The Axillary Seabream, scientifically known as Pagellus acarne, is a species of fish belonging to the family Sparidae, commonly known as seabreams. They are a relatively small fish, reaching a maximum size of 36.0 cm.
Description & Characteristics
Pagellus acarne is characterized by a deep, compressed body with a slightly pointed snout. Their coloration varies depending on their environment, but they generally have a silvery-grey back with a reddish-brown hue on their flanks. They also possess a distinctive black spot on the base of their pectoral fins, which gives them their common name.
Habitat and Occurrence
The Axillary Seabream is a demersal fish, meaning it lives on or near the seabed. They are found in the eastern Atlantic Ocean, ranging from the Bay of Biscay to the Mediterranean Sea. They prefer rocky and sandy bottoms, typically at depths between 20 and 200 meters. This places them within the neritic zone, the area of the ocean that extends from the shoreline out to the edge of the continental shelf.
Taxonomy
The species Pagellus acarne belongs to the Class: Teleostei, Order: Eupercaria incertae sedis, and Family: Sparidae. This classification places them within a diverse group of bony fishes, with the family Sparidae specifically encompassing seabreams and porgies.
Feeding
Pagellus acarne is an opportunistic feeder, primarily consuming a variety of benthic invertebrates found on the seafloor. Their diet consists mainly of clams, crustaceans, shrimps, snails, worms, and zoobenthos.
Image References