Zebra Seabream (Diplodus Cervinus Cervinus)

Latin name: Diplodus cervinus cervinus
Common name: Zebra seabram
In other languages: E: Sargo breado, F: Sar a Grosses Levres
Class: Actinopterygii
Order: Perciformes
Family: Sparidae
Genus: Diplodus

Habitat: This species can be found in coastal waters over rocky areas from 10 metres down to 100 metres.

Behaviour: They move in well-regimented shoals, though well spaced. They are very nervous feeders that react in mass at the slightest distraction. Unlike others in this family they do not seek sanctuary in the cover of the rocks they feed upon. When alarmed the shoal heads out away from the cover of the rocks into deeper water. There is no doubt that it is this singular tactical move that has saved many of them from the harpoon of the spear fishermen that plague coastal waters.

Diet: Omnivore.

Size: Common: 20 - 35cm, maximum: 55cm.

Colour: The vertical bands are far broader than is the norm for this family. The banding is brown in colour though looking black from below the surface or when viewed from the surface.