Depth
Spondyliosoma · Bony Fish

Black Seabream

Spondyliosoma cantharus

0-40m
Depth Range
Variable
Max Size
Mediterranean
Distribution
0-40m
Depth Range
Variable
Max Size
Reef & Open
Habitat
Carnivore
Diet
Solitary
Social
LC
IUCN Status
Kingdom Animalia
Phylum Chordata
Class Actinopterygii
Genus Spondyliosoma
Species cantharus

Bony Fish

Identification & Biology

  • IdentificationDeep, oval body with a small head and mouth. Grey to dark grey-brown body, darker on the back. Males become very dark, almost black during breeding. A silver bar may be visible on the flanks.
  • SizeUp to 60 cm total length, commonly 20 to 35 cm.
  • Social HabitSchooling species that gathers in large groups around reef structures and wrecks. Breeding aggregations form in spring.
  • HabitatRocky reefs, wrecks, seagrass beds, and mixed substrates. Often seen in midwater near vertical structures.
  • Depth5 to 300 m, most common between 10 and 50 m.
  • Feeds OnAlgae, small invertebrates including worms, crustaceans, and molluscs. An omnivorous grazer.
  • DistributionEastern Atlantic from Norway to Senegal, including the Mediterranean and Black Sea.
  • DescriptionA common and familiar sight on Mediterranean reef dives, where schools of black seabream hang in midwater near drop-offs and walls. This species is a protandrous hermaphrodite, starting life as a male and transitioning to female. The males turn dramatically dark during spawning season.

Range

Habitat & Distribution

Found across the Mediterranean, inhabiting reef & open environments. Active from the surface down to 40m depth.

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

Reef & Open habitats, typically at depths of 0-40m. 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.

Black Seabream species card

Biology

Behaviour & Diet

Behaviour & Defence

Releases ink as a confusion cloud when threatened, providing precious seconds to escape predators.

Defensive

Dive with diveshack

Where to Encounter in Malta

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

5-30m
North Malta

Cirkewwa

Rocky reef with caves, arches and ledges hosting a rich diversity of reef species.

View dive site ›
5-50m
Gozo

Blue Hole

One of the Med's most famous reef dive sites. Rocky walls and archways covered in life.

View dive site ›
18-36m
South Malta

Um El Faroud

The wreck lies on a sandy bottom surrounded by rocky reef -- a diverse habitat attracting reef species.

View dive site ›
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