The Banded Seabream (Diplodus fasciatus) is a species of marine fish belonging to the family Sparidae, commonly known as seabreams. This species is characterized by its striking appearance and is often found in coastal waters around the Mediterranean Sea and the eastern Atlantic Ocean.
Description & Characteristics
The Banded Seabream (Diplodus fasciatus) is a moderately sized fish, reaching a maximum length of 45.0 cm. Its body is oval-shaped, with a deep, compressed profile. The defining feature of this species is its distinctive coloration. The body is typically silver to grey with a series of five to six dark vertical bands extending down its sides. These bands are often more prominent in juveniles. Its dorsal fin is elongated and features strong spines, while the anal fin is smaller and rounded. The mouth is small and equipped with strong, molar-like teeth, allowing it to efficiently crush and consume its prey.
Habitat and Occurrence
The Banded Seabream (Diplodus fasciatus) is a common inhabitant of rocky reefs and coastal waters. It prefers habitats with ample cover, such as crevices, caves, and seagrass meadows. This species is found in a wide range of depths, typically from the intertidal zone to depths of around 50 meters. Their distribution encompasses the Mediterranean Sea, the eastern Atlantic Ocean, and the Canary Islands. These fish are often encountered in the neritic zone, the marine zone extending from the coastline to the edge of the continental shelf.
Taxonomy
The species Diplodus fasciatus belongs to the Class: Teleostei, Order: Eupercaria incertae sedis, and Family: Sparidae. The Teleostei are a large and diverse group of bony fishes, representing over 95% of all known fish species. The Order Eupercaria incertae sedis is a group of ray-finned fishes that is still under taxonomic review. The Sparidae family, commonly referred to as the seabreams, is characterized by its members’ generally deep, compressed bodies and strong, molar-like teeth.
Feeding
The Banded Seabream (Diplodus fasciatus) is an omnivorous feeder, consuming a diverse range of invertebrates and algae. Its diet includes clams, crabs, crustaceans, invertebrates, krill, mysis, sea squirts, snails, starfish, worms, and zoobenthos. The strong molar-like teeth in its mouth are crucial for crushing and grinding its prey.
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