Relevant synonyms None Misidentification None Meristic formula D, XI + 12-14; A, III + 10-12; P, 14-15; V, I + 5; LL, 58-66; GR, 15-16  photo : David Darom

SHORT DESCRIPTION Body deep and compressed. Pectoral fin long, reaching vertical line of anal fin origin. Caudal fin forked. Upper profile of head convex, mouth low in position, horizontal with distinct lips. Lower maxilla extend back reaching below pupil. 4 enlarged incisor subconical teeth in the upper jaw followed by 5 rows of round molars, the most posterior one enlarged. Lower jaw with 6 subconical teeth followed by 3 rows of round molars enlarging gradually posteriorly, last molar enlarged. color : silver grey with black blotch at the lateral line origin; this blotch often faint or even faded. size : common 10-20 cm (max. 35 cm). DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS Species of Boops, Crenidens, Dentex, Sarpa and Spondyliosoma: no lateral molariform teeth. Species of Lithognatus, Pagellus, and Sparus: front teeth not incisors. Species of Diplodus: some pattern of dark bands and/or bars and/or large blotches on the body. BIOLOGY / ECOLOGY Feeds chiefly on molluscs and, to a lesser extent, on crustaceans, which are crushed with its developed molars. Eggs and larvae planktonic. Juveniles inhabit very shallow sandy beaches and enclosed shores. habitat : coastal waters in the vicinity of rocks and over sandy or muddy substrate, to depths of 30 m.

1st MEDITERRANEAN RECORD Israel, 1992. DISTRIBUTION Worldwide : Red Sea and Arabian Gulf. Mediterranean : recorded first in Israel, in trammel net (Golani, 1992). ESTABLISHMENT SUCCESS Rare in the Mediterranean. speculated reasons for success : - MODE OF INTRODUCTION Via the Suez Canal. IMPORTANCE TO HUMANS No commercial importance in the Mediterranean.

KEY REFERENCES Golani D., 1992. Rhabdosargus haffara (Forsskål, 1775) and Sphyraena flavicauda Rüppell, 1833--new Red Sea immigrants in the Mediterranean. Journal of Fish Biology, 40: 139-140. FEEDBACK / COMMENTS TO AUTHORS

Last update of the species sheet: April 2002 ©ciesm 2002