Acanthopagrus
Acanthopagrus is a genus of marine fish belonging to the family Sparidae, commonly known as sea breams. They are found in coastal waters of the Indo-Pacific region, including the Red Sea, the Mediterranean Sea, and the east coast of Africa to Australia.
Common Names
Members of the genus Acanthopagrus are commonly referred to as "sea breams," "breams," or "black bream" depending on the species and region.
Characteristics
Acanthopagrus species are characterized by:
- A deep, compressed body
- A single dorsal fin with 11-13 spines and 9-12 soft rays
- A single anal fin with 3 spines and 8-12 soft rays
- A prominent, protruding lower jaw
- A large, terminal mouth
- Scales that are generally smooth, with a few rows of larger scales along the lateral line
- A variety of color patterns, often with dark bands or spots
Environments
Acanthopagrus species are typically found in coastal waters, often near rocky reefs, seagrass beds, and estuaries. Some species may also venture into freshwater environments, while others prefer deeper waters.
References
For more detailed information on Acanthopagrus, you can refer to the following reliable sources: