Haffara Seabream

Rhabdosargus haffara, commonly referred to as the haffara seabream or Haffara stumpnose, is a marine ray-finned fish species within the Sparidae family, a group that encompasses seabreams and porgies. This species is indigenous to the northwestern 🌊 Indian Ocean.

The species Rhabdosargus haffara was first formally described in 1775 by Danish zoologist Johan Christian Fabricius, with its type locality believed to be the 🌊 Red Sea. Fabricius' description was based on observations recorded by Peter Forsskål. According to the fifth edition of "Fishes of the World," the genus Rhabdosargus is classified within the Sparidae family under the order Spariformes. While some authorities propose placing this genus within the subfamily Sparinae, the fifth edition of "Fishes of the World" does not acknowledge subfamilies within Sparidae.

The etymology of Rhabdosargus haffara derives from the genus name 'Rhabdosargus,' which combines the prefix 'rhabdos,' translating to "stick" or "rod," in reference to the yellow abdominal band of its type species, Sargus auriventris. Historically, 'Sargos' was used to describe Sparid fish in ancient Greek, notably by Aristotle, but in this instance, it refers to Sargus as synonymous with Diplodus. The species name 'haffara' is derived from the Arabic name for this species in the 🌊 Red Sea.

Morphologically, Rhabdosargus haffara exhibits an oval, compressed deep body, where the body's depth is approximately 2.5 to 3 times the standard length. It has a large head with a notably convex dorsal profile, particularly around the eye level. The dorsal fin comprises 11 or 12 spines and 11 to 14 soft rays, while the anal fin is supported by 3 spines and 10 or 11 soft rays. The preoperculum flange lacks scales. Its body coloration is predominantly silvery grey, accented with golden or bluish hues on the upper body, and features a dark spot at the lateral line's front and the pectoral fin's origin. Its fins are translucent with a pinkish hue. The species can reach a maximum total length of 35 cm (14 in), though a length of 20 cm (7.9 in) is more common.

Rhabdosargus haffara inhabits the northwestern 🌊 Indian Ocean, specifically the 🌊 Red Sea and the southern 🌊 Persian Gulf. It has also been reported off the coast of 🇮🇱 Israel in the Mediterranean Sea, likely as a Lessepsian migrant, though it has not established a permanent population there. Typically found at depths exceeding 10 m (33 ft), this species resides around coral reefs and sandy or sand-mud substrates.

Feeding primarily on hard-shelled prey such as molluscs and crustaceans, Rhabdosargus haffara employs its molar-like teeth for crushing. It exhibits planktonic eggs and larvae.

This species is frequently found in fish markets around the 🌊 Persian Gulf, where local fisheries employ gillnetting, seine nets, fish traps, and handlines to catch it. In the northern 🌊 Red Sea, the haffara seabream is among the most economically important seabream species targeted by commercial fisheries. Additionally, it has been used in aquaculture activities in the Gulf of Suez.