Identification
The gilthead seabream is a powerfully built fish of 30 to 50 cm with a deep, laterally compressed body. The most striking feature is the golden band between the eyes. Strong molar teeth for crushing shellfish.
Behavior & ecology
A shellfish crusher living in shallow coastal waters. Crushes mussels, cockles, and crabs with powerful jaws. The species is a protandrous hermaphrodite: all fish start as male and change to female later in life.
In the Netherlands
A warmth-loving species increasingly appearing in the North Sea due to climate warming. Traditionally a Mediterranean fish.
