The Common bream (Abramis brama) is a brackish-water fish of the family Cyprinidae that grows up to 82 cm.
Description
The common bream is a sturdy freshwater fish of the family Cyprinidae reaching about 82 cm. The body is deep and strongly compressed, with a small head and a protrusible, downturned mouth. Young fish are silvery, older bream become bronze-coloured with slimy skin. The species lives in schools in slow-flowing rivers, canals and lakes of Europe, including slightly brackish water, and roots in the soft bottom with its protrusible mouth for midge larvae, worms, snails and plant matter, leaving characteristic feeding pits. In spring it spawns en masse and noisily in shallow, vegetation-rich water. The bream is a much-caught fish for angling.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Common bream?
The Common bream has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern.
Where does the Common bream live?
The Common bream lives in brackish water and is mostly found around mixed bottom.
How big does the Common bream get?
The Common bream grows to a maximum of about 82 cm. On average the species is around 25 cm.
Is the Common bream dangerous to humans?
No, the Common bream is harmless to humans.
Is the Common bream edible?
The Common bream is rarely eaten.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
More from the family Cyprinidae
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