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Saddled seabream

Sicuro

Oblada melanura

Conosciuto anche come: Saddled bream, Black-tailed bream, Oblada

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Descrizione

Oblada melanura, commonly known as the saddled seabream or occhiata, is a species of marine ray-finned fish belonging to the family Sparidae. It is a schooling fish, often found in coastal waters, known for its distinctive black spot on the caudal peduncle. It is a popular target for recreational fishing and is consumed in many Mediterranean countries.

Caratteristiche fisiche

Forma del corpo
compressed
Colorazione
Silvery-grey body, often with a bluish or greenish sheen on the back, fading to white on the belly. The most distinctive feature is a prominent, saddle-shaped black spot on the caudal peduncle, bordered anteriorly and posteriorly by a narrow white band.
Tipo di squame
ctenoid
Posizione della bocca
terminal
Caratteristiche distintive
Prominent black saddle-shaped spot on the caudal peduncle, Large eyes relative to head size, Small, terminal mouth, Slightly elongated, compressed body
Pinna dorsale
Single dorsal fin with 11-12 spines and 13-15 soft rays. The spiny portion is longer than the soft-rayed portion.
Pinna caudale
Forked caudal fin, dark-edged.
Pinna pettorale
Long and pointed pectoral fins.
Pinne distintive
Anal fin with 3 spines and 12-14 soft rays. Pelvic fins are thoracic.

Consigli per l'identificazione

Caudal Peduncle Spot

The most reliable identification feature is the distinct, saddle-shaped black spot on the caudal peduncle, immediately anterior to the caudal fin, often bordered by white.

Body Shape and Color

Its silvery-grey, compressed body and relatively large eyes are characteristic. The overall coloration can vary slightly depending on habitat and mood.

Fin Structure

Observe the single dorsal fin with its spiny and soft-rayed portions, and the deeply forked caudal fin.

Habitat

Tipo di acqua
saltwater
Profondità
Typically found from the surface down to about 30 meters (100 feet), occasionally deeper to 60 meters (200 feet).
Ambiente
Coastal waters, rocky reefs, seagrass beds (Posidonia oceanica), sandy bottoms, and around jetties and harbors. Often forms large schools in mid-water or near the bottom.
Areale geografico
Eastern Atlantic Ocean from the Bay of Biscay to Angola, including the Canary Islands, Madeira, and Cape Verde. Widely distributed throughout the Mediterranean Sea and the Black Sea.

Informazioni sull'acquario

  • Livello di cura: intermediate
  • Temperamento: peaceful
  • Dieta: omnivore
  • Dimensione minima della vasca: 500 liters (130 gallons) for a small group
  • Temperatura: 18-24°C (64-75°F)
  • Livello di pH: 8.1-8.4
  • Durezza: 8-12 dKH
  • Compatibilità: Generally compatible with other peaceful, similarly sized marine fish. Avoid very aggressive or territorial species. Best kept in groups of its own kind.
  • Requisiti speciali: Requires a well-established marine aquarium with plenty of swimming space. Good water quality and strong filtration are essential. Provide some rockwork for shelter, but ensure open areas for schooling. Can be prone to stress if kept alone or in too small a tank.

Informazioni in natura

  • Stato di conservazione: least concern
  • Stagionalità: Available year-round, but often more abundant in warmer months. Spawning typically occurs in spring and early summer.
  • Prezzo di mercato: Moderate, varies by region and season.
  • Importanza commerciale: medium
  • Sapore: Mild, delicate, slightly sweet
  • Consistenza: Flaky, tender white flesh
  • Metodi di cottura: Grilled, Baked, Fried, Steamed, Pan-seared
  • Valore nutrizionale: Good source of lean protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and various vitamins and minerals.

Fatti chiave

Schooling Behaviorbehavior

Oblada melanura is a highly social species, often forming large, active schools, especially juveniles and sub-adults. This schooling behavior provides protection against predators.

Dietary Flexibilitybehavior

While primarily carnivorous, feeding on small invertebrates and zooplankton, Oblada melanura also consumes algae and seagrass, demonstrating an omnivorous diet that allows it to adapt to various food sources.

Ecological Roleinteresting

As both a predator of small invertebrates and a consumer of plant matter, Oblada melanura plays an important role in coastal ecosystems, contributing to nutrient cycling and food web dynamics.

Reproductive Strategyevolution

Oblada melanura is a protogynous hermaphrodite, meaning individuals typically mature as females and can later change sex to male. This reproductive strategy is common among many sparid species.

Angler's Delightinteresting

Due to its abundance and willingness to take bait, the occhiata is a very popular target for recreational anglers throughout its range, often caught from shore or small boats.

Informazioni di sicurezza

Sicuro
  • Livello di sicurezza: safe
  • Velenoso: No
  • Commestibilità: edible
  • Note sul maneggio: No specific handling precautions are required beyond standard fish handling practices to avoid fin pricks. The spines are not venomous.

Specie simili

Annular seabream

Diplodus annularis

Diplodus annularis also has a black spot on the caudal peduncle, but it is typically more circular and less saddle-shaped, and the body is generally deeper and more silvery-white. Oblada melanura's spot is distinctly saddle-like and often bordered by white.

White seabream

Diplodus sargus

Diplodus sargus has several vertical dark bands on its body and a more pronounced black spot on the caudal peduncle that extends further onto the fin. It lacks the distinct white borders around the black spot seen in Oblada melanura.

Classificazione scientifica

Regno
Animalia
Phylum
Chordata
Classe
Actinopterygii
Ordine
Spariformes
Famiglia
Sparidae
Genere
Oblada
Specie
Oblada melanura

Esplora Saddled seabream

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