Gilthead Seabream

About this species

A prized Mediterranean bream named for the golden band between its eyes, a staple of European aquaculture and cuisine. It crushes shellfish and crustaceans with powerful molar-like teeth over sand and seagrass. Bottom rigs baited with crab, prawn and mussel are most productive.

Season

Depth

1 – 150 m

Habitat Spots

Fishing Methods

Bait & Rig

Small crabs, peeled shrimp, and mussel on a sensitive bottom rig or waggler float presented in current over sandy beds and seagrass meadows.

Edibility & Taste

One of the Mediterranean's finest table fish with sweet, firm white flesh; the signature species of European aquaculture and a staple of fine seafood restaurants.

Similar Species

Identified by the prominent gold band between the eyes and pink-red margins on the gill covers; the two-banded seabream lacks the gold interorbital stripe.

Record Weight

17.2 kg