Scientific name
Sparus aurata (Linnaeus, 1758)
Two spellings for this fish: sea bream or gilthead.
Morphology
The body of the gilthead bream is tall and laterally compressed. The gilthead bream has a black spot at the base of the lateral line and a golden band between the eyes (which disappears when the fish dies).
Fishing spots
Gilthead bream live in very large schools of individuals of very similar size. When they arrive at the coast in shellfish growing areas, they eat all the shellfish (especially mussels) until the bottom is empty and then they look for another area. The mussel beds, crepidules, oysters and other shellfish are good positions everywhere in France. Posidonia beds and sandy corridors are also key sites in the Mediterranean. Royalties are also found on wrecks and along rocky dykes.
Fishing techniques
The gilthead bream is a noble fish most appreciated for its difficult search which requires the use of a fine nylon and its powerful combativeness which gives spice to the fight. Like the sea bass, the silver color and the sportiness of the gilthead bream make it the king fish of our coasts for many enthusiasts. The gilthead hooks are round, with short shank and strong iron to resist the pressure of their powerful jaws used to crush all shells. It is necessary to hook quickly at the slightest touch of gilthead bream, or else the fish will be lost.
Reproduction
The gilthead bream reaches its sexual maturity from 30 cm at the age of 2 years. It is born male and becomes female around 3 years old, it measures then 30 and 40 cm.
Size and weight
- Legal size of capture (legal minimum): 23 cm
- Size of sexual maturity : 40 cm
- Average size: 25 to 45 cm
- Maximum size: 70 cm (7.5 kg)
- National and world record : 7,36 kg (Brest, Bretagne, 13/10/2000)
Good to know
The schools of royal are calibrated in size. A big dorado can hide another one!
