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Sarpa salpa, commonly known as the Salema or Salema porgy, is a species of sea bream, a marine fish in the family Sparidae. It is a distinctive fish recognized by its elongated, oval body and prominent golden-yellow longitudinal stripes. This species is primarily herbivorous, feeding on seagrasses and algae, and is known for its schooling behavior. It is found in the Mediterranean Sea and the eastern Atlantic Ocean.
Caratteristiche fisiche
- Forma del corpo
- compressed
- 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, terminal mouth, Large eyes, Forked caudal fin
- Pinna dorsale
- Single dorsal fin with 11-12 spines and 14-16 soft rays.
- Pinna caudale
- Deeply forked caudal fin.
- Pinna pettorale
- Relatively short 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 definitive 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 distinct pattern.
Body Shape
Elongated, oval, and laterally compressed body, typical of sea breams, but more streamlined than some other sparids.
Mouth
Small, terminal mouth with incisor-like teeth adapted for grazing on vegetation.
Schooling Behavior
Often observed in large, dense schools, especially juveniles and sub-adults, which can aid in identification from a distance.
Habitat
- Tipo di acqua
- saltwater
- Profondità
- Typically found from the surface down to about 70 meters (230 feet), occasionally deeper.
- Ambiente
- Coastal waters, rocky reefs, seagrass beds (Posidonia oceanica meadows are a preferred habitat), sandy bottoms near rocky areas. Often found in clear, well-lit waters.
- Areale geografico
- Eastern Atlantic Ocean from the Bay of Biscay 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: advanced
- Temperamento: peaceful
- Dieta: herbivore
- Dimensione minima della vasca: 200 gallons (750 liters)
- Temperatura: 68-75°F (20-24°C)
- Livello di pH: 8.1-8.4
- Durezza: 8-12 dKH
- Compatibilità: Best kept in species-specific tanks or with other peaceful, herbivorous fish of similar size. Avoid aggressive or predatory species.
- Requisiti speciali: Requires a large tank with ample swimming space and plenty of live rock for grazing. A mature aquarium with stable parameters is crucial. High-quality filtration is essential due to their herbivorous diet and waste production. Can be prone to stress in smaller, crowded environments.
Informazioni in natura
- Stato di conservazione: least concern
- Stagionalità: Present year-round, but often more abundant in coastal areas during warmer months. Spawning typically occurs in autumn and winter.
- Prezzo di mercato: Low to moderate, depending on region and demand.
- Importanza commerciale: medium
- Sapore: Mild, somewhat earthy, can be slightly bitter if not prepared correctly.
- Consistenza: Flaky, white flesh.
- Metodi di cottura: Baked, Grilled, Fried, Steamed
- Valore nutrizionale: Good source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids. Can accumulate toxins (ciguatera) in certain regions, making consumption risky.
Fatti chiave
Dreamfish Phenomenoninteresting
Sarpa salpa is sometimes referred to as the 'dreamfish' due to documented cases of ichthyoallyeinotoxism, a type of food poisoning that can cause vivid, often disturbing, hallucinations. This is believed to be caused by toxins accumulated from certain algae in their diet.
Herbivorous Dietbehavior
Unlike many other sea breams which are omnivorous or carnivorous, Sarpa salpa is primarily herbivorous, feeding almost exclusively on seagrasses and algae. This makes them important grazers in their ecosystems.
Protandrous Hermaphroditesevolution
Sarpa salpa are protandrous hermaphrodites, meaning they mature first as males and later transition to females. This sexual dimorphism is not externally obvious.
Schooling Behaviorbehavior
Juvenile and adult Sarpa salpa often form large, dense schools, sometimes numbering in the hundreds or thousands, providing protection against predators.
Informazioni di sicurezza
Maneggiare con cura- Livello di sicurezza: caution
- Velenoso: No
- Commestibilità: not recommended
- Note sul maneggio: While not venomous, Sarpa salpa can cause hallucinogenic effects if consumed, particularly the head and internal organs, due to the presence of ichthyoallyeinotoxism. This phenomenon is rare but documented, especially during certain seasons or when the fish has consumed specific algae. It is advisable to remove the head and gut thoroughly before consumption. Spines are not venomous but can cause minor punctures.
Specie simili
Annular Sea Bream
Diplodus annularis
Lacks the prominent golden longitudinal stripes; has a silvery body with a distinct black spot on the caudal peduncle. Body is generally deeper and less elongated.
Saddled Sea Bream
Oblada melanura
Silvery body with a prominent black saddle-like spot on the caudal peduncle, but no golden stripes. Body shape is more fusiform.
Striped Sea Bream
Lithognathus mormyrus
Has dark vertical bands (not golden longitudinal stripes) on a silvery body. Mouth is more pointed and snout is longer.
Classificazione scientifica
- Regno
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Classe
- Actinopterygii
- Ordine
- Spariformes
- Famiglia
- Sparidae
- Genere
- Sarpa
- Specie
- Sarpa salpa
Esplora Salema
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