Depth
Pagrus · Bony Fish

Common Seabream

Pagrus pagrus

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 Pagrus
Species pagrus

Bony Fish

Identification & Biology

  • IdentificationDeep, oval body with a steep forehead. Pinkish-red overall with blue spots scattered on the upper body. Large eyes. Strong jaws with prominent canine teeth at the front and molar-like teeth at the sides.
  • SizeUp to 75 cm total length, commonly 25 to 45 cm.
  • Social HabitUsually solitary or in small groups. Adults are found near rocky structures and wrecks.
  • HabitatRocky reefs, wrecks, and hard substrates from the coast to the outer continental shelf.
  • Depth10 to 250 m, most common between 20 and 100 m.
  • Feeds OnCrustaceans, molluscs, fish, and cephalopods crushed with its powerful jaws.
  • DistributionEastern Atlantic from the British Isles to Senegal, including the Mediterranean Sea.
  • DescriptionA large, handsome seabream with a rosy pink hue and scattered blue spots. It is an important commercial and recreational fishing species throughout the Mediterranean. The common seabream is a protogynous hermaphrodite, beginning life as female before some individuals transition to male.

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.

Common Seabream species card

Biology

Behaviour & Diet

Feeding Strategy

An omnivorous bottom-feeder that consumes algae, small crustaceans, worms and molluscs. Browses methodically over rocky and sandy substrates.

Omnivore

Reproduction

A protandrous hermaphrodite, maturing first as male then transitioning to female. Spawns in autumn and winter, releasing pelagic eggs.

Hermaphrodite

Behaviour & Defence

Forms small groups around rocky structure, using collective awareness to detect threats. Darts into cover among rocks and Posidonia when alarmed.

Schooling

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Where to Encounter in Malta

The following dive sites offer strong habitat match for Pagrus pagrus. 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.

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5-50m
Gozo

Blue Hole

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

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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