidae family in the Mediterranean. It is famous for its intelligence, adaptability, and extremely delicious white meat, which makes it a top target for every fisher. The body is tall, oval, and laterally compressed, with a silver colour that can darken depending on the environment.

Its most characteristic feature consists of 8 to 9 thin, faint vertical stripes running across its sides, though these can fade in large individuals. The absolute sign for identification is the bold, black, saddle-shaped spot at the base of the tail. This spot never extends to the bottom part of the caudal peduncle, which is a detail that distinguishes it from the Saddled Seabream.

The animal is an omnivorous fish with a clear preference for carnivory. It feeds on whatever it finds on the bottom, such as worms and crustaceans like shrimp and crabs, along with molluscs like limpets and mussels, which it detaches and crushes with its powerful teeth. Occasionally, it consumes seaweed. It is more active during the evening and morning hours, as well as when the sea is rough, when it comes out of its nest to hunt in the foam.

The White Seabream is a protandrous hermaphrodite species. All fish mature sexually first as males, usually at the age of 2 to 3 years. For a period, they may function as both sexes, but if they live long enough, they transform completely into females. The breeding season occurs during the winter months, primarily from December through February or March, when the fish gather in schools to spawn.

Fisheries & Economic Value