Spicara maena

Shoal builders

  • Blotched picarel
  • Pikarelle
  • Mendole
  • Chucla
  • Mendola

Distribution

  • The temperate Atlantic
  • The Mediterranean

Environment and movement of the diurnal species

  • The species is generally observed in seagrass among algae or phanerogams.
  • The species is generally seen moving in its environment.
  • The species can be found between 5 and 170 Meters.
  • Common species.

Environment and movement of the nocturnal species

  • The species is generally observed in seagrass among algae or phanerogams.
  • The species is generally motionless in its environment
  • The species is generally found on or close to the seafloor.

General behaviour of the species

  • Lives in large groups
  • The animal is fearful of the diver

General characteristics of the species

  • Maximum size : 25 cm
  • The animal feeds on plankton or small organisms.
  • Diet : Zooplankton
  • The animal can show variable colouring
  • The animal is a protogynous transsexual

Relationship with humans

  • The species can be eaten but is of no particular culinary interest
  • The species is exploited in the following sector(s) :
    • - Fishing or commercial aquiculture for food
    • -Sport or local fishing
The species can be confused with other species of similar appearance!