Zeus faber
Maximum Size
90.0 cm TL; max. published weight: 8,000 g; max. reported age: 12 years
Environment
Benthopelagic; oceanodromous; brackish; marine ; depth range 5 - 400 m
Climate
Temperate; 63°N - 48°S, 18°W - 179°E
Resilience
Low, minimum population doubling time 4.5 - 14 years (K=0.15; tm=3-4; tmax=12)
Diagnosis
Dorsal spines (total): 9-11; Dorsal soft rays (total): 22-24; Anal spines: 4-4; Anal soft rays: 20-23. Gill rakers rudimentary. Minute scales present. Highly compressed body. Large dark spot, surrounded by a light ring on each side of the body.
Biology
Found in areas close to the sea bed. Generally solitary. Feeds mainly on schooling bony fishes, occasionally on cephalopods and crustaceans. Sold fresh and frozen. Can be steamed, fried, broiled, boiled, microwaved and baked. Reproduction takes place at the end of winter and at the start of spring in the northeastern Atlantic, earlier in the Mediterranean. The flesh is excellent but is utilized little in West Africa. Eggs pelagic, maturity reached at 4 years.
