Distribution:

Eastern Atlantic: Norway to Morocco, the Canaries and Senegal; including Mediterranean and Black Sea. Reported from Iceland.

Diagnosis:

Dorsal spines (total): 8-10; Dorsal softrays (total): 12-13; Anal spines: 3-3; Anal soft-rays: 10-12. Posterior edge of opercle finely serrated, lower edge with strong forward- directed denticles. 2 flat opercular spines. Mouth moderately protractile. Young with some dark spots on upper part of body. Head with cycloid scales above. Vomerine teeth only anteriorly, in a crescentic band.

Biology:

Inhabits the littoral zone on various kinds of bottoms on estuaries, lagoons and occasionally rivers. Enters coastal waters and river mouths in summer, but migrates offshore in colder weather and occurs in deep water during winter. Young fish form school, but adults appear to be less gregarious. Feeds chiefly on shrimps and molluscs, also on fishes. Marketed fresh or smoked. Highly sought by sportfishermen. Spawning takes place in the spring near the British Isles. Eggs are pelagic.

Max. size: 100.0 cm

Max.weight: 12 Kg

Environment: demersal; depth range - 10 m

Climate: subtropical; 8 - 24°C; 66°N - 13°N

Canary Islands country information: [ No common name ]