Distribution:

Eastern Atlantic: Bay of Biscay and Mediterranean to South Africa. Diplodus sargus sargus occurs in the Mediterranean and Black Sea.

Diagnosis:

Dorsal spines (total): 11-12; Dorsal softrays (total): 12-15; Anal spines: 3-3; Anal soft-rays: 11-14. Body with 5 black and 4 grey vertical bands. Snout is longer than the eye diameter.

Biology:

Inhabits coastal rocky reef areas and Posidonia oceanica beds. Like other sparids, it is very active and frequents the surf zone, primarily at dawn. Feeds on shellfish and other benthic invertebrates which it picks from the sediment.

Max. size: 45.0 cm

Environment: demersal; depth range 5 - 50 m

Climate: subtropical; 47°N - 28°S

Canary Islands country information: Name: Galana