Depth
Lithognathus · Bony Fish

Striped Seabream

Lithognathus mormyrus

0-40m
Depth Range
Variable
Max Size
Mediterranean
Distribution
0-40m
Depth Range
Variable
Max Size
Sandy / Muddy
Habitat
Photosynthetic
Diet
Solitary
Social
LC
IUCN Status
Kingdom Animalia
Phylum Chordata
Class Actinopterygii
Genus Lithognathus
Species mormyrus

Bony Fish

Identification & Biology

  • IdentificationElongated, oval body with a moderately pointed snout. Silver-grey body with 14 to 15 narrow, dark vertical bars and a series of faint longitudinal golden lines. Slightly downturned mouth.
  • SizeUp to 55 cm total length, commonly 20 to 35 cm.
  • Social HabitUsually solitary or in small groups near sandy areas adjacent to reef structures.
  • HabitatSandy and seagrass areas near rocky reefs. Often seen moving slowly over sand with barbel-like lower lip extensions testing the substrate.
  • Depth5 to 150 m, most common between 10 and 50 m.
  • Feeds OnWorms, molluscs, crustaceans, and other invertebrates found in sandy substrates.
  • DistributionEastern Atlantic from the Bay of Biscay to South Africa, including the Mediterranean Sea.
  • DescriptionA handsome, distinctively barred seabream that patrols sandy areas adjacent to reef structures. The narrow vertical bars on the silver body make it one of the more easily identified seabream species. It feeds by rooting in sand for invertebrates, leaving small craters in the substrate.

Range

Habitat & Distribution

Found across the Mediterranean, inhabiting sandy / muddy 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

Sandy / Muddy 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.

Striped Seabream species card

Biology

Behaviour & Diet

Feeding Strategy

An omnivore that feeds on algae, small invertebrates, worms and crustaceans found among rocky substrates.

Omnivore

Reproduction

A protandrous hermaphrodite: begins as male and may become female with age. Spawns demersal eggs in spring.

Hermaphrodite

Behaviour & Defence

Schools near rocky structure, using collective movement and proximity to shelter as primary defences.

Schooling

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Where to Encounter in Malta

The following dive sites offer strong habitat match for Lithognathus mormyrus. 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