Diplodus sargus

Size range: 20-30 cm

Common size: 22 cm

Depth range: 0-50 m

Habitat:

• Hard - rocky reef
• Vegetation - seagrass beds

Water column position:

• Benthic

Colors & patterns:

• Body shape: deep and compressed, the back is much more rounded than belly
• Colors: dark vertical streaks (generally 9, can disappear) on silvery background. Gill cover with a black membrane. Black blotch on caudal peduncle rounded, saddle shaped, never reaching the lower edge. Caudal fin margins dark.

Behavior:

• Reef-associated
• Take refuge in caves or under large rocks
• Diurnal (primarily at dawn)
• Shy/keep distance

Schooling characteristics:

• Small groups
• Large schools

Feeding: Shellfish and other benthic invertebrates which it picks from the sediment

Native/Exotic: Native

EM notes: Diplodus sargus has 3 sub-species. The Diplodus sargus sargus exist only in the Mediterranean. The black bars usually disappear in the adults.

Can be confused with: Diplodus puntazzo