How to Identify Black Sea Bream

To identify Black Sea Bream (Spondyliosoma cantharus), look at these key features.

Physical Characteristics

Body shape

compressed

Coloration

Adults are typically silvery-grey to bluish-grey, often with faint darker vertical bands that are more pronounced in juveniles or stressed individuals. Males, especially during breeding, can develop a darker, almost black coloration with iridescent blue spots and lines on the head and fins. The fins are generally dusky. Juveniles often have more distinct dark vertical bands.

Scale type

ctenoid

Mouth position

terminal

Distinctive features

Oval, compressed body, Small mouth with incisor-like teeth in the front and molar-like teeth posteriorly, Single dorsal fin with strong spines, Often exhibits darker vertical bands, especially when young or stressed, Males develop distinct breeding coloration (darker body, blue spots/lines)

Dorsal fin

Single dorsal fin with 11-12 strong spines followed by 11-13 soft rays. The spiny portion is longer than the soft-rayed portion.

Tail fin

Forked caudal fin, typically dusky.

Pectoral fin

Long and pointed pectoral fins.

Distinctive fins

Anal fin with 3 spines and 10-12 soft rays. Pelvic fins are thoracic with 1 spine and 5 soft rays.

Identification Tips

1. 1

   Body Shape and Coloration

   Look for the oval, compressed body and the silvery-grey to bluish-grey color. Note the presence of faint or distinct darker vertical bands, especially in smaller individuals. Breeding males are much darker with iridescent blue markings.

2. 2

   Mouth and Teeth

   Observe the relatively small mouth with incisor-like teeth at the front and molar-like teeth further back, adapted for its omnivorous diet.

3. 3

   Dorsal Fin

   The single dorsal fin with its prominent spiny anterior portion (11-12 spines) followed by a shorter soft-rayed portion (11-13 rays) is a key characteristic.

4. 4

   Size

   Adults typically reach a maximum length of about 60 cm (24 inches), but are more commonly found between 20-40 cm (8-16 inches).

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