Corb Meager (Sciaena Umbra)

Latin name: Sciaena umbra
Common name: Corb meager
Other names: Brown meager
In other languages: E: Corvallo, F: Corb, D: Meerbarbe
Class: Actinopterygii
Order: Perciformes
Family: Sciaenidae
Genus: Sciaena

Distribution: Mediterranean, Black Sea, Atlantic coast (Africa and Europe).

Habitat: A coastal fish that lives in waters from 5 to 50 metres depth around rocky outcrops and submarine caves.

Reproduction: Breeds March to August.

Behaviour: The fish often live in pairs. Frequenting posidonia meadows where they lie within the sea grass with their tail fin slowly undulating giving the same impression as a cat does with its tail just before it pounces.

Diet: Crustaceans, molluscs.

Size: Common: 20 - 34cm, maximum: 70cm.

Shape: Deep body, large head with rounded snout.

Colour: The give-away markings on this species are the white spines on the leading edge of the pelvic and anal fin.

Did you know: The family of sciaenidae are commonly known as drum fish, taken from their ability to emit hollow drum-like sounds. These sounds come from their well-developed swim bladder where air is moved by likewise well-developed muscles that in turn cause vibrations on the swim bladder itself. Below the water this sound is quite audible when in close proximity (8 metres) to the fish creating the sound.