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Salema

Sarpa salpa

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35.8271, 14.4232

Field Notes

Description:

Recognisable by the golden stripes that run down the length of its body. It is relatively common off the coasts of South Africa, Tenerife, Malta and Cyprus, but has been occasionally been found as far north as Great Britain.

Habitat:

Found over rocky substrates and sandy area with algal growth. Gregarious, sometimes forming sizeable schools. Young mainly carnivorous on crustaceans, adults almost exclusively herbivorous, feed on seaweeds. Protandric hermaphrodite. Tasty when fresh, but easily softens and is not much esteemed.

Notes:

Can cause hallucinations when eaten. It is presently believed that the fish ingests a particular algae or phytoplankton which renders it hallucinogenic.

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Photographed
PublishedOctober 20, 2013

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