European seabass

D-Wolfsbarsch; GB-European bass; DK-Havbars; PL-Labraks; EST-Harilik huntahven; RU-Обыкновенный лаврак; FIN-Meribassi; S-Havsabborre

Characters

1) Two equally long dorsal fins, which are located close together.
2) Dark spot on operculum.
●) Body silvern, back blue-green to golden.
Usually 40 to 80 cm; maximum up to 1 m length.

Similar species

Meagre - caudal fin rounded; anal and first dorsal fin much shorter than second dorsal fin.

Pike-perch - body more elongated; head more pointed; colouration of abdomen white or whitish (vs. silvery in European seabass).

Perch - black spot on hind edge of first dorsal fin; black stripes on body sides.

Biology

Predatory fish; forming small swarms near the coast, in summer also in estuaries. Spawning season in spring; young individuals form bigger shools.

Diet

Feeds mainly on shrimps, snails and molluscs, but also on fish.

Importance

Food fish, often cought by recreational fishermen; is offered fresh or smoked.