Black Seabream

Identification

A sturdy, deep-bodied fish of 20 to 40 cm (up to 60 cm) with a silvery-grey to dark grey body. Characteristic dark vertical bars on the flanks, fading in older fish. Small mouth with sharp teeth. Breeding males turn nearly black with a bluish sheen.

Ecology

Lives near rocks, wrecks, and hard substrate at 5 to 50 meters. An omnivore feeding on seaweed, worms, crustaceans, and small fish. Males build nests on the seabed and guard eggs aggressively. Larger fish move to deeper water in autumn.

In the Netherlands

Increasingly recorded in Dutch waters due to climate warming. Found mainly along the Zeeland and South Holland coasts near wrecks and groynes. Potential as a sport fish: fights hard and takes bait eagerly.