Red-Banded Seabream (Pagrus Auriga)

Latin name: Pagrus auriga
Common name: Red-banded seabream
In other languages: E: Hurta, F: Pagre raye, Nationaux, D: Rotbandbrasse
Class: Actinopterygii
Order: Perciformes
Family: Sparidae
Genus: Pagrus

Habitat: Frequenting waters down to 150 metres this fish is also common in inshore waters. It ranges over open seabed and rocky outcrops.

Diet: Fish, crustaceans and molluscs.

Size: Common: 20 - 30cm, maximum: 80cm.

Shape: The first three dorsal rays reach out above the rest of the dorsal fin giving it a bold outline.

Colour: Underwater, this fish is unmistakable, having four to five transversal bands alternating from wide to small along both flanks. Overall red in colour with the bands being a darker red against the lighter red back ground. The pectoral fins have an orange hue that adds to its overall bold look.

Did you know? Can be approached slowly by divers ranging around rocks and wrecks. Around Tarifa and the bay area of Gibraltar spear fishermen have known this fish well in the past, alas their numbers in these areas are dwindling badly.