How big is the Salema?

Salema (Sarpa salpa) reaches 20–51 cm in length.

At what depth can you find the Salema?

Salema is found between 1–70 m deep.

What is the conservation status of the Salema?

IUCN status: Least concern (LC).

Where can you find the Salema?

Found in: East Atlantic, Macaronesia, Mediterranean.

Salema (Sarpa salpa)

Key facts

Scientific name: Sarpa salpa
Common name: Salema
Category: Fish
Family: Sparidae
Genus: Sarpa
Size: 20–51 cm
Depth: 1–70 m
IUCN status: Least concern (LC)
Danger level: Harmless
Habitats: seagrass, rocky
Behaviours: schooling, herbivorous
Ocean zones: East Atlantic, Macaronesia, Mediterranean

Description

Sarpa salpa reaches 51 cm. Silver body adorned with 10 to 11 golden-yellow horizontal stripes, golden eye. The only strictly herbivorous sparid as an adult, grazing Posidonia and Cystoseira meadows in dense schools. Flesh is occasionally hallucinogenic (ichthyoallyeinotoxism) when the species consumes certain algae, with documented neurological effects. Iconic of the Mediterranean.

Photo of Salema

Frequently asked questions

How big is the Salema?: Salema (Sarpa salpa) reaches 20–51 cm in length.
At what depth can you find the Salema?: Salema is found between 1–70 m deep.
Is the Salema dangerous to divers?: Danger level: Harmless.
What is the conservation status of the Salema?: IUCN status: Least concern (LC).
Where can you find the Salema?: Found in: East Atlantic, Macaronesia, Mediterranean.

Other species in the family Sparidae

Sources

Taxonomy: WoRMS (AphiaID 127064)
Photos: iNaturalist (CC BY-NC)
Distribution: GBIF (taxonKey 2392628)
Conservation: IUCN Red List
Encyclopedia: Wikipedia