Hai una foto? Identifica i pesci all'istante con l'app Fishby.
Apri l'appDescrizione
Sarpa salpa, commonly known as the Salema Porgy, is a species of sea bream belonging to the family Sparidae. It is a distinctive fish recognized by its elongated, oval-shaped body and prominent golden-yellow longitudinal stripes. This species is primarily herbivorous, feeding on algae and seagrasses, and is known for its schooling behavior. It is found in the Mediterranean Sea and the eastern Atlantic Ocean.
Caratteristiche fisiche
- Forma del corpo
- elongated
- Colorazione
- Silvery-grey body with 10-12 prominent golden-yellow longitudinal stripes running from behind the head to the caudal fin. Fins are generally dusky or yellowish.
- Tipo di squame
- ctenoid
- Posizione della bocca
- terminal
- Caratteristiche distintive
- 10-12 golden-yellow longitudinal stripes, Small mouth with incisor-like teeth adapted for grazing, Relatively small eyes
- Pinna dorsale
- Single dorsal fin with 11-12 spines and 13-15 soft rays.
- Pinna caudale
- Forked caudal fin.
- Pinna pettorale
- Moderately sized pectoral fins.
- Pinne distintive
- Anal fin with 3 spines and 13-15 soft rays. Pelvic fins are thoracic.
Consigli per l'identificazione
Golden Stripes
The most distinctive feature is the presence of 10-12 bright golden-yellow longitudinal stripes along its silvery-grey body. No other similar species in its range has this exact pattern.
Body Shape
Elongated, oval-shaped body, typical of many Sparidae, but slightly more elongated than some other porgies.
Mouth and Teeth
Small mouth with incisor-like teeth, indicative of its herbivorous diet. This can be observed upon closer inspection.
Schooling Behavior
Often observed in large, dense schools, especially in seagrass meadows or near rocky reefs.
Habitat
- Tipo di acqua
- saltwater
- Profondità
- Typically found in shallow coastal waters, from the surface down to about 70 meters (230 feet), occasionally deeper.
- Ambiente
- Prefers rocky bottoms, seagrass beds (Posidonia oceanica meadows are a favored habitat), and sandy areas near reefs. Often found in clear, well-lit waters.
- Areale geografico
- Eastern Atlantic Ocean, from the Bay of Biscay south to South Africa, including the Canary Islands, Madeira, and Cape Verde. Also widely distributed throughout the Mediterranean Sea and the Black Sea.
Informazioni sull'acquario
- Livello di cura: expert
- Temperamento: peaceful
- Dieta: herbivore
- Dimensione minima della vasca: 500 gallons
- Temperatura: 18-24°C (64-75°F)
- Livello di pH: 8.1-8.4
- Durezza: 8-12 dKH
- Compatibilità: Generally peaceful with other non-aggressive, similarly sized fish. Requires large tanks due to schooling behavior and size.
- Requisiti speciali: Requires a very large, well-established marine aquarium with ample swimming space and significant algal growth or consistent provision of marine-based vegetable matter. Sensitive to water quality fluctuations. Not commonly kept in home aquaria due to size and dietary needs.
Informazioni in natura
- Stato di conservazione: least concern
- Stagionalità: Available year-round, but fishing activity may vary seasonally based on local regulations and fish abundance.
- Prezzo di mercato: Low to moderate, depending on region and demand.
- Importanza commerciale: medium
- Sapore: Mild, sometimes described as slightly grassy or earthy due to its herbivorous diet. Can be variable.
- Consistenza: Flaky, white flesh.
- Metodi di cottura: Grilled, Baked, Fried, Steamed
- Valore nutrizionale: Good source of lean protein and omega-3 fatty acids.
Fatti chiave
Dreamfish Phenomenoninteresting
Sarpa salpa is sometimes referred to as the 'dreamfish' due to reports of hallucinogenic effects experienced by people who have consumed it, particularly its head, during certain times of the year. This phenomenon, known as ichthyoallyeinotoxism, is rare but well-documented.
Strict Herbivorebehavior
Unlike many other sea breams which are omnivorous or carnivorous, Sarpa salpa is one of the few truly herbivorous sparids, primarily grazing on algae and seagrasses like Posidonia oceanica.
Ecological Rolebehavior
As a primary consumer, Sarpa salpa plays a crucial role in the ecosystem of seagrass meadows and rocky reefs by controlling algal growth and facilitating nutrient cycling.
Schooling Behaviorbehavior
This species is highly gregarious, forming large, often dense schools that can number in the hundreds or even thousands of individuals, providing protection against predators.
Informazioni di sicurezza
Maneggiare con cura- Livello di sicurezza: caution
- Velenoso: No
- Commestibilità: not recommended
- Note sul maneggio: Sarpa salpa is not venomous. However, like many fish, it possesses sharp fin spines that can cause minor punctures if handled carelessly. The primary safety concern relates to its consumption. In rare instances, particularly during certain seasons or when feeding on specific algae, Sarpa salpa can accumulate toxins (ichthyoallyeinotoxism) that may cause hallucinogenic effects when consumed. This phenomenon is not fully understood but is thought to be linked to dinoflagellates ingested by the fish. It is advisable to exercise caution and be aware of local knowledge regarding its edibility, especially during late summer and autumn.
Specie simili
Annular Sea Bream
Diplodus annularis
Lacks the prominent golden longitudinal stripes. Has a distinct black spot on the caudal peduncle and a more silvery body without strong yellow markings.
Saddled Sea Bream
Oblada melanura
Possesses a prominent black saddle-like spot on the caudal peduncle and a more streamlined, silvery body. Lacks the golden stripes of Sarpa salpa.
Striped Sea Bream
Lithognathus mormyrus
Has vertical dark bands on its flanks, not horizontal golden stripes. Body shape is also more elongated and less deep-bodied than Sarpa salpa.
Classificazione scientifica
- Regno
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Classe
- Actinopterygii
- Ordine
- Spariformes
- Famiglia
- Sparidae
- Genere
- Sarpa
- Specie
- Sarpa salpa
Esplora Salema Porgy
Identifica pesci ovunque
Gratis su iOS, Android e Web. Identificazione tramite foto, dettagli completi sulle specie e molto altro.