The Blotched Picarel, Spicara maena, is a marine fish belonging to the family Sparidae, commonly known as seabreams. It is a relatively small species, with a maximum recorded size of 25.0 cm.
Description & Characteristics
Spicara maena exhibits a distinctive blotched pattern on its body, which gives it its common name. Its coloration can vary, but generally features a silvery-grey body with darker blotches. The Blotched Picarel possesses a slightly compressed body shape, with a moderately sized head and a terminal mouth.
Habitat and Occurrence
The Blotched Picarel, Spicara maena, is a marine fish found in the Mediterranean Sea. It typically inhabits the demersal zone, occurring at depths ranging from 30.0 to 130.0 meters. This depth range places it within the bathyal zone, a region characterized by dim light and colder temperatures. Within this zone, Spicara maena can be found in various habitats, including rocky reefs, seagrass meadows, and sandy bottoms.
Taxonomy
The species Spicara maena belongs to the Class: Teleostei, Order: Eupercaria incertae sedis, and Family: Sparidae. The Teleostei is a large and diverse group of bony fishes, encompassing a vast majority of fish species. The Eupercaria incertae sedis is a group of fishes that are not yet fully classified within the Order. The Sparidae family, commonly known as seabreams, is a diverse group of fishes known for their often colorful and distinctive characteristics.
Feeding
Spicara maena is a carnivorous fish, feeding primarily on small invertebrates. Its diet consists of various zooplankton, including brine shrimps, cyclops, mysis, and living food. The Blotched Picarel, Spicara maena, plays an important role in the marine ecosystem by controlling the populations of its prey, helping to maintain a balanced food web.
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