Sea breamsSparidae

Sea breams are deep-bodied, compressed fish with oval to oblong profiles, often displaying silvery, grey, or reddish colouration, sometimes with darker bars or spots. They have a small mouth set well away from the eye, a single dorsal fin with robust spines and soft rays, a short anal fin, and large, well-anchored scales. Species in this family range from 15 cm (6 in) to over 1 metre (3.3 ft) in length, though most commonly encountered individuals are under 60 cm (2 ft). The family name Sparidae derives from Sparus, an ancient Greek term for a fish with a golden head.

Sea breams inhabit coastal waters from the intertidal zone down to 150 m (490 ft). They are found over rocky reefs, coral areas, sandy bottoms, and seagrass beds. Primarily carnivorous, they feed on benthic invertebrates such as crabs, molluscs, and worms, often using strong jaws and molar-like teeth to crush shells. Some species also consume small fish or algae. While many species form schools, others forage solitarily near the substrate during daylight hours.