Sparus
Sparus is a genus of fish in the family Sparidae, commonly known as seabreams. This genus encompasses a diverse group of marine fish that inhabit various coastal and offshore waters worldwide. These fish are known for their distinctive body shape, coloration, and feeding habits.
Common Names
Members of the genus Sparus are commonly referred to as "breams" or "sea breams". Some species have additional specific names, such as the "common seabream" (Sparus aurata) and the "black seabream" (Sparus macrocephalus).
Characteristics
Sparus species share several common characteristics:
- Body shape: They have a deep, compressed body, often with a prominent hump on the back.
- Coloration: Their coloration varies greatly depending on the species and their environment, but generally includes shades of grey, silver, gold, and black.
- Mouth: They have a small mouth with strong, molar-like teeth adapted for crushing hard-shelled prey.
- Scales: Their scales are relatively large and cycloid (smooth and overlapping).
- Dorsal fin: They have a single dorsal fin with a distinct notch separating the spiny and soft-rayed portions.
- Anal fin: The anal fin is relatively long and has three spines.
Environments
Sparus species inhabit a wide range of marine environments, including:
- Coastal waters: They are often found in shallow coastal waters, estuaries, and rocky reefs.
- Offshore waters: Some species, like the black seabream, prefer deeper offshore waters.
- Temperatures: They generally thrive in temperate and subtropical waters.
Diet
Sparus species are omnivorous, feeding on a variety of organisms, including:
- Invertebrates: They consume crustaceans, mollusks, and worms.
- Fish: Some species, particularly larger individuals, will also consume smaller fish.
- Algae: They can also graze on algae and other plant matter.