Common two-banded seabream

Biology

The two-banded seabream is one of the most common species on the rocky coasts of the Iberian Peninsula. Even though it occurs at depths of 90 metres, adults are more common near the rocks, at depths of up to 30 metres, where it feeds on sea-urchins and algae. Juveniles seek refuge from predators amidst sea-grass beds. It is also characterized by its two black stripes on its head and near the caudal fin.

Curiosities

This is a hermaphroditic species, with males turning into females. As it has two reproductive seasons per year, it is thought that the common two-banded seabream reproduces by sizes: firstly the smaller individuals, and secondly the larger ones (bigger than 25 centimetres).