The Gilt-head bream is a type of popular and sought-after marine fish among fishermen and sea fishing enthusiasts. It belongs to the Sparidae family and is characterized by its medium-sized mouth and laterally compressed body. The Gilt-head bream is known for its fast swimming and strong resistance, making it a target for sports fishermen.
The Gilt-head bream has several names; it is called the silver fish or the white pomfret.
Zubaidi fish is a type of fish that lives in coastal waters and is known for its delicious taste and flat body
These types of fish are characterized by not having separate male and female reproductive organs like most fish, and their gender does not change as they grow older; they are single-sex fish.
In this article in TekeTrek Website, we will introduce you to the most important information related to this object. Follow along with us.
Specifications of the Zubaidi fish
- Length and Body
The Zubaidi fish has a broad body, reaching a maximum length of 60 cm when fully mature, with a silver-white coloration.
- Fins and Head
The fins have a distinctive color with black tips that tend to yellow. The head is darker than the rest of the body, and the Gilt-head bream has a small head. The caudal fin is strong and divided into two sections, upper and lower.
- Mouth and Teeth
The mouth is small, opening slightly below the front tip. Inside the mouth, there is a single row of very small, flattened teeth.
- Gill Covers
The gill cover features a fold of skin at its end that extends to the base of the pectoral fin.
- Skin
The skin of the Gilt-head bream is very thin and covered with delicate scales and black spots, especially in the lower jaw area, making it easy for them to fall off in the water.
Types of Zubaidi fish
Through our study of this fish species, we have found that there are 4 types of Zubaidi fish, and these four types are somewhat similar. However, they differ slightly in body parts, fins, and head shape.
Types of Gilt-head bream:
- Brazilian Zubaidi fish
- Papal Zubaidi fish
- White Zubaidi fish
- Blue Zubaidi fish
Where does the Zubaidi fish live?
- The Zubaidi fish inhabits warm and temperate waters around the world, typically found near coral reefs, rocky areas, and coral reefs.
- It lives in coastal waters off the Middle East and is considered one of the most popular dishes served in Arab countries.
- It is also found in warm waters of the northern Indian Ocean and the western North Pacific, stretching from the Arabian Gulf to southwest Japan.
- Zubaidi fish lives in large schools near muddy bottoms in the sea.
- It is notably absent from the Red Sea or the Gulf of Aden.
What does Zubaidi fish bream eat?
The Zubaidi fish feeds on a variety of food items in the marine environment. Among the nutrients that Gilt-head bream feed on are:
- Small fish: Zubaidi fish feed on small fish such as sardines and anchovies.
- Crustaceans: Their diet includes crustaceans such as shrimp and prawns.
- Small marine animals: Zubaidi fish may consume small marine animals such as krill and other small marine organisms.
- Mollusks and marine spines: Zubaidi fish may consume mollusks such as octopus and squid, and sometimes they consume small marine spines as part of their diet.
The type of food Zubaidi fish consume may vary depending on the marine area and environment they inhabit, and they may adapt specifically to their surrounding conditions to search for food.
Zubaidi fish have replaced sharp teeth with a gizzard-like structure that acts to grind their food.
The spawning of the Zubaidi fish
- The Zubaidi fish reproduces through eggs. During the spawning season, the female lays eggs in the water, which are then fertilized externally by the male.
- The fertilized egg develops into a larva, and after a period of growth, the larva becomes a small fish, resembling the adult fish but smaller in size. The growth of the young fish continues until they reach full-sized seabream.
- The spawning period of this type of fish is somewhat long, extending from around May to August.
- Females lay their eggs in less salty water, near river estuaries.
The benefits of consuming Zubaidi fish include
- It contains nutrients and a high level of selenium, which reduces the risk of joint pain.
- It’s rich in vitamin B12, which improves memory and benefits aging.
- It protects and strengthens bones, guarding against osteoporosis.
- It helps maintain dental health by preventing cavities.
- It lowers cholesterol levels in the blood, thus protecting against arteriosclerosis.
In addition, 100 grams of seabream fish contain various essential nutrients:
- Iron: 64 milligrams
- Sodium: 114 milligrams
- Calcium: 28 milligrams
- Phosphorus: 308 milligrams
- Zinc: 99 milligrams
- Potassium: 431 milligrams.
Amazing facts about the Zubaidi fish
- The Zubaidi fish lacks Pavic fins, and its jawbone is fixed
- Its body has thin scales that fall off quickly and scatter all over.
- The nostrils are large, with the front opening being round and the rear one being elongated
- There are several small soft teeth on the inside surface of the palate, and the palate ends with a thick-walled sac called the pharyngeal pouch, which is oval-shaped and black.
- Male and female Zubaidi fish cannot be distinguished by color or external appearance, especially in small fish less than 26 cm in size. Females are usually longer than males.
- Its vertebrae are soft but enlarged, numbering 41 vertebrae.
- It has a pharyngeal pouch or gizzard in the throat for grinding food, located directly after the palate.
- The fins are relatively large and strong, with a red color due to increased blood vessels reaching these muscles.
- The Zubaidi fish can swim at a speed of about 150 meters per minute and can dart like an arrow for several meters if it senses danger.
Frequently asked questions about Zubaidi fish
- Is Zubaidi fish marine or river?
The sea bream is a marine fish that lives only in the mouth of the Shatt al-Arab.
- Why is it called Zubaidi fish?
Due to the softness of its meat and good flavor, it is like butter
- Is Zubaidi fish healthy?
Sea bream is considered a healthy fish, as it is rich in proteins and omega-3 fatty acids, which are necessary for cardiovascular health.
- Why is white Pomfret so expensive?
Sea bream is a delicacy that is in high demand, especially in Asian countries including India, China and Japan, but it is not available in the market.
In short, the sea bream is a marine creature that is found only in the Shatt al-Arab River. It is considered a very beneficial food for humans.
