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Spicara maena, commonly known as the Menola or Blotched Picarel, is a small to medium-sized marine fish belonging to the family Sparidae (sea breams and porgies), though it is often classified under the Centracanthidae family by some authorities due to its distinct protractile mouth. It is characterized by its elongated, somewhat compressed body and a highly protractile mouth. This species exhibits sexual dimorphism, particularly during the breeding season, with males developing more intense coloration. It is a schooling fish, typically found over sandy or muddy bottoms, as well as seagrass beds, in coastal waters.
Fyysiset ominaisuudet
- Ruumiinmuoto
- elongated
- Väritys
- Silvery-grey to brownish-grey dorsally, fading to silvery-white ventrally. A distinctive dark, often rectangular or blotchy, spot is usually present on the flank below the lateral line, roughly at the level of the pectoral fin. Males, especially during breeding, can display iridescent blue or violet hues on the head and fins, and more pronounced vertical banding on the flanks.
- Suomutyyppi
- ctenoid
- Suun asento
- terminal
- Erottuvat piirteet
- Highly protractile mouth, forming a tube when extended., A single, long dorsal fin with spines and soft rays., Distinctive dark blotch on the flank., Sexual dimorphism in coloration, particularly during breeding.
- Selkäevä
- Single dorsal fin with 10-11 spines and 11-12 soft rays. The spiny portion is longer than the soft-rayed portion.
- Pyrstöevä
- Forked caudal fin.
- Rintaevä
- Relatively long and pointed pectoral fins.
- Erottuvat evät
- Pelvic fins are thoracic, located below the pectoral fins.
Tunnistusvinkit
Mouth
Observe the highly protractile mouth, which can be extended forward to form a tube, a key characteristic of the Centracanthidae family.
Flank Spot
Look for the prominent dark, often rectangular or blotchy, spot on the mid-flank, below the lateral line. This spot can vary in intensity but is usually present.
Body Shape
Note the elongated and somewhat compressed body, typical of picarels.
Coloration (Males)
During breeding season, males exhibit striking iridescent blue/violet hues on the head and fins, and more defined vertical bands on the body, which can aid in identification.
Elinympäristö
- Vesityyppi
- saltwater
- Syvyys
- Typically found at depths ranging from 15 to 100 meters, though occasionally shallower or deeper (up to 170 meters).
- Ympäristö
- Inhabits coastal waters over sandy, muddy, or detritic bottoms, and often associated with seagrass beds (e.g., Posidonia oceanica). Forms schools, especially juveniles.
- Maantieteellinen levinneisyys
- Eastern Atlantic Ocean, from Portugal to Mauritania, including the Canary Islands and Madeira. Widely distributed throughout the Mediterranean Sea and the Black Sea.
Akvaariotiedot
- Hoitotaso: expert
- Luonne: peaceful
- Ruokavalio: carnivore
- Akvaarion vähimmäiskoko: 200 gallons
- Lämpötila: 18-24°C (64-75°F)
- pH-taso: 8.1-8.4
- Kovuus: 8-12 dKH
- Yhteensopivuus: Generally peaceful with other non-aggressive, similarly sized marine fish. Avoid housing with very small fish or highly aggressive species.
- Erityisvaatimukset: Requires a well-established marine aquarium with excellent filtration and stable water parameters. A deep sand bed is beneficial as they may burrow. Live rock and ample swimming space are also important. Not commonly kept in home aquaria due to specific needs and availability.
Tietoa luonnonvaraisista
- Suojelustatus: least concern
- Kausivaihtelu: Spawning typically occurs from late spring to early summer (April to June) in the Mediterranean. Fishing activity may increase during these periods.
- Markkinahinta: Low to medium, depending on region and fishing effort.
- Kaupallinen merkitys: medium
- Maku: Mild, delicate flavor.
- Rakenne: Soft, flaky white flesh.
- Valmistustavat: Fried, Grilled, Baked, Stewed
- Ravintoarvo: Good source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids.
Avaintiedot
Protracted Mouthbehavior
The Menola possesses a highly protractile mouth that can extend significantly forward, forming a tube-like structure. This adaptation is crucial for its feeding strategy, allowing it to suck in small prey from the substrate or water column.
Hermaphroditismbehavior
Spicara maena is a protogynous hermaphrodite, meaning individuals are born as females and later transition into males. This sequential hermaphroditism is common among many sparid species and plays a role in their reproductive strategies.
Breeding Colorsbehavior
During the breeding season, male Menola display vibrant and striking iridescent blue or violet coloration on their heads and fins, along with more pronounced vertical banding on their bodies. This dramatic change in appearance is used to attract females and establish territories.
Dietary Flexibilitybehavior
While primarily carnivorous, feeding on small invertebrates, the Menola exhibits some dietary flexibility, occasionally consuming algal matter. This adaptability allows it to thrive in various coastal environments.
Schooling Behaviorbehavior
Juvenile and adult Menola often form schools, which provides protection against predators and can enhance foraging efficiency. These schools are typically found over soft bottoms and seagrass beds.
Turvallisuustiedot
Turvallinen- Turvallisuustaso: safe
- Myrkyllinen: Ei
- Syötävyys: edible
- Käsittelyohjeet: No specific handling precautions are required beyond standard fish handling practices to avoid fin pricks. The dorsal fin spines can be sharp, so care should be taken.
Samankaltaiset lajit
Common Picarel
Spicara smaris
Spicara smaris typically has a more slender body and a less pronounced, often more rounded, dark spot on the flank. Its coloration is generally more silvery, and males do not exhibit the same intense blue/violet breeding colors as S. maena. The dorsal fin spines are also generally shorter in S. smaris.
Blotched Picarel (juvenile)
Spicara flexuosa
Historically, S. flexuosa was considered a distinct species, but it is now widely recognized as the juvenile form of S. maena. Therefore, differentiating them is a matter of age/size rather than distinct species characteristics. Juveniles (S. flexuosa) are typically smaller and may have a more pronounced, often more elongated, dark blotch.
Tieteellinen luokitus
- Kunta
- Animalia
- Pääjakso
- Chordata
- Luokka
- Actinopterygii
- Lahko
- Spariformes
- Heimo
- Sparidae
- Suku
- Spicara
- Laji
- Spicara maena
Tutustu lajiin Menola
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