Black Bream
Acanthopagrus Butcheri
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Quick Facts
Distribution
Interesting Info
- Black Bream are a schooling fish, living in fresh, salt & brackish water.
- They are endemic to southern Australia found mostly in estuaries and lakes.
- Black Bream are opportunistic omnivores, feeding on smaller fish, algae, crabs, mussels, insects, worms & prawns.
- Estimated lifespan is similar to most bream with an average between 3 to 8 years, but up to 29 years.
- Black Bream have a large distribution in Australia including WA, SA, VIC, TAS & NSW
- The main predators of Black Bream include sharks, larger predatory fish and birds.
Species Interaction
Commercial & Recreational Fishing
Black Bream are a popular sports fish for all levels of fishing. They can be caught from shore or boat and are abundant throughout southern Australia. Black Bream also carry a significant commercial relevance in WA, SA and VIC.
Scientific Classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Actinopterygii
Order: Perciformes
Family: Sparidae
Genus: Acanthopagrus
Species: Acanthopagrus butcheri
Conservation Status
Based on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), Black Bream are not currently categorised as species of concern.
Fish Taste Quality
Black Bream are a great table fish cooked as fillets or whole.
Taste Rating: 4/5
How to catch
Black Bream
Catch Difficulty: Easy
Tackle: Patternoster Rig, Running Sinker Rig, Artificial Rig
Bait: Crab, Fresh cut flesh baits, Lures, Pilchards, Prawns, Worms, Yabbies, Soft plastics
Technique: Keep bait close to the reef/structure, Cast bait/jig/lure near schooling fish
Popularity: Highly Targeted
