Mediterranean

Large males can be recognized by their green backs, their white bellies and their broad orange line on the flanks. The coloration, associated with a characteristic swimming, is used to impress other males and attract the attention of females, but also predators.

Dicentrarchus labrax also known as European seabass is an emblematic fish of European coasts. The species has been known and appreciated for its meat since the Antiquity. Unfortunately, it is threatened by overfishing. Today, most of the seabass consumed in Europe are raised in aquaculture farms.

This nocturnal animal also feeds on animal carcasses. Its bite is not venomous, but very painful. Its body, devoid of roughness (scales, pectoral fins...), allows it to easily back into a hole.

It differs from other species of wrasses because of the elongated shape of it head. Those who live in the Posidonia meadows (underwater flowering plants) are entirely green. The male builds a nest of seaweed and gravel where it distributes the eggs until they hatch.

During breeding season, its color becomes brighter and it builds a large nest with plant debris. It attracts the attention of females by performing a characteristic swimming. It will mate with several of them and it will protect and ventilate the eggs until they hatch.

It is one of the most colorful Mediterranean fish. The female has a black spot on the dorsal fin. The stain will disappear and its color becomes more vivid when it will change sex (hermaphroditism protogynous). It is more abundant in the northern Mediterranean.