Brown meagre - Sciaena umbra
Brown meagre or corb (Sciaena umbra) is a species of fish found in Mediterranean Sea and Black Sea occurring in shallow waters and rocky bottoms. Corvina Sciaena Umbra Sciaenidae Brown Meagre IntotheBlue.it
Description
The brown meagre is between 30 to 40 cm in length but can grow to 60 cm. It has a flat belly and its strongly arched back which give it an easily recognisable shape, the body is laterally compressed and the large, horizontal mouth reaches the level of the eye and contains villiform teeth. The anal and pelvic fins are black with an anterior white border. Both dorsal fins and the truncate caudal fin, are yellow with a black border. The body is grey with flashes of gold and silver. The scales are cteniod on the nape and the body while the head scales are cycloid.
Distribution
The brown meagre is found in the eastern Atlantic Ocean from the southern English Channel south to Senegal and Cape Verde, including the Canary Islands, records from West Africa south of Senegal are questionable. Also in the Mediterranean Sea, the Black Sea and Sea of Azov. Corvina Sciaena Umbra Sciaenidae Brown Meagre IntotheBlue.it
Habitat and behaviour
Brown meagre is found at depths between 5m and 200m, mainly over rocky and sandy substrates and the young enter estuarine environments. It is a rather nocturnal fish but it can occasionally be found during the day among beds of sea grass and on rocky bottoms in the vicinity of caves or large crevices where it can shelter. This species is social and lives in small groups. It feeds off the small fishes and crustaceans. They are capable of creating sound using some muscles under their well developed swim bladder. This is their way of communication since they have a very good hearing ability. They can manage their buoyancy perfectly. The spawning period is from March to August in the Mediterranean.
Brown Meagles therefore becomes an increasingly rare and difficult species to meet, in the video we can see the beauty and elegance of these fish. If you don’t frighten the Corvines in fact tend to be very curious with the sub and once taken confidence they show off their colors blue, silver,gold, with reflections ranging from violet to turquoise. It is one of the most beautiful fish in the Mediterranean and seeing and photographing these fishes in their natural environment is truly a sight that I recommend everyone to try.
Etymology
The specific name umbra is derived from the Latin for a shadow or phantom while the generic name is derived from the Greek skiaina or skion meaning a fish, or more specifically a red mullet.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brown_meagre
Gallery
Video Gallery
