Depth
Diplodus · Bony Fish

Annular Seabream

Diplodus annularis

1-90m
Depth Range
24 cm
Max Size
Coast of Portugal
Distribution
1-90m
Depth Range
24 cm
Max Size
Sandy / Muddy
Habitat
Photosynthetic
Diet
Solitary
Social
LC
IUCN Status
Kingdom Animalia
Phylum Chordata
Class Actinopterygii
Genus Diplodus
Species annularis

Species Profile

Identification & Biology

  • IdentificationBlack ring round the base of the tail
  • Size24 cm
  • Social Habit
  • HabitatMainly found on Zostera seagrass beds, but also found on Posidonia beds and sandy bottoms
  • Depth1 to 90 m
  • Feeds OnWorms, crustaceans, molluscs, echinoderms and hydrozoans
  • DistributionCoast of Portugal northward to the Bay of Biscay, Mediterranean, Black Sea and Sea of Azov. Eastern Atlantic, Madeira and Canary islands
  • Description A small, oval-bodied seabream recognised by the distinctive dark ring on the caudal peduncle and golden lateral lines. Common over Posidonia meadows and rocky bottoms throughout the Mediterranean, typically at depths of 1 to 20 metres.

Range

Habitat & Distribution

Mainly found on Zostera seagrass beds, but also found on Posidonia beds and sandy bottoms

Where Malta divers have spotted this species

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Sightings are logged by divers using our What Did You See? dive-log tool. View the full live sightings map.

Detail

Preferred Environment

Sandy / Muddy habitats, typically at depths of 1-90m. Most commonly encountered by divers at the shallower end of its range.

Encounter Tips

Best approached slowly and calmly. Avoid casting shadows directly over the animal. Neutral buoyancy and patience increase encounter success significantly.

Annular Seabream species card

Biology

Behaviour & Diet

Feeding Strategy

Worms, crustaceans, molluscs, echinoderms and hydrozoans

Photosynthetic

Dive with diveshack

Where to Encounter in Malta

The following dive sites offer strong habitat match for Diplodus annularis. All are accessible on a guided dive with diveshack.

3-18m
Comino

Blue Lagoon

Extensive sandy floor with excellent visibility. A prime habitat for benthic species that shelter in the sandy channels.

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5-22m
South Malta

Ghar Lapsi

Sheltered cove with sandy patches between rocky outcrops. The sandy areas at 8-15m are rich in benthic marine life.

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8-30m
North Malta

Cirkewwa

Sandy channels flanking the reef system provide excellent habitat for bottom-dwelling species.

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IUCN Red List Least Concern

Conservation Status

This species is assessed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. Mediterranean populations face ongoing pressure from fishing activity, habitat degradation, and climate-driven changes to prey availability.

Source: iNaturalist Guide #888
by Lesley Clements (CC BY-SA)
diveshack Mediterranean Marine Life guide