scubaseason

Saddled bream

Oblada melanura

Sighting evidence at Cap Morgiou Wall, Marseille Calanques

Saddled bream are small, sociable fish that form shimmering schools at reef edges and walls, their silver bodies marked by a distinctive black saddle at the tail base. They feed on zooplankton and small invertebrates in the water column and serve as important prey for larger predators including grouper and amberjack. Their consistent presence at Cap Morgiou reflects the healthy mid-trophic structure supported by the reserve's no-take zone.

Evidence at this site

No confirmed records on file at this site

Saddled bream is listed as a curated species here based on historical reports.

How is this calculated?

Sighting evidence is compiled from iNaturalist observation records within a set proximity radius, filtered for quality-grade observations. “Last confirmed” is the date of the most recent research-grade record. Record count covers a rolling 24-month window. Confidence reflects record count, recency, and consistency of seasonal signal.

Also seen at other sites