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!