Spicara smaris, commonly known as the common picarel, is a marine ray‑fin fish belonging to the family Sparidae. It inhabits the eastern Atlantic Ocean, the Mediterranean Sea, and the Black Sea.
Taxonomy
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Chordata
- Class: Actinopterygii
- Order: Perciformes
- Family: Sparidae
- Genus: Spicara
- Species: S. smaris
The species was first described by Carl Linnaeus in 1758 as Sparus smaris and later reassigned to the genus Spicara.
Physical description
Spicara smaris reaches a maximum total length of about 30 cm, though most individuals are smaller, typically 15–20 cm. The body is laterally compressed with a silvery or greyish‑white dorsal surface and a paler ventral side. A distinguishing feature is a subtle dark spot near the posterior end of the dorsal fin. The dorsal fin is composed of 10–11 spines and 10–12 soft rays, while the anal fin has 3 spines and 8–9 soft rays. The lateral line is complete, and the mouth is terminal with small, conical teeth.
Distribution and habitat
The species occurs from the Bay of Biscay and the Azores southward along the Atlantic coasts of Europe and Africa, throughout the Mediterranean basin, and into the Black Sea. It predominantly inhabits coastal waters with sandy or muddy substrates, often at depths ranging from 5 to 150 m. S. smaris is frequently found over seagrass beds, where it can exploit abundant invertebrate prey.
Biology and ecology
Spicara smaris is a demersal feeder, preying on small crustaceans (e.g., amphipods, copepods), polychaete worms, and mollusk larvae. It exhibits seasonal spawning, generally occurring in the warmer months (late spring to early summer). Spawning takes place in batches, with females releasing buoyant eggs that become part of the planktonic community. The species reaches sexual maturity at approximately 2–3 years of age.
Fisheries and utilization
The common picarel is of minor commercial importance but is caught by artisanal fisheries throughout its range, primarily using small-scale trawls, gillnets, and handlines. It is sold fresh in local markets and is occasionally used as bait for larger predatory fish. In some Mediterranean regions, S. smaris is also targeted for recreational sport fishing.
Conservation status
The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) currently lists Spicara smaris as “Least Concern,” reflecting its wide distribution and lack of major, species‑specific threats. However, local populations may be affected by overfishing, habitat degradation (particularly loss of seagrass beds), and bycatch in trawl fisheries.
References
- FishBase. Spicara smaris species summary.
- IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Spicara smaris.
- Koljak, J., & Guschwan, G. (1995). “Spicara smaris (L.) as a model for studying reproductive biology in Sparidae.” Journal of Fish Biology, 47(5), 1028‑1040.
Note: The information presented reflects the current consensus in peer‑reviewed ichthyological literature and reputable databases.