Orata Sparus Aurata

Doing Snorkeling between the rocks is possible to meet somewhat suspicious fish in the sub, but fully acquainted with the bathers. Equipped with mask, mouthpiece, fins and camera, despite the wide angle of 170 ° I managed to approach even a couple of metres to the fish. Sparus Aurata (Gilt Head Bream) at the beginning intrigued continued to eat among the rocks for nothing scary. Orata – Sparus Aurata – IntotheBlue.it

The Sparidae are a family of fish in the order Periformes, commonly called sea breams. The sheepshead, scup and red seabream are species in this family. Most sparids are deep-bodied compressed fish with a small mouth separated by a broad space from the eye, a single dorsal fin with strong spines and soft rays, a short anal fin, long pointed pectoral fins and rather large firmly attached scales. They are found in shallow temperate and tropical waters and are bottom-dwelling carnivores.

There are hermaphrodites in the Sparidae. Protogyny and protandry appear sporadically through this lineage of fish. Simultaneous hermaphrodites and bi-directional hermaphrodites do not appear as much since Sparidae are found in shallower waters. Species of fish that express a hermaphroditic condition usually “lack a genetic hardwire”, therefore ecological factors play a role in sex determination.

Most species possess grinding, molar-like teeth. Some of the species, such as Polysteganus undulosus, have been subject to everfishing, or exploitation beyond sustainable recovery.

The sea bream is a highly prized and sought after fish for human nutrition, lending itself to the creation of many recipes. In recent times in Italy, to avoid excessive withdrawal at sea and to respond to consumer requests, marine farms have been created for fish markets. these breeding are also found in other Mediterranean countries such as Spain, France etc. and som north Africa countries.Orata – Sparus Aurata – IntotheBlue.it  

(extract from Wikipedia)