The Goldsilk Seabream (Acanthopagrus berda) is a species of marine fish belonging to the family Sparidae, commonly known as seabreams. These fish are found in a variety of coastal habitats across a wide geographical range, making them a familiar sight to divers and anglers alike.
Description & Characteristics
The Goldsilk Seabream (Acanthopagrus berda) is a relatively large fish, reaching a maximum size of 90.0 cm. It is characterized by its deep, laterally compressed body, which is covered in scales. The dorsal fin is continuous and has a prominent spine at its anterior end. The mouth is small and protractile, with a single row of molar-like teeth, ideal for crushing hard-shelled prey.
Habitat and Occurrence
The Goldsilk Seabream (Acanthopagrus berda) is a highly adaptable species, inhabiting a variety of coastal marine environments. It is commonly found in sandy bottoms, rocky reefs, seagrass beds, and estuaries. This species is often encountered in inshore areas and typically prefers depths ranging from the surface to around 100 meters. The Goldsilk Seabream (Acanthopagrus berda) is broadly distributed in tropical and subtropical regions of the Indo-Pacific, including the Red Sea, the Mediterranean Sea, and the western Pacific Ocean.
Taxonomy
The Goldsilk Seabream (Acanthopagrus berda) is classified as follows: it belongs to the Class: Teleostei, Order: Eupercaria incertae sedis, and Family: Sparidae. This family encompasses a diverse group of fishes characterized by their generally compressed bodies and specialized teeth, adapted for consuming a variety of food sources.
Feeding
The Goldsilk Seabream (Acanthopagrus berda) is an opportunistic omnivore, feeding on a wide range of prey items. Its diet includes clams, crabs, crustaceans, edible crab, fish (little fishes), fish larvae, invertebrates, shrimps, snails, starfishs, worms, and zoobenthos. Its specialized teeth allow it to effectively crush and grind these various food items, ensuring its nutritional needs are met.
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