Archosargus rhomboidalis
Ecological Descriptors
|
Habitat |
Size |
Diet |
Behaviour |
Sex |
S, M, Man |
33 |
Mil, Cru, Veg |
Sh |
PAH |
Description:
Body oval and laterally compressed. Light bluish on back and silvery white below: a prominent black blotch on upper side above pectoral fin and 7 golden stripes on side. Most fins with an orange tint. In males, the pelvic fin is partially or totally dark, whilst in females it is orange.
Ecology
Found in marine and brackish environments, in reefs over muddy and sandy bottoms, and in seagrass beds and mangroves at depths up to 165 feet. Juveniles usually found in mangroves and seagrasses.They reach a maximum length of 33 cm (13 inches) and weight of just over 450 grams (1 lb). They feed on benthic invertebrates including small bivalves and crustaceans as well as plant material. They have a limited lifespan of only two years.
Life Cycle:
Pprotandrous hermaphrodites, maturing as males, later turning into females. Most spawning areas are above sea grass beds. The fish is born male and changes to female as it matures. Adult females are believed to be multiple spawners during one spawning season (Spring/ Summer). The female discharges a multitude of eggs into the open water to be fertilized by the sperm. When this occurs, the larvae are pelagic. First maturation occurs at 8 cm. Reported maximum age of 2 years.
Sea Bream
Synonyms:
Western Atlantic Sea Bream
Sea Bream
72