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FISH GUIDE · Sea

Saddled seabream: identification, habitat and fishing guide

Oblada melanura

Saddled seabream invite you to look at open water above rocks rather than only at the bottom. A float drift is used here to compare depths without repeatedly passing through the shoal.

Catalogue names : Saddled seabream. Forms and names may vary between habitats.

Editorial review : · This species guide is not permission to fish. Read the precautions below and check the current rules for your location before targeting a species. Some species or populations are protected.

Geographical distribution

Documented presence includes: Mediterranean Sea ; southern Black Sea ; eastern Atlantic, from the Bay of Biscay to Angola ; Canary Islands, Madeira and Cape Verde.

  • Documented presence : Mediterranean Sea
  • Documented presence : southern Black Sea
  • Documented presence : eastern Atlantic, from the Bay of Biscay to Angola
  • Documented presence : Canary Islands, Madeira and Cape Verde

Documented areas, not an exhaustive list. Presence in a region does not imply presence in every water body or permission to fish.

Distribution sources

Identification

Oblada melanura has a black, pale-bordered saddle-shaped mark near the tail. Its mouth points upwards and its body looks more elongated than that of many seabream. A tail spot alone is insufficient: compare the outline and mouth orientation.

Habitat

It forms groups above rocky bottoms or seagrass meadows, especially in the Mediterranean in the French context of this guide. It also occurs in the eastern Atlantic. To seek it, choose a margin where the line can pass through open water and return without crossing seagrass.

Diet

Omnivorous: zooplankton, small crustaceans, larvae and eggs, also small bottom-dwelling animals and algae.

Behaviour

It takes organisms from the water column and also uses other food resources. Seeing a group near the surface therefore suggests comparing depths, without proving active hunting. Observe changes of direction and food being taken before adding bait or an imitation.

Indicative biological size

15–25 cm in adults according to DORIS, excluding exceptional values; a descriptive range, not a legal size limit.

Fishing context and precautions

  1. Locate a permitted margin with open water above rocks. Fit a float and moderate shotting, then set the presentation clearly above the bottom.
  2. Attach a small morsel of shrimp or worm, leaving the point exposed. Cast at the edge of the observed route without hitting the centre of the group.
  3. Compare a shallow drift with a slightly deeper presentation. Keep the bait and channel as constant as possible.
  4. On sustained submergence, make contact without a violent movement and keep the fish in open water. Land it with a net.

A distinctive feature

The dark mark near the tail is already visible in very small juveniles.

Sources and review

Each reference includes its access date. Overall editorial review: . Local conditions and regulations may change.

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