Mozambique Seabream, Wattsia mossambica (Smith, 1957)

Scientific name: Wattsia mossambica
Alternative name/s:
Mozambique Large-eye Bream
Mozambique Seabream, <i>Wattsia mossambica</i> Click to enlarge image
Mozambique Seabream, Wattsia mossambica Image: S. Schulz
© Australian Museum

Fast Facts

  • Classification
    Genus
    Wattsia
    Species
    mossambica
    Family
    Lethrinidae
    Order
    Perciformes
    Class
    Actinopterygii
    Subphylum
    Vertebrata
    Phylum
    Chordata
    Kingdom
    Animalia
  • Size Range
    It grows to about 55 cm in length but is common to 35 cm.

Introduction

The Mozambique Seabream is a deep-bodied species that has a forked caudal fin with broad rounded lobes.

Identification

The dorsal fin has 10 long, strong spines and 10 rays. The anal fin has 3 strong spines and 10 rays. A longitudinal denticulate ridge is present on the maxilla. The body is grey to silvery infused with yellow. Difuse blotches or barring may be present on the body. The scale margins are dark. The fins are yellow, sometimes with pale brown spots, and a distinct dark bar crosses the base of the pectoral fin.

Distribution

The species occurs in the tropical Indian Ocean and western Pacific regions.

The map below shows the Australian distribution of the species based on public sightings and specimens in Australian Museums. Click on the map for detailed information. Source: Atlas of Living Australia.

References

  1. Carpenter, K.E. & G.R. Allen, 1989. FAO Species Catalogue. Vol. 9. Emperor fishes and large-eye breams of the world (family Lethrinidae). An annotated and illustrated catalogue of lethrinid species known to date. FAO Species Synopsis. No. 125(9): Pp. 118.
  2. Hoese, D.F., Bray, D.J., Paxton, J.R. & G.R. Allen. 2006. Fishes. In Beesley, P.L. & A. Wells. (eds) Zoological Catalogue of Australia. Volume 35. ABRS & CSIRO Publishing: Australia. parts 1-3, pages 1-2178.