Black Seabream (Safi Bream)
Acanthopagrus bifasciatus
Sparidae family · Reef
The two-banded sea bream (also called "Safi Bream") is distinguished by two dark bars — one through the eye and one at the base of the tail. Common on reefs and rocky areas across both UAE coasts. A reliable catch for anglers fishing medium-depth structure.
Species Stats
Max Length
50 cm
Max Weight
2.5 kg
Depth Range
1–50 m
Diet
Molluscs, crustaceans, small fish
Habitat
Rocky reefs, coral heads, inshore to offshore
Local Name (Arabic)
أبو ريالة أسود
Fun Facts
- 1
The two distinctive dark bars give this species the "bifasciatus" (two-banded) scientific name.
- 2
Like many sparids, it is a protandrous hermaphrodite — starts male, some become female with age.
- 3
Regularly caught alongside Hammour and Sheri when fishing rocky reef structure.
Found In
Quick Info
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