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ALEXANDRE MEINESZ

Blotched picarel

Distribution : Mediterranean · Atlantic Ocean · Black Sea

Above seagrass meadows, it is not unusual to encounter a constantly moving school of Blotched picarels. Its silvery outline and dark blotch help identify it. Curious and active, the Blotched picarel searches the seabed for small prey and contributes to the balance of coastal environments.

Habitat of Blotched picarel Habitat
Sand, Seagrass meadow, Detrital bottom
Depth range of Blotched picarel Depth
5-200 m
Biological group of Blotched picarel Group
Ecological role of Blotched picarel Role
Predator

WHAT DOES IT LOOK LIKE?

This fish has an elongated, silvery body with bluish reflections on the back. A clearly visible dark blotch is generally present on the flank, which can cause confusion with closely related species. Its dorsal fin is long and continuous, and its tail is forked. Its eyes are relatively large and its mouth can extend forwards to catch food. It most often lives in groups of similarly sized individuals.

WHERE DOES IT LIVE?

It is encountered in shallow coastal waters, particularly above seagrass meadows, over sandy areas or near rocks. It forms often mobile schools, generally at shallow depths, where it finds both food and protection.

WHAT DOES IT EAT?

It mainly feeds on small organisms living near the seabed, such as crustaceans, worms or small molluscs, caught by searching or pecking at the substrate.

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Blotched picarel

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Other species — Demersal fish

Quagga Goby Two-banded seabream Brown Meagre Grey Wrasse White seabream Black Seabream Gilthead Seabream Mediterranean Rainbow Wrasse

Same habitat and depth

Sandy seabed species Seagrass meadow species Detrital seabed species

Same ecological role and depth

Predatory species

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