Picarel (Spicara smaris)
Key facts
- Scientific name
- Spicara smaris
- Common name
- Picarel
- Category
- Fish
- Family
- Sparidae
- Genus
- Spicara
- Size
- 12–20 cm
- Depth
- 15–170 m
- IUCN status
- Least concern (LC)
- Danger level
- Harmless
- Habitats
- sand, seagrass
- Behaviours
- schooling
- Ocean zones
- East Atlantic, Mediterranean
Description
Spicara smaris reaches 20 cm. Small Mediterranean and East Atlantic seabream more slender and smaller than S. maena, with blue-silver body with more pronounced dorsal longitudinal line. Protogynous hermaphrodite. Lives in dense schools from 15 to 170 m on deep sands and seagrass of Mediterranean and temperate Atlantic. Important commercial fishery (economic indicator species for Med fisheries). Predator of zooplankton. Discreet macro photo subject. Very similar to S. maena, subtle distinction.
Photo of Picarel
Frequently asked questions
- How big is the Picarel?
- Picarel (Spicara smaris) reaches 12–20 cm in length.
- At what depth can you find the Picarel?
- Picarel is found between 15–170 m deep.
- Is the Picarel dangerous to divers?
- Danger level: Harmless.
- What is the conservation status of the Picarel?
- IUCN status: Least concern (LC).
- Where can you find the Picarel?
- Found in: East Atlantic, Mediterranean.
Other species in the genus Spicara
Other species in the family Sparidae
- Sparus aurata - Gilt-head bream
- Dentex dentex - Common dentex
- Diplodus sargus - White seabream
- Diplodus vulgaris - Common two-banded seabream
- Sarpa salpa - Salema
- Pagellus bogaraveo - Blackspot seabream
Sources
- Taxonomy: WoRMS (AphiaID 126830)
- Photos: iNaturalist (CC BY-NC)
- Distribution: GBIF (taxonKey 2393236)
- Conservation: IUCN Red List
- Encyclopedia: Wikipedia