Taxonomy
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Actinopterygii
- Order
- Siluriformes
- Family
- Sparidae
- Genus
- Sparus
- Species
- aurata
Habitat
The species thrive in a variety of habitats, including seagrass beds, surf zones, and reefs in depths of up to 150 m. In spring, they often inhabit brackish water coastal lagoons and estuaries.
Diet
They are equipped with a set of heavy molars, allowing them to feed on thick-shelled mollusks and crustaceans.
Behavior
Gilt-head seabream are schooling fish, often forming groups in open water or around reefs, and they are primarily diurnal, being most active during the day. They exhibit territorial behavior when feeding on shellfish, aggressively defending prime spots. Juveniles tend to stay in shallower waters, while adults venture into deeper areas.
Fishing
Gilthead Seabream are valued for their tasty flesh, and can prove to be a difficult opponent for those who fish for them around rocks and other structure. They are utilized fresh and prepared in a variety of ways, including steamed, pan-fried, baked, and even microwaved.
Conservation Status
Listed as Least Concern by IUCN.