Mediterranean Sea - List of fishes

Aetomylaeus bovinus, also known as the duckbill eagle ray, is one of the largest rays in the Mediterranean. This species, found in the tropical and warm waters of the eastern Atlantic Ocean, is still poorly studied but appears to be endangered in the Mediterranean Sea and the Black Sea. It frequents coastal areas and mainly feeds on crustaceans and mollusks, such as mussels, oysters, and gastropods.

Aidablennius sphynx, known as the Sphinx blenny, lives in shallow and turbulent areas from the Mediterranean Sea to the Black Sea. Adults reside in rocky areas where they feed on algae and hunt small invertebrates, while juveniles seek refuge in seagrass beds to escape predators. This species is frequently observed near the shore, especially in algae-rich areas, and prefers rocky bottoms covered with algae and plant debris.

Alosa fallax, also known as twait shad, is a shad species native to Europe. Adults live in the sea and migrate to estuaries only for reproduction. Found in the Eastern temperate Atlantic, they face challenges from dams, pollution, and coastal overfishing. Juveniles gather in estuaries and feed near the shore.

It is found between 30 and 200 meters deep. It lives near cavities where it takes refuge in case of danger. The male has large pectoral fins and is surrounded by a harem of a dozen females. If it dies, the dominant female becomes a male (protogynous hermaphroditism).

Fertilization is internal. The male uses its anal fin to fertilize the female. The latter deposits a packet of eggs that the male will keep in the mouth until hatching. During the period, it does not eat and can starve to death if it has not accumulated enough reserves.

Atherina presbyter lives in the cold and temperate waters of the Atlantic coast. It is listed from the North Sea to the Mediterranean Sea and along the Saharan coasts of Africa. It forms large shoals near the shore, moving closer to the bottom at night in search of planktonic prey. This species undergoes seasonal migrations for reproduction.

It often looks for food at the bottom. At nightfall, it rises to the surface to eat zooplankton. It sometimes is subject to overfishing in the Mediterranean. It is also used as a bait to catch tuna.

Carcharodon carcharias, known as the white shark, is found in the coastal and oceanic waters of temperate and sub-tropical oceans and seas worldwide. A solitary predator, it feeds on fish, sharks, rays, and marine mammals, and can also scavenge on whale carcasses. With a keen sense of sight, it is curious and observant towards objects and activities. It is sometimes responsible for attacks on surfers.

It owes its name of pomfrets to its coloration reminiscent of a chestnut. In spring, males defend a nesting area and ventilate the eggs until they hatch. Juveniles are electric blue and live in small groups.

Large males can be recognized by their green backs, their white bellies and their broad orange line on the flanks. The coloration, associated with a characteristic swimming, is used to impress other males and attract the attention of females, but also predators.

Dicentrarchus labrax also known as "european bass", sea bass" or "loup de mer" is an emblematic fish of European coasts. The species has been known and appreciated for its meat since the Antiquity. Unfortunately, it is threatened by overfishing. Today, most of the bars consumed in Europe are raised in aquaculture farms.

It differs from other bream species by its smaller size and golden reflections. It is a hermaphrodite species protandrous: males become females during their lives. Its meat is less appreciated than other sparidae (sea bream, bream ...).

Unlike other bream species living in the Mediterranean, it has elongated jaws. It is often found in groups formed by other species of fish (bream, salemas). It is highly sought after by fishermen because its flesh has a very fine taste.

They often live in small groups. It teeth allows it to crush the shells and shells of its prey (sea urchins, crustaceans, bivalves ...). It is prized for its meat, with a very fine taste.

It is sometimes called the "Saint Anthony" because of the black strip on the back of it head that resembles the hood of a monk. It is often found in groups with other species of bream. It is highly sought after by fishermen.

The dorsal fin of the fish, turned into suction cup allows it to cling to other animals. It sticks mostly to the body of the animal, but also in the mouth or near the gills of some "hosts" (mantas, sharks ...). it often eats its host food leftovers.