8 photos - 5 species
Introduction
There are almost 40 genera with more than 140 species.
They are high-backed animals with laterally compressed bodies,
often with a silvery base colour, dark cross-bands and a black tail spot.
Depending on the species, they can be between 12 cm and 2 metres long.
Acanthopagrus bifasciatus
Twobar seabream
Maximum length: 50 cm
Depth: 2 - 25 m
Silver body with two black headbands.
Favours reef tops and reef edges with strong waves and surf.
Usually in small groups of 20 to 25 animals along reef edges or on the reef top.
Shy.
Photo 1 Astrid: Hurghada Egypt
Photo 2 Johnny: Hurghada Egypt
Calamus bajonado
Jolthead porgy
Maximum length: 60 cm
Depth: 5 - 50 m
Silvery with a blue sheen.
This species can also be found over reefs and neighbouring sandy areas.
Not shy, allows slow approach.
Photos 1 - 2 Astrid: Bonaire Caribbean
Calamus penna
Sheephead porgy, Littlemouth porgy or Speckled porgy
Maximum length: 45 cm
Depth: 3 - 80 m
Silvery with a yellow sheen, body often near the bottom,
with dark horizontal stripes when foraging.
Found over reefs and neighbouring sandy areas.
Not shy, allows slow approach.
Photos 1 - 2 Astrid: Bonaire Caribbean.
Diplodus noct
Red sea seabream
Maximum length: 25 cm
Depth: 1 - 15 metres
Lives in shallow water near the coast, usually in groups.
Photo 1 Astrid: Hurghada Egypt
Pagrus auriga
Redbanded seabream
Maximum length: 80 cm
Depth: up to 170 metres
These fish are characterised by their striking reddish-brown stripes,
which become paler with age.
Food: Small crustaceans and fish.
Photo 1 Johnny: Oberhausen Germany ( Aquarium )